Lotus Cars and Proton owner DRB-Hicom’s polymer industry unit has entered into a joint venture with HBPO to design, develop and supply front-end modules.

The move comes after DRB-Hicom decided to expand its involvement in the automotive parts sector.

HBPO is presently the biggest manufacturer of FEMs, reported Reuters. Such assemblies integrate components like lighting, radiators, cooling fans and air conditioning condensers.

DRB-Hicom recently purchased a 42.7% stake in local carmaker Proton for $412m from the Malaysian state investment firm Khazanah Nasional.

It said at the time it would “facilitate, grow and enhance Malaysia’s national automotive industry, hence making Malaysia a preferred automotive hub capable of rivalling its neighbours”.

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