PROTON is establishing an approved used car scheme to protect itself from potential residual value problems triggered by a glut of nearly new daily rental cars. Thousands of ex-rental cars - which were originally destined for the Far East - will now be remarketed in the UK via Proton's 150-strong dealer network.

The initiative has been prompted by the currency chaos afflicting Proton's native Malaysia, where demand for used vehicles has dried up overnight. Now, concerned not to erode residual values by distress marketing the cars, the importer has set up a dedicated department to dispose of the cars in an orderly fashion.

All ex-rental Personas will be centrally prepared and stocked with advantageous terms for dealers, who will receive full marketing support and be kept updated of availability on a daily basis. The scheme will be fully branded and all cars will be sold with RAC quality checks.