Two unnamed sources believe that VW may either be looking to buy a minority holding of Proton or a controlling stake, Automotive News learned. In the long term, VW may even attempt a full buyout of Proton, a German magazine also reported on Thursday.
The last talks fell apart after former Malaysian prime minister advised that the company, which was then state-owned, should remain in Malaysian hands. The state has since sold its 42.7-percent stake to DRB-HICOM for $411.9 million.
DRB-HICOM and VW currently have a partnership in place that sees the former assemble the latter's Passat sedan at a plant in Pekan.
