Proton is showcasing Lotus cars to the Malaysian public for the first time since since it acquired the British-based company in 1996.
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The cars are being shown in a dedicated exhibition, the ‘Lotus Showcase 2009’, in Kuala Lumpur.
Local media says the five-day showcase signals a more aggressive sales pitch by Proton to boost Lotus sales in Malaysia from the current level of under 200 units a year.
The move reportedly coincides with customs concessions that mean Lotus is considered a Malaysian company and its cars can be imported at lower duty. That has led to retail price cuts, reports say. Some Lotus cars are assembled in Malaysia.
Lotus plans to introduce the Evora in Malaysia next year.
Proton also expects its first quarter results for its present fiscal year to improve as the carmaker sees more stability in its distribution supported by the sale of its multi purpose vehicle (MPV) Exora.
