PROTON has launched a pilot direct selling programme that could earn fleet managers commission for recommending the Malaysian marque to new customers.

The car maker is inviting individuals to sign up as Proton Presenters at a cost of £49.99, for which participants receive a starter kit containing a video, CD-ROM and various information leaflets.

Referrals are passed on to an authorised Proton dealer and commissions earned depending on the final value of the model sold. Simon Park, director of Proton Direct, said: 'The programme has no strings attached and is classic word-of-mouth marketing.

'It's akin to a restaurant paying each satisfied customer a commission for the friends they subsequently encourage to visit.'