Type 130 - Lotus Evija

[tim_marra 291]

27 minutes ago, C8RKH said:

Interesting. Leven in Edinburgh seem quite happy to be an Aston Martin dealer on an Industrial Estate in Shitehill, Edinburgh. 

Do they still have the Rolls dealership too?

[Bravo73 1,049]

1 hour ago, Edinburgh 111s said:

I agree that it’s a sad state of affairs and a reflection in where the brand is that we have such a poor dealer network. 

I think Lotus needs to fully review the network, either cutting out the industrial estate type (ala Silverstone etc) or invest in the network and some proper facilities. Only then can the brand play in the market it wants to. 

I am sure that there are plenty of Volvo dealerships or sites which could be shared. 

[C8RKH 4,172 2 Vehicles]

8 minutes ago, Bravo73 said:

I am sure that there are plenty of Volvo dealerships or sites which could be shared. 

The ones on Industrial Estates too?

29 minutes ago, tim_marra said:

Do they still have the Rolls dealership too?

Yes. 

[Edinburgh 111s 48]

Leven Lotus is a proper showroom with good facilities as good as any main dealer. 

Its not a converted industrial unit. 

[hedgerley 393 2 Vehicles]

Plus one here. Always was a nice place to visit and wile away an hour two, even more so after the recent revamp and investment in the workshop. With the bonus of Aston next door

[Edinburgh 111s 48]

I agree. It’s a proper main dealer with the facilities and infrastructure you would expect. 

Whilst many may like the cheeky charm of the guys running dealers out of old industrial units like Silverstone, it’s simply not going to allow the brand to grow and attract new customers, which is what it needs so Lotus can grow and build the cars we all love. 

[C8RKH 4,172 2 Vehicles]

What is your Problem with Lotus Silverstone? You are aware that they moved a year ago to brand new premises aren't you?

As for Leven - the Lotus dealership is hidden, sandwiched at the back between Kia, Suzuki and Mitsubishi showrooms and the techs are as likely to be working on a Kia as they are a Lotus. The Aston Martin showroom next door is a revamped near 100 year old industrial unit (and yet was still able to attain No.1 global dealer ranking for Leven for Aston Martin).

So I think this shows that's its about the people, not necessarily the premises or location. You drive to Leven past an Arnold Clark Car Supermarket on one side, a screwfix depot on the other. Wow! At least Silverstone is within the complex of one of the worlds greatest race tracks!

I really don't get this snobbery/bashing to be honest.

I bought my first Lotus from Leven (when Murray), my second from Silverstone so know both dealers quite well. The only reason my second Lotus was not bought from Leven was because they could not be arsed to sell me the car I wanted!

[Neal H 686 1 Vehicles]

I think this is all largely irrelevant in the context of the T130. Anyone who is serious is going to be dealing direct with the factory.

Regarding Silverstone. Their new facility is really nice, so I think they’re being unfairly maligned here. The quality of the people and the service has always been top class.

[Edinburgh 111s 48]

14 minutes ago, C8RKH said:

What is your Problem with Lotus Silverstone? You are aware that they moved a year ago to brand new premises aren't you?

As for Leven - the Lotus dealership is hidden, sandwiched at the back between Kia, Suzuki and Mitsubishi showrooms and the techs are as likely to be working on a Kia as they are a Lotus. The Aston Martin showroom next door is a revamped near 100 year old industrial unit (and yet was still able to attain No.1 global dealer ranking for Leven for Aston Martin).

So I think this shows that's its about the people, not necessarily the premises or location. You drive to Leven past an Arnold Clark Car Supermarket on one side, a screwfix depot on the other. Wow! At least Silverstone is within the complex of one of the worlds greatest race tracks!

I really don't get this snobbery/bashing to be honest.

I bought my first Lotus from Leven (when Murray), my second from Silverstone so know both dealers quite well. The only reason my second Lotus was not bought from Leven was because they could not be arsed to sell me the car I wanted!

Perhaps I am being unfair on Lotus Silverstone, as there are more than just them that operate out of industrial units. Their ability and the way the go about business is subjective. In my mind that type of dealer has a place In the market as a second hand supplier and Indy specialist. 

For lotus to grow they need to improve their dealer network. It needs better dealer facilities, better show rooms and a consistent customer experience. Not the “alright guvnor” experience some dealers approach their customers with today. 

I desperately want lotus to do well. But they need to review many elements of their business first, including the patchy and inconsistent dealer network. 

@C8RKH can you state as fact the the lotus techs are working on Kia and Suzuki cars, or is this just an assumption? 

7 minutes ago, Neal H said:

I think this is all largely irrelevant in the context of the T130. Anyone who is serious is going to be dealing direct with the factory.

Regarding Silverstone. Their new facility is really nice, so I think they’re being unfairly maligned here. The quality of the people and the service has always been top class.

