Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today launched the new-look Proton Perdana as the official car of the government.

This Proton Perdana comes in two variants, the Perdana 2.0 L and 2.4 L, with improved security features and comfort.

Two special edition units of the car were brought out for Najib and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

At the event, Najib received his official car bearing registration number W 11 N.

Several cabinet ministers and Proton executive chairperson Mohd Khamil Jamil were present at the event.

Later, at a press conference, Mohd Khamil said Proton Holdings Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, today delivered the first batch of 200 units of the new-look Proton Perdana to the government.

He said a total of 3,000 units would be delivered on a staggered basis to the government in two years to replace the existing fleet of Proton Perdana used as the government vehicle.

“For the moment, the new Proton Perdana will be used only as the official car of the government. It will not be sold to the public. 

“Proton has received requests from the state governments and statutory bodies to make the switch as well but this is subject to approval," he said.

Mohd Khamil said the new Proton Perdana was part of the development programme undertaken by Proton with its collaborative partner, Honda of Japan.

“We are truly grateful to our prime minister and the Malaysian government for keeping their faith in Proton and for giving us the opportunity once again to be the provider of the official government vehicle,” he said.

D-segment family car in the works

Mohd Khamil said the Perdana replacement model slated for use by the federal government came under the first phase of Proton’s plan to develop a new D-segment (large family car) car.  

He said Proton had began the second phase of the programme which involved further development of the D-Segment model under a platform-sharing initiative with Honda, with a completely new interior design and exterior changes.  

“It will be unveiled to the Malaysian market in 18 to 24 months’ time. This car will be sold to the public,” he said.

- Bernama