Proton has announced a major expansion of its Melbourne dealer network. The Malaysian brand, which will soon launch a new version of its Satria volume model (pictured), will open three new dealerships in the southern capital taking its total to five.
The new dealerships, located in the Melbourne CBD, at Hoppers Crossing in the western suburbs and Lilydale in the east will feature full sales, service and parts infrastructure.
The three new dealers join Proton’s current facilities at Coburg and Dandenong. The company says it is currently assessing “a number of other outlets.” It expects to make further announcements in early 2007.
According to Proton Cars Australia’s managing director, John Startari: “Melbourne is a key market particularly on the outer fringes where commuters have high mortgages and long distances to travel so there is a demand for economical, well featured cars that will allow them to commute in comfort at a low cost.”
“In February 2007 we will launch the new Satria three-door hatch joining the Savvy city car, Gen 2 five-door hatch and the Jumbuck half tonne ute, giving Proton the best spread of models we have ever had in Australia,” said Mr Startari.
“Along with new dealers in Melbourne a number of new outlets in Sydney will be announced shortly giving Proton its best representation since the marque was established in Australia in 1996,” he added.
The new Melbourne dealers are Werribee Proton in Hoppers Crossing, Yarra Valley Proton in Lilydale and Melbourne City Proton in Spencer St, City.