KUALA LUMPUR (May 22): Proton Holdings Bhd is the latest carmaker to join the bandwagon of car companies offering an immediate cash rebate of up to RM4,400 for new vehicle purchases, ahead of the zero-rated goods and services tax (GST) beginning June.

In addition to the cash rebate, the national carmaker is also throwing substantial cash discounts of up to RM15,172 for its Proton Suprima S model, a five-door compact hatchback car.

"Though the sticker price will remain the same until the date GST gets zero-rated, all customers will be offered the choice between an instant cash rebate for cars registered from May 16 to May 31, or service vouchers equivalent in value to the difference between the current and new price of the car, effective June," Proton said in a statement today.

Proton also said it is extending the GST rebate offer at all of its authorised service centres, in which it is offering 6% discount for labour and periodical maintenance parts.

Justifying the rebate offer, Proton said car buyers will be enjoying a tax holiday following the government's recent announcement to reduce the rate of the highly unpopular GST to 0% beginning June, from 6% currently.

"Proton customers stand to gain even more as the national car maker strives to boost its value for money proposition," it added.

Meanwhile, the national carmaker also said it is embarking on exciting sales initiatives for Malaysians to own a Proton car.

"The current Kosong-kosong promotion means buyers of the Proton Iriz (Executive and Premium variant), Proton Ertiga (all variants) and Proton Exora (all variants) who sign up with Hong Leong Bank will receive 0% financing for the first year," it added.

As for customers who prefer to buy a Proton Saga or Proton Persona, the national carmaker said it will be throwing a free three-month instalment to customers who finance their new car purchase via Proton Commerce.