exeterjeep Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Company Announcement – 27th August 2021 We are saddened to announce that as of 1st September 2021 we will no longer be a Lotus Authorised Service Centre. We had been looking forward to joining Lotus on the next chapter of their journey and had been preparing for the Emira for the last 18 months. Unfortunately, in the last couple of months a decision was made by Lotus to terminate all seven of the UK Authorised Service Centres as well as some of the Dealers as part of their latest Lotus ‘Vision 80’ plans. continues - with some more info. But it says all 7 of the Authorised Service Centres have been terminated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Techyd Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 So would include service centres with B&C and Lotus Silverstone?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM jep Posted August 27, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 This is not relevant to main dealers like B&C etc....it is, as I understand, for agents who have much experience yet are not main dealers but 'authorised service centres'. It was inevitable that as Lotus took a new route to being a far more corporate and mainstream manufacturer, it could not have non-franchise 'garages' with a Lotus Group tag attached. I don't see how it changes anything - if they are good, they will remain good. Those in the know will continue to use them. Max500 has never been 'authorised' but he knows more about wedges than any Lotus main dealer does. Justin 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Redwing Posted August 27, 2021 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 I can't see how this can be deemed to be a good move. Yes, those of us in the know will hopefully continue to use these now disenfranchised garages, unless you have a full official Lotus service history, and wish to maintain that. For prospective newcomers to the brand, the reduction in the number of service centres could be offputting. I know two people who would have bought a Lotus, but for the perceived lack of a nearby official garage. Also, no matter how you dress this up with corporate speak, it must be a hell of a kick in the teeth for these garages who have, no doubt, invested time, effort and money in conforming to Lotus' requirements. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM jep Posted August 27, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 No-one forced them to be 'approved'. They existed before, they will continue to do so. If they wish to be a full main dealer, they can invest in that process. They won't - it is not their thing. It ain't no 'kick in the teeth'. It is a business relationship that has ended. If a Lotus Authorised Service Centre had withdrawn from the scheme, would Lotus have cried into their milk? Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Is hangar 111 one of these? Quote hindsight: the science that is never wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisJ Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Lotus terminates partnerships with several UK retailers | Autocar Quote According to a forum post from Maidstone Sports Cars, itself affected, the list of businesses that will no longer be official Lotus retailers includes Hangar 111 in Woodbridge, Rapid Mechanical Services in Romford, SJ Sports Cars in Crediton and at least four more outfits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 50 minutes ago, jep said: It ain't no 'kick in the teeth'. It is a business relationship that has ended. That may be the situation literally. But I would be interested to hear their take on this, from the affected businesses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM jep Posted August 27, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Why? If they whinge, they don't understand business relationships. If they don't, they do. Man up, my Grandpa would have said. Justin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted August 27, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Folks worried it may affect parts supply??? Hang on - there’s already an issue with shed loads of stuff on manyana back order. Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonwat Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Lotus terminates partnerships with several UK retailers Quote Cheers, John W http://jonwatkins.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt W Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Just found this https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news-retail/lotus-terminates-partnerships-several-uk-retailers Interesting hangar111 was on the list. Looks like there is a push to go mainstream. But to be honest, if this means the dealership network starts treating customers properly and professionally, it's probably a good thing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exeterjeep Posted August 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 2 hours ago, Barrykearley said: Folks worried it may affect parts supply??? Hang on - there’s already an issue with shed loads of stuff on manyana back order. Been over a year now waiting for a sensor, but got one from PJS - which is why I got their email. Also includes SJ so I assume that they will not be able to get parts direct from the factory - and may not have access to the factory stock enquiry? