Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has revealed that Proton Holdings Bhd will work with Chinese carmaker Geely Automobile Holdings to expand the former’s market in China, reports Bernama.
He said the national carmaker and Geely are now in the discussion stage after signing an agreement of interest on April 22, witnessed by former PM and now Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“The areas of the cooperation explored include vehicle design, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, import and distribution for ASEAN and the China market,” Najib told Malaysian reporters in Beijing.
Geely KC Concept from the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show
He added that if Proton and Geely were to seal the agreement, the Malaysian carmaker would produce cars based on the design of Geely’s models.
Najib said that in the two-way meeting between himself and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang earlier this afternoon, he had asked for cooperation and support from the Chinese government on the cooperation between Proton and Geely.
Geely develops, manufactures and sells cars under the Geely, Gleagle, Englon and Emgrand brands in China. It bought Volvo from Ford in 2010. As of April 4, 2013, the company’s total market capitalisation was US$3.9 billion (RM12.5 billion).
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments reflect a mix of skepticism and hope regarding Proton's collaboration with Geely, with some fearing it will lead to lower quality rebadged cars and a loss of local engineering prowess. Many express doubts about the strategic benefits, citing concerns about Chinese manufacturing quality and Proton's previous failures in R&D and model development. Others acknowledge that such collaboration might bring technology transfer from Volvo and reduce costs through economies of scale, but emphasize that Proton must improve product quality and design to succeed. There is also criticism of government involvement and management decisions, alongside racially charged comments and personal insults. Overall, sentiments range from distrust and pessimism about the partnership's prospects to cautious optimism that it could help Proton grow if managed properly.