Finance Ministry secretary Hilmi Yahaya said the government had held talks with General Motors, PSA Peugot Citroen, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi because of their vast experience in the auto industry, compared to local companies.

"The first choice of partner must have the expertise and technology that will help improve Proton as well as help open up a wider market," Hilmi was quoted as saying by state Bernama news agency during a parliament session.