DRB-HICOM to make Proton great again, says foreign bidders are still in the run



A number of news portals have reported that the foreign parties interested in forming a strategic partnership with Proton Holdings Berhad have shrunk to just one. Apparently, DRB-HICOM denies this.

Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar said, “Our intent is to turn around the fortunes of Proton. There are strengths and capabilities of the carmaker that, given a new proven partner that can offer technology, capabilities and new markets, will push PROTON as a brand to be reckoned with. This is why our evaluation of the bidders needs to be a detailed one. PROTON and the incoming Foreign Strategic Partner (FSP) must be able to create synergies that will ensure the success of this venture.”

Dato’ Sri Syed also said all bidders are still in the running to be selected as Proton’s FSP, and that the Group is progressing into the tail-end of this process. DRB-HICOM expects to complete the selection by the first half of 2017.