I agree it’s better than before. Buts it’s a industrial unit and simply not the standard that lotus need to grow. 

Customer service is subjective. There are good and bad dealers out there. 

[C8RKH 4,172 2 Vehicles]

22 minutes ago, Edinburgh 111s said:

@C8RKH can you state as fact the the lotus techs are working on Kia and Suzuki cars, or is this just an assumption?

Based on what I saw when my car was in for a service at Leven last time, the techs work on multiple brands. However, if you know different then fair enough and back it up with the facts.

I do feel that it is clear that you have an issue with Lotus Silverstone which is fine, just be honest and upfront about it. Not sure this is the right thread though and also, as you guess, I actually don't agree with your point as you seem to be happy to ignore that its OK for Leven to sell Aston from an old Industrial unit but not OK for Silverstone to sell Lotus from a new one. Just smacks of bias and prejudice really. But heh ho...

All dealers have good and bad experiences. I could tell you a few tales too re Edinburgh based on my own experiences. To me, the "experience, knowledge, and attitude of the people I deal with and who work on my car" is much more important than the "look" of the dealership. I'm still with Leven as dealing with Ian Campbell over the servicing has always been a positive experience.

[Edinburgh 111s 48]

You can’t compare the Aston and Lotus showrooms of Leven to other dealers in industrial units? These are proper showrooms. 

I have never seen the lotus techs working on other brands at Leven. I don’t have a problem if they do... but we both don’t know for sure so best not to assume? 

I am no Leven fan boy... I wish there was another Lotus dealer in Scotland as they have the market cornered. 

Despite your comment, I don’t have an issue with Silverstone. All I said was the quality of service from main dealers is subjective. Just like it is for Leven and the others. I stated that if Lotus wants to grow their brand they need a better dealer network with proper showrooms and customer experience to attract new buyers and showcase their brand. 

[Bibs 8,861 4 Vehicles]

Back on topic chaps, thanks. 

[C8RKH 4,172 2 Vehicles]

47 minutes ago, Bibs said:

Back on topic chaps, thanks. 

 

Lol - just joking with ya! 

So, of the people who have been to the FOS today, and seen the T130, what are your impressions? Personally, although I will never buy one or own one, I am really busting at the seems to see it in a 10 days or so.

I do believe it will give us design clues as to where the new cars will be going and like others, I am excited to hear it is Evora sized - i.e. something you can actually drive, hard and fast, on normal roads...

[Smapmap 92]

Kinda hoping someone from GFOS might video the T130 light show!!?

[Bravo73 1,049]

1 hour ago, C8RKH said:

So, of the people who have been to the FOS today, and seen the T130, what are your impressions?

TBH, after being through the ‘show’, I don’t really know much more about the car than I did before I went in. (The videos that are shown on the screens are the same ones that we’ve already seen online - ‘For the Drivers’ etc etc). 

You see the actual car for about 30 seconds, but it’s only lit my lasers or other disco lighting so you don’t really get an idea of what you’re looking at (other than it’s got 4 wheels). When they turn the lights up at the very end (literally for a second), they also flash a strobe in your eyes. Like I’ve said already, ‘blink, and you’ll miss it’. 

[The Pits 3,986 1 Vehicles]

Amazed no-one has snuck a photo somehow. It was only for a split second but they showed you the whole car.

[stephenwhyte 1,402]

Phones removed on entry as I understand it and given back on the way out - like a trip to the factory in fact!

[Bravo73 1,049]

Not removed. Just put in the branded, padded envelope. But not desperately policed, TBF. 

If you had some sort of Google glasses/camera in lapel, it would be pretty straight forward to get a shot. 

[scotty435 464]

Me for one I do hope there are no leaked photos, let’s give lotus its time in the spotlight in 10 days time when it’s possible to have the motoring press all to them selfs and 10 more days for us to get even more excited.

[Gallandro007 1]

Well was at Goodwood yesterday and lined up with about 20 others at 5pm to file into the dark viewing area. Music starts lots of lights and the first video of the 130 plays on the screens which are also window to the car in the next room.

As someone said the whole car can be seen for a split second at the end. Seemed to be silver in colour and unless im mistaken the shape was very conservative and underwhelming.

Im really hoping my eyes deceived me!

[LotusDan 38]

What angle did you see the car at?

Obviously it's just opinion but there are features of the car that are far from underwhelming.

[Gallandro007 1]

I was in line with the front wheels so all of one side and front i could see....

couldn't see what they have done with the Lotus 'mouth' or at the rear didn't seem to recall any spoiler ...

i was expecting something a bit more bold.... or crazy looking after all the looks are the main selling point unless the EV tech is a massive step forward?

 

[LotusDan 38]

The rear is pretty striking tbh. I guess everyone will see properly come the 16th... 

[Techyd 119 1 Vehicles]

@KennyN - Were you there by any chance?!

[NedaSay 724]

8 days to go!