Proton marks 25th anniversary with Gala Dinner

Exactly 25 years ago yesterday was the rolling out ceremony of the Saga Orion, the car which marked the birth of Proton. To mark the 25th anniversary of that occasion, Proton yesterday threw a massive gala dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre attended by various dignitaries, Proton staff, business partners, members of the media, and even representatives from other car manufacturers.

“After a short yet eventful journey of 25 years, Proton has achieved many impressive and admirable achievements. This year marks a watershed in the history of both the company and the nation. Proton has finally come to the juncture where it will change its course, only to reach more outstanding accomplishments, insya-Allah,” said Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Dato’ Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh during the event.

Over the last 25 years, the company has rolled out in excess of 3.3 million cars, and have created some 30,000 job opportunities, with 1,842 still currently in its payroll. A further 212 local vendors of parts are also benefiting from the company’s existence. The current line-up of models from Proton include the Savvy, Saga, Satria Neo, Persona, Gen.2, Waja, Exora, and Perdana. Plans are currently afoot for a replacement model of the Waja to be introduced later this year.

A number of performances by noted Malaysian artistes were on the itinerary, but highlights of the show, as far as motoring readers are concerned, would certainly be the introduction of the 25th Anniversary Edition models of Saga, Persona, and Exora – each with only 25 units available for sale.

Mechanically identical to existing variants on the streets, these cars carry a design theme said to be inspired by the tiger, though we struggle to see the interpretation. Their bodies are finished in Pearl White colour, accentuated by unique alloy rims and black finishes to bootlids, roof and central portion of the front bumper. Some journalists present jokingly referred to these cars as Proton’s ‘Black Tops’.

Inside, the cabins are finished with Nappa leather, and the Exora is further equipped with headrest-mounted LCD screens for its mid-row passengers, reverse camera and an audio system which packages in a touch-screen control with a CD/DVD/MP3 player.

The 25th Anniversary Edition cars cost RM54,500 for the Saga, RM69,500 for the Persona, and RM91,998 for the Exora on the road inclusive of insurance. They are available for booking from 12 July onwards at Proton showrooms nationwide, although viewing units will only be available at Proton’s Crystal Showroom at its COE HQ also from that date.

In addition to the three special edition cars, those present at the dinner were also got to see the much talked-about Emas concept car which debuted in this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

1 of 10