SHAH ALAM -- Proton Holdings Bhd aims to sell 250 of its newly launched Satria Neo R3 model, an extension of Satria Neo CPS model, a month, Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil said today.

With a lower price compared to the previous Satria Neo version, the new model is expected to receive overwhelming response from customers, he said.

"There is a great following for the R3 (model). I think the positioning of the car at RM64,000 is absolutely fabulous.

"This model is something that we want to bring to the Malaysian public, what has been used in the rally for the use of our customers," he told reporters after launching the Satria Neo R3 today.

The new Satria Neo R3 comes in two variants -- Executive Line Automatic Transmission priced at RM64,250 and Executive Line Manual Transmission sold at RM61,250 on the road price.

On the partnership with Honda Motor Corp, Khamil said Proton has to lookin to an appropriate business partner, with the right business model as the partnership must be a "win-win" long-term situation.

"Proton has always been an affordable and a good car. The only thing is thatthe people's perception about proton has not been very encouraging.

"Proton is already a good company, so any partnership should enhance the company better. I think now it is the responsibility of the management to ensure the Malaysian public accept proton better," he added. -- Bernama