Proton poised to roll out models across region

After acquiring a 49.9 percent stake in Malaysian car brand Proton in 2017, Geely has made Southeast Asia one of its main export markets. In December, it started shipping the right-hand-drive version of the Boyue compact crossover to Malaysia. The vehicle is now distributed there under the Proton brand.

Geely plans to sell more models through Proton’s dealerships, An added. The vehicles will eventually be assembled at Proton’s plant and sold across Southeast Asia, according to Geely’s plan. 

The trade dispute between China and the U.S. prompted Geely to suspend plans to build vehicles under its premium Lynk & CO brand at affiliate Volvo’s plant in South Carolina. But the company remains committed to launching the brand in Europe. 

Equipped with better technology and a new generation of products, Chinese brands are regrouping to expand overseas by targeting Europe and a select group of major emerging markets.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs have slowed Chinese carmakers’ moves to establish sales in the U.S., but there are no signs their renewed enthusiasm to venture into other markets has been affected. 

Source: www.autonews.com