Proton adds more models to Egypt offerings
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has unveiled new additions to its Egyptian market range at its distributor’s newly-refurbished 4S outlet in Smart Village, Abbou Rawash, Giza.
The launch was officiated by Proton international sales director Steven Xu Yuan and Alpha Group Ezz Elarab owner Hisham Ezz Elarab, witnessed by Malaysia’s ambassador to Egypt Mohd Haniff Abd Rahman.
“True to the promise made during the flag-off ceremony in Tanjung Malim in September, 246 Proton cars consisting mainly of left-hand drive versions of the Proton Saga and Proton Exora arrived on the Egyptian shores last month,” said Proton in a statement yesterday.
“Distribution will be handled by the sole importer for Proton cars in Egypt, Alpha Group Ezz Elarab, with cars being sent to the seven branches and dealers that serve the market.
“The importer is targeting a sales volume of 1,400 units for next year, a target that it is confident of achieving as revised versions of the Saga and Exora Plus become available from the middle of next year,” it added.
Aside from being the sole importer, Alpha Group is the first company to carry Proton’s latest corporate identity in a showroom outside of Malaysia.
Open to the public today, the outlet will feature sales, service, parts and state of the art repair facilities in an area covering a massive 15,000 sq m.
“Egypt has the potential to play a big role in helping Proton achieve future sales targets by increasing export sales volume.
Proton said next year will see major changes in the Egyptian automotive market as the gradual reduction in import tax for European cars will lead to lower prices and consumers shifting their purchase preferences to such cars.
“To counter these challenges, Proton and its partner in Egypt are considering various strategies including starting CKD (complete knock down) operations,” it said.
Establishing CKD operationsmeans Proton will be able to take advantage of local assembly incentives and Egypt could be used as a regional hub for producing cars to be sold in the Middle Eastern North Africa region.