Malaysia's troubled state-run car manufacturer Proton today unveiled its new sedan and projected robust sales to include exports in the region and Europe.

Designed to replace its 14-year-old Wira model, the sleek new 1,600-cc Persona sedan is designed to appeal to the young professional after the company last year lost its status as the country's leading car seller to local rival Perodua.

Company chairman Mohammed Azlan Hashim said Proton expects Persona sales to reach between 30,000 and 40,000 units in the next 12 months.

"Already, 2,200 bookings have been made so far, and these bookings have been made by customers who have not even seen the actual car," Mohammed Azlan told reporters, adding that new models were also on the drawing board.

The Persona, which is available both in manual or automatic transmission, is priced between RM44,999 and RM55,800, the company said.

Proton will launch more new models over the next 12 months, Azlan said.

Smaller domestic market

Proton managing director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohammed Tahir said the company was also looking at exporting the vehicle to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Britain.

"You cannot concentrate on the domestic market alone as it is getting smaller and smaller. That's why export is going to be the approach," Syed Zainal.

"As of today, Proton does not enjoy economies of scale," he said.

Proton's dominance in the local car market has been challenged by rival Perodua, whose cars now outnumber Proton models on the streets.

Proton recently reported bigger-than-expected net losses of RM591.36 million for the year to March 2007.

Industry sources earlier said top European auto maker Volkswagen was looking at sealing a strategic alliance with Proton, which is hoping foreign technical expertise will stem the losses.

Proton officials on Wednesday however did not comment on the possible deal.