Proton - the owner of Lotus Cars - and Genii Capital - the owner of Lotus Renault GP - have announced a new strategic synergy.

Both parties have agreed to collaborate in order to actively support Proton's international expansion. This announcement is the result of a project led by Genii Business Exchange, the business platform created by Genii Capital in order to transform the global exposure derived from the Formula 1 World Championship into unique opportunities.

From now on, Genii Capital will help develop markets in Central Europe as well as in Brazil and Russia. In Europe, Proton will explore collaboration opportunities with Genii Capital. The aim is to establish a new innovative concept of car sharing, using Proton's range of vehicles.

Dato' Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Group Proton Managing Director:, said: "Proton has come long way since its birth, 25 years ago. We are now in the process of evolving into an international car manufacturer, touching people's life around the world. When it comes to thinking about this expansion, Proton must rely on efficient structures. We also need to work with people we can trust. With Genii Capital, we think we have found a perfect partner and we are looking forward to developing an ambitious plan for the mid-term. The Malaysia Grand Prix is the ideal place to make such an announcement, as the two cars from Lotus Renault GP already represent a very successful sporting and commercial partnership."

"We are very proud to be chosen as one of Proton's strategic partners," added Gerard Lopez, of Genii Capital. "We already see the benefits of our association through Lotus Cars in Formula 1, and this is just the beginning. Over the next few months, we will be defining a very innovative commercial strategy, which will prove beneficial for all parties involved. A mutually beneficial association is the basis of every single agreement we are entering into and today's announcement is just another illustration of our philosophy."