Why Proton still can not increase the sales even with Preve and Suprima S? Proton has to know his customer group. Sorry to say that, no offence, majority of Proton owners are from low income group. The price of above RM70K is too much for them. World has been changed. Even though, national cars are still under protection in Boleh Land but people just need to top up a bit from RM70k, then they can have many choices.
Yes, if we compare same segment and same price, Proton seems to offer a good overall package but people will still buy other brands, for example Toyota Vios or Honda City or even Nissan Almera. Whether we agree or not, this is a fact. People do not mind to buy smaller car with less accessories but what they want is problem (less) free throughout their ownership.
Brand image is still very important for us. A good example from myself, after came out from exhibition hall of KLIMS, there was a survey company approached me for an survey. The guy asked me what did I think for Perodua booth. I told him honestly that I just bypassed Perodua's booth because my intension was focus on other "nice" cars and I did not need to be there if I wanted to see Perodua's cars.
For inspira case: Love it after test drove but couldn't commit to one even with huge discount then, sImply b'cos I disagree the "Smart Guys get it" tagline which be-little Lancer & their owner. If P1 had honestly stated it is license built from Mitsubishi, put a small 3 diamonds at the side & pass those tagline, who know I would have been an Inspira owner.
Rest of their cars, Preve & Exora included, interest totally fade after test drove -- so un-refined the drive train. Plus of cos the image issue above.