Geely set to bid for Malaysian carmaker Proton

Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co is expected to bid as early as this week for a strategic partnership with struggling Malaysian carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd, two people familiar with the bidding process said.

As part of its pitch following discussions with Proton's owner Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom Bhd, Hangzhou-based Geely, which owns Sweden's Volvo Car Group, is expected to offer Proton some of the latest vehicle technologies it has developed with Volvo's input.

DRB-Hicom said earlier this month it was waiting for prospective foreign carmakers to submit bids for a strategic partnership.