Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional, or Proton, Malaysia's national motor industry, has big plans for the future, including an entry into grand prix racing.
A highly publicised takeover of Britain's ailing Lotus group last year for US$85 million gives Proton much-needed engineering expertise as well as access to Lotus' Formula One experience.
However, the name Team Lotus is owned by David Hunt, brother of the late world champion, James.
The current rumour in grand prix circles is that Prodrive, the company which runs the Subaru world rally team, will take over the management of Benetton, the team which gave Michael Schumacher his two world championships.
There are plans to develop an engine, badged as a Proton, in conjunction with Lotus.
As well as entering motor racing at the highest level, Proton is expanding rapidly. It is expected that, by the end of the decade, Proton will produce 400,000 units annually - up from 160,000 at present - and will build manufacturing facilities in India and South Africa.
The company currently has plants in the Philippines and Vietnam.