Proton awaits deal with Volkswagen

Malaysia's troubled state-run car manufacturer Proton on Wednesday unveiled its new sedan and projected robust sales to include exports in the region and Europe.
And with the launch, after long delays, the company also said it was waiting for a government go-ahead to press ahead on a possible tie-up with European automobile giant Volkswagen.
Designed to replace its 14-year-old Wira model, the sleek 1,600 cc Persona sedan is designed to appeal to the young professional after the company lost its status as the country's leading car seller to local rival Perodua.
Company chairman Mohammed Azlan Hashim said Proton expects Persona sales to reach between 30,000 and 40,000 units in the next 12 months.
"Already, 2,200 bookings have been made so far, and these bookings have been made by customers who have not even seen the actual car," Mohammed Azlan told reporters, adding that new models were also on the drawing board.