KUALA LUMPUR (April 16): Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (Proton) has received 170 applications for the 3S/4S upgrade from existing dealers and new investors within three months, of which, 66 applications were duly evaluated and approved.

In a statement today, Proton said the dealers network upgrading exercise was part of its initiative to ensure a successful synergy, following the acquisition of 49.9 per cent of its shares by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group (Geely).

“The adoption of Geely’s product quality audit scoring system - an adaptation of the system used by Volvo Cars - has helped identify issues and resulted in a strengthening of audit scores across all models.

“More initiatives are expected this year as Proton gears towards building cars that match the quality of premium car manufacturers,” it said.

Meanwhile, for the month of April, Proton said it is offering zero per cent financing for the first year to buyers of Proton Iriz (Executive and Premium variants), Proton Ertiga (all variants) and Proton Exora (all variants), who sign up for five-year loan tenures with Hong Leong Bank.

For Proton Saga and Persona (Premium CVT only) purchases, it said the buyers would get a free body kit for bookings made throughout the month of April.

Additionally, it said rebates were also available for other models in the Proton range, as well as generous incentives for the remaining car stocks produced in 2017.