Proton Welcomes Six New Dealers; Another Six Existing Dealers Upgrade to 3S and 4S

Still in the midst of its expansion drive, Proton welcomes another 6 new dealers to its fold. These new dealers will be established as mix of 3S and 4S centres.  welcomed a total of 12 dealers approved for 3S and 4S status.

The six new dealers are Victorange Sdn Bhd, Fook Loi Corporation (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (Kota Kinabalu), Fook Loi Corporation (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (Sandakan), Ming Heng Sdn Bhd, Grand Arena Automotive Sdn Bhd and YS Autoworld Sdn Bhd (the latter has no relation to me nor this website :-)).

Thomas Chiu Kui Yin, Group Executive Director of Fook Loi Corporation commented that he believes that the national car brand can conquer the market again. His confidence in the brand has led him to invest in two dealer outlets, one a 4S flagship centre in Kota Kinabalu, and the other, a 3S centre in Sandakan. Thomas said, “For us, we have always been positive that Proton has the potential to grow big. We were delighted that the opportunity came when we saw an advertisement in the newspapers in 2017 looking for new dealership in Sabah. Of course, we immediately submitted the application to be part of Proton dealership. We are happy that Proton has accepted our investment commitment. For the moment, we really look forward to more business collaboration and hope that efforts to this end will be successful”.

“With Geely partnering Proton, the potential for Proton to grow looks even more promising. Geely, with its technologically inclined line-up of cars, together with strong sales and service platform of new Proton roadmap, I am optimistic Proton will be able to re-brand itself as a competitive player in the market,” he said further.

Eric Lee Kok Seng, Chief Executive Officer of Ming Heng Motor Sdn Bhd and former banker, commented, “To be in a business for long-term, putting customers’ needs as a priority will go a long way. These customers will be the ones who will recommend others about your brand if they are treated with honesty, professionalism and integrity. A brand is only as big as how satisfied and happy its customers are”.

“Whether it is a bank or a grocery store, it does not change the core business of increasing service quality to increase customer satisfaction. Naturally, operating a one-stop centre will provide the kind of convenience customers need.”

In addition, six of Proton’s existing dealers are also upgrading their facilities to 3S and 4S centres to better serve customers. One of them, Steven Tan Choon Teck, Managing Director of Tian Siang Deluxe Auto Sdn Bhd, he believes that, “Changing perception of the public towards PROTON begins at outlet level. One of the most obvious ways is to enhance the interior and exterior façade. However, after these changes take place, what is important next is the delivery of good sales and after sales which the public can feel and experience. To do this, we need to operate as a one-stop centre. Eventually our goal is to ensure customers are happy and satisfied with the services they get. Happy and satisfied customers are the ones who will give us repeat business”.

Currently, 93 Proton dealerships have been approved for upgrades to 3S and 4S centres; that’s about 85% of its target of 109 outlets. “All our plans are on track with most states having fulfilled its quota for outlet upgrades except for 5 states which are Melaka, Johor, Terengganu, Perak and Central. However, the numbers are small. We are confident, even before October, we should be able to realise the total of 109 outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar Sdn. Bhd.

“Moreover, I am satisfied with the developments that are ongoing at PROTON outlets. More and more are upgrading and enhancing their outlets to provide better sales and service experience. I believe, the  investment they make today will reap returns in the long term. The new and upgraded outlets will set the pace for others who are keen on selling future Proton models, starting with the much anticipated SUV,” added Rashid.