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Due to rising petrol prices, many motorists have turned to using cheaper NGV as an alternative fuel, while several auto companies, such as Chevrolet and Mercedes, are also offering NGV versions. Toyota will launch its Corolla Altis CNG later this year.

The Persona CNG's 1,600cc engine can run on regular gasoline and E20 gasohol, as well as NGV.

The car's highlight is its longer range on NGV, thanks to the 90-litre tank, which is fitted at the Bangchan General Assembly Plant and comes with a three-year/100,000-kilometre warranty.

Proton vehicles already enjoy a low 5-per-cent import duty, thanks to the Asean Free-Trade Area (Afta) scheme.

Apart from Afta, the lower excise duty for NGV vehicles will keep the sticker price of the Persona CNG at a quite attractive level. The cheapest Persona CNG, which comes with a manual gearbox, will cost Bt549,000, and the top of the line model will command Bt629,000.

Proton offers three models in Thailand: the Savvy, Neo and Gen-2.

Phra Nakorn Auto Sales managing director Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk said the company had raised its sales target for this year to 5,000 units, due to the increased popularity of small, fuel-efficient cars in Thailand.

The company is also speeding up the appointment of dealers.

"When we first launched the Proton brand in Thailand, we expected sales of only 200-300 units per month, but due to the increase in fuel prices and our attractive pricing, more customers are purchasing Proton cars.