We had a quick chat with Tun Mahathir earlier today after he previewed the company’s upcoming 2016 Perdana. The Proton chairman revealed that the local carmaker’s future cars will stick to existing model names, which is certainly good news indeed.
“As for new models, we will no longer change our names. We will stick to the same familiar names, but with upgraded technologies and looks. So in the future, you will see new versions of the Saga, Persona and Perdana, and maybe one or two more,” said the former prime minister.
Proton CEO Datuk Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, meanwhile, added that the new 2016 Proton Perdana will be launched in the first quarter of next year. New versions of the Persona and Saga will follow later on in 2016, in that order.
Asked to comment on the new Perdana’s looks, Tun Mahathir said that, “we have shown it to some people, our dealers and vendors. Their first reaction was ‘wow’. It’s different from the old models. It looks like a completely new car, not just a rebranding exercise.
“Previously, we used to take a foreign car and restyled the front logo, and maybe a bit of the rear. This new Perdana is different. The entire car is new,” he concluded.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the blog post focused mainly on the naming and future models of Proton cars, with some mentioning Perodua. Many commenters support Proton continuing to use existing, successful model names like Saga, Persona, and Satria to build brand heritage. There is discussion about potential new models, such as a Proton Exora refresh and possibly reviving older beloved models like Wira, Iswara, and Juara. Several comments express skepticism about Proton's future models, transmission choices, and overall quality, often with humorous or sarcastic tone. Some off-topic insults and personal attacks appear, but the dominant sentiment is keen interest in Proton's brand continuity, model lineup, and avoiding confusing or unfamiliar names. Overall, the audience shows a mix of optimism and skepticism about Proton’s plans.