Proton Gen 2 and Waja make debut in Oman

The first fully-homegrown marques Gen 2 and Waja were launched under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Khamis Bin Mubarak Al Alawi, Minister of Transport and Communication in Oman and in the presence of esteemed guests together with Shk. Nasser bin Mohammed Al Hashar, the chairman of Al Hashar and Company, the sole distributor of Proton cars in Oman, and the company's chief executive officer Mr. Werner Koch.

The 1,600 cc five-seater hatchback Gen 2 and the reliable and elegant family sedan Waja models were unveiled amidst the audience in the foreground for a preview by H.E Al Alawi and other guests present at the event.

Local journalists joined the guests to experience the showcased models.

The event was significant as the Proton car was a high profile launch for Al Hashar and Company. This is "thanks to the excellent support of Proton," said Mr. Koch.

Gracing the Gen 2 and Waja launch in a show of support were top executives from Proton including Mr. Mohamad Ariffin Bin Amir, Regional Head of Middle East and Africa and Mr. Micheal Lee, Country Manager - Proton.

The two models of Proton that will be available in Oman are the stylish and sporty - Gen 2; and the family sedan - Waja.

The new generation GEN-2 has been styled to attract a wide customer base; the Lotus Design Studio has had a major influence on the design of the curvy muscular bodywork that looks simply sensational in a range of new colours. From the bee sting aerial to the dashboard instrument panel, the GEN-2's sporting pedigree is undeniable.

The 1.6 litre CAMPRO engine, designed in collaboration with Lotus, delivers exceptional torque output. The double overhead-camshaft engine produces 110bhp. Power is matched by agility with Gen-2's handling.

The GEN-2 has outstanding stability when cornering and changing lanes, making it an exciting, responsive drive while maximising passenger comfort. Sleek, sporty lines continue throughout the interior. The design combines ergonomic comfort with classic minimalism. Optimal protection is provided by increased body rigidity and strategic crumple zones. Four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system ensures maximum stability and good braking performance.

Waja, built with superior ride and handling, it is a mid-sized family sedan with a 1.6 litre engine, in both manual and automatic transmission options. Waja's two main strengths are its equipment levels and safety. With an enhanced structural integrity, the Waja's body strength was benchmarked against several leading cars in its category.

Promising to provide performance and peace-of-mind, the model is fitted with a good level of equipment which includes electronically-controlled air conditioner, power steering, electric mirrors, six-speaker single CD radio, power windows and remote central locking. The Waja's standard safety and security features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), driver and front passenger airbags, traction control, alarm, engine immobiliser, side airbags and seat belt pretension.

"Our excellent service, before- and after-sales, the fantastic value-for-money in terms of quality for Waja and Gen 2, and the chic styling of the Gen 2 will be the selling point here", added Koch.

"Mostly fleet sales are to car rental agencies and corporate firms, aside from purchases by individual families. However, we are not targeting the Gen 2 and Waja specifically for fleet sales as such. We are targeting these vehicles at middle-class expatriate individuals and families," he said.

Proton cars are currently sold in 25 countries worldwide with the biggest export markets being the United Kingdom followed by Australia, Middle East and Asian countries. In the last year, PROTON began to expand its Asian operations with the launching of the brand in Indonesia in March 2007 and in Thailand recently.