Proton aims to up sales of savvy model

The company has already delivered 1,500 units to customers in the first quarter of this year. Due to increasing fuel prices, car buyers are turning toward small cars such as the Savvy, Proton distributor Phranakorn Auto Sales managing director Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk said.

"After introducing our three models since the end of last year, we have been enjoying sales of 400 to 500 units per month, which is double of what we planned for," he said. Thawatchai said the company now plans to sell as much as 5,000 units this year, up from the previous 2,000-unit target. The Savvy is the most popular Proton model, making up about 50 per cent of all sales, while the Gen2 and Neo make up 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.

"The reason for our popularity is the rise in fuel prices that has made consumers become interested in small cars such as the Savvy which is powered by a 1.2-litre engine and comes with a low price," he said. Thawatchai said Proton enjoys low pricing due to the low AFTA (Asean Free Trade Area) 5-per-cent import duty, not from cost cutting.

Proton has 30 showroom and service centres in Thailand and plans to raise the number to 40 by the end of this year. "

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.