Proton (parent company of Lotus) has been trying to build a relationship with bigger automakers (including Volkswagen) since being acquired by DRB-Hicom back in January, but this agreement with Honda could be a great opportunity for the rebuilding automaker to grow.
According to the article, it is likely that the two companies could share production facilities and even vehicle platforms, and it also says that the deal could help Proton boost its export capability. Since Honda already has a plant in Malaysia, which is currently being expanded to build the new Jazz Hybrid, it isn't clear how the Japanese automaker will benefit from the deal. That said, DRB-Hicom is already involved in many areas of the automobile industry and builds Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki and Volkswagen cars in Malaysia.