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post EuropaSman Posted August 28, 2021 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 Yes, as I understand it from PJS they put their last parts order in with Lotus on Thursday, so have secured an alternative source for genuine Lotus parts. A little perspective regarding the "whinging" quote earlier to add some balance. It's more a case of businesses that have worked hard to attain and maintain Lotus approval may feel very disappointed. I understand corporate business as I work for a multinational; the same elements such as engaged staff & high quality service leading to loyal customers and a profitable network apply however. PJS for one are very passionate about their business and they love the brand and won an award from Lotus for after sales service. I know they are extremely disappointed in having their approval terminated. I understand why Lotus has done what it has, however I believe there had been previous discussions about a "heritage" network being created, but apparently the plug was pulled on that around 8 weeks ago. I for one will be continuing to use PJS who are local to me; Paul, Louise and the team do a great job and are great ambassadors for the brand. It's a shame and I know that business is business, but I do feel really disappointed for the service centres losing approval not due to poor service quality. Those who are great at what they do servicing the legacy cars will survive if not flourish. My own feeling though is that there still is room for a "Heritage Lotus" network to support the pre-Emira vehicles. 9 Quote Lover of everything Lotus Cars and proud owner of production Evora No.75 (2nd UK customer specced car by VIN). Originally from the Far East....of Anglia, I read black box data for a living so that could explain a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted August 28, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 7 hours ago, exeterjeep said: Also includes SJ so I assume that they will not be able to get parts direct from the factory - and may not have access to the factory stock enquiry? Lotus did dump a huge quantity of old stock on them a couple of years ago. I’m not sure lotus would even have anything on the shelf for the older cars. Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hangar 111 Posted August 28, 2021 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 For those interested, our position is explained here: https://bit.ly/3kAcjlS Dave 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM C8RKH Posted August 28, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 (edited) Dave, thank you for posting what is a professional, balanced, informative, and FACTUAL account. It does credit to you and your team and I wish you every success for the future. Just a shame you are down there and I'm in Scotland..... Exactly how it should have been done... Well done Edited August 28, 2021 by Bravo73 2 Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! The first guy to ride a bull for fun, was a true hero. The second man to follow him was truly nuts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted August 28, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 Professional as ever @Hangar 111 - it shows why so many folks entrust their cars into your exacting care 👍 1 Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hangar 111 Posted August 28, 2021 Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 Thanks chaps. It's not really going to change much for us. Gives us a bit of freedom back with options for our customers - those who want genuine parts, fixed servicing schedules, etc can still have it, but we can also offer alternatives where appropriate. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted August 28, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 I bet you guys can’t wait to get your hands on an AMG emira for upgrading 🤣 Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark030358 Posted August 28, 2021 Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 This is the reason I’m cancelling my Emira order. I was so pissed off with the news I heard, I vowed I’d never buy another new Lotus. oh and don’t believe this heritage bollocks either… Watch this space…. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark030358 Posted August 29, 2021 Report Share Posted August 29, 2021 On 27/08/2021 at 17:13, jep said: This is not relevant to main dealers like B&C et I think you will find you are wrong….. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted August 29, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 29, 2021 I can fully expect the new car to be offered in a new way. One car simply isn’t enough meat on the bone for the current channels. 1 Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarrylV8 Posted August 29, 2021 Report Share Posted August 29, 2021 44 minutes ago, Mark030358 said: I think you will find you are wrong….. Think (us) Lotus heritage fanboys maybe in for a bit of a shock despite what may have been intimated/said at the 70th anniversary celebration at Hethel 1 Quote Darryl & Sue Proud to drive and own since new a true British supercar the Evora GT430 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM jep Posted August 29, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 29, 2021 I was just referencing the Lotus Authorised Service Centres in my initial post, the news of which I first heard about a month back from a Lotus specialist not directly affected by the news. I agree with Barry's comment above - we should expect further change. My main point is, that any business currently linked to Lotus Cars Ltd/Group should expect and plan for change. It was ever thus in the car business - Datsun/Nissan in the late '80s, Jaguar more recently. The Authorised Repair Centres were all, as I understand it, very fine businesses before being formally linked to the Lotus factory. And I am sure will continue to be so. Justin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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