PROTON is launching a demonstrator programme to try to boost its profile in small fleets with its new Impian medium sector car. Its existing network of 110 dealers has been joined by another 15 this year and a further 25 have applied for franchises.

Dealers will be holding their own launch events late in July and will be securing demonstrator models to loan to businesses in their local area. Tengku Hasmadi, director of customer acquisition and retention at Proton Cars, said: 'We are not going after big fleet business, but we will be targeting companies with fleets of less than 25 vehicles.

'We will be doing business to business offers through our dealers and will provide standard national demonstrators for dealers to approach companies in their local areas.' He added that the company is expecting to sell up to 700 Impians during the remainder of the year, increasing to 2,000 next year.

Hasmadi said Proton already has a reputation for producing reliable and affordable cars but now wanted to be known for also providing class leading ride and handling as standard. He said: 'We believe the Impian package is very competitive and are confident that this new car will be the beginning of our future success. It is a watershed product.'