Proton unveils new product

Proton unveils new product

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday unveiled national carmaker Proton's new mini multi- purpose vehicle.

Proton launched the Juara (champion) model as part of its efforts to widen its product range to prepare for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

The Juara costing 49,203 ringgit (US$12,948) features Lotus engineering input.

Mahathir said he expects impressive consumer demand for the model, saying the young and the adventurous would purchase the vehicle.

"It is an unique model. It can be used for many purposes," Mahathir said at a press conference.

Proton expects to sell 5,000 to 6,000 units by year-end and commence exports within three years.

The company has more than 65 percent of the Malaysian market due to high tariffs on imported cars.