Chinese automaker Geely has agreed to expand its present partnership with Proton Holdings Berhad to upgrade the Malaysia automaker’s line-up of vehicles and power Proton go beyond Malaysia, part of continued effort to assist Proton establish a presence in China and other worldwide markets.
In order to take Proton beyond Malaysia, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group stated on Saturday it will permit Proton to tap its green-car technology, along with basic vehicle platform technologies that Geely has developed jointly with its wholly owned unit Volvo Cars of Sweden.
Using Geely’s technology, the Malaysian firm looks forward to make and sell upgraded Proton cars in worldwide markets, starting with China but also in other markets such as Indonesia, according to source knowledgeable about the matter. The source refused to be identified because he was not authorized to discuss with reporters on details of the agreement.
“The signing of the agreement today will extend our relationship and take our cooperation to the next stage,” stated Geely’s founder and chief executive Li Shufu in a speech on Saturday during a signing ceremony that took place in Hangzhou, where Geely is headquartered.
Visiting Malaysian prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad also attended, amid a five-day visit to China. He shall meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing and President Xi Jinping during this trip.
