Proton offers free servicing to shift old stock

PROTON is offering a limited extended servicing and warranty program to clear a stock backlog and reverse a downward sales spiral that has taken it to 28th place among car brands in Australia.

Until the end of July, buyers of aging 2008-plated stock (apart from the Jumbuck ute, Proton’s top-selling model here) will get three years’ free servicing and a five-year/120,000km warranty.

However, this offer is available only to the original owner and is therefore not transferable when the car is on-sold. The used car owner reverts to the original warranty and will have to pay for servicing, but will still benefit from Proton’s standard three-year free roadside assistance.

Proton Cars Australia general manager sales and operations Billy Falconer said the two-month offer will introduce a new advertising direction for the brand with a national TV campaign as the company starts a refreshed approach to the Australian market.

“Our philosophy will be to continue to build the value-for-money proposition ahead of the introduction of our new entry-level model sedan in early 2010, which we believe will be the lowest price new sedan available and will be a part of the re-launch of our entire range,” said Mr Falconer.

“Part of the preparation for the introduction is to clear existing dealer stock in a timely and planned way and certainly this extended warranty and service package is a great incentive to buy a new Proton in the next two months.”Mr Falconer said that buyers taking up the offer who drive 15,000km a year will save around $1000 over the three-year period of free servicing.

“Along with the savings on servicing, the five-year warranty is an added incentive underlining the confidence we have in our cars and the confidence buyers can have in them as well.”