BANGKOK -- Even with support from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Malaysian automaker Proton Holdings has a difficult route to travel amid stalling sales at home as well as the duo's underwhelming brand power abroad.
The Chinese company agreed late last month to buy 49.9% of Proton from DRB-Hicom, letting the Malaysian corporation retain a majority stake and promising to protect Proton's "national car" status. But the move was seen as Geely taking the lead in overhauling the ailing brand.