Bibs Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 Kalbfell wasn't interviewed for that piece, it's from his address to the journo's back in June, at the 'one year on' event, I've got the whole thing on tape. 1. Every CEO in the world has mentors, they're generally called the Board. Are you criticising Bahar for seeking advice from those with more knowledge and experience in certain areas? Would you rather he didn't ask industry moguls for the best direction for Lotus. 2. Massive speculation. Perhaps it was their lack of confidence in the Board, not Bahar. Again speculation but what's the point? 3. Kalbfell is currently advising Lotus for FREE. Not sure giving him a job and money would save loads of money? Basic Account 1 posts Name:David Riley Car:Elise Why is this of any importance Roger? You don't need to own a Lotus to be involved in this discussion. Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudolphwolven Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) My personal feeling since the appointment of Danny Bahar at Lotus is that there are similarities between his presentation and the history of Victor Muller with Spijker/Saab........a lot of plans and few realisation........... I sincerely hope that Lotus will survive with this guy (who has a terrific difficult job)...........and that it will not be confronted with the same escapades as with Victor Muller......... Edited October 11, 2011 by Ruud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtornes78 Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 +1 what Bibs said. I mean wow, huge newsflash: Lotus want's to sell more cars of the ones they currently make! The Autocar piece really is a huge bit of non-news, bashing together some old quotes from June with the "shocking" first half 2011 registration figues, which are probably mostly down in the UK due to the lack of 1.8 Elise/Exige and perhaps people waiting for the MY12 Evora. Are these figures a worry? Perhaps, reduced sales in one of their larger markets are sure to have some effect of the earnings, but from what I understand Elise/Exige production for the US/ROW has gone on throughout the first half of 2011 so without knowing the full picture of total worldwide sales they really don't say much at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedgerley Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) My personal feeling since the appointment of Danny Bahar at Lotus is that there are similarities between his presentation and the history of Victor Muller with Spijker/Saab........a lot of plans and few realisation........... I sincerely hope that Lotus will survive with this guy (who has a terrific difficult job)...........and that it will not be confronted with the same escapades as with Victor Muller......... You need to read my previous post. DB has actually delivered what he said he would deliver in the first 18 months, despite the changes to the plans for the Elan and the addition of an engine development programme. At the Paris launch 2 years ago everyone agreed it was a very ambitious plan but that DB should be judged on results. OK, lets do just that: 5 year plan with funding - check (with caveats on the funding admittedly) Massively strengthened management team - check New model range/concepts - check New test track and garages - check New trim shop - check New Esprit production facility - check New Esprit development programme - check and on schedule New Elite development programme - check and on schedule Success on track (GT) - check Return to F1 - check, albeit very tenuously! Plus a few things we weren't expecting - In-house V8 engine development programme - check and on schedule Completion and launch of the V6 Exige - check Improvements to existing range, in particular Evora - check New Evora derivative (GTE) - check Confirmation of Evora variants - check Development of rally car - check T125 Exos Programe - check Indycar engine/aero development - check Judged by the results, I would venture to suggest DB has had a very successful first two years. There aren't many companies who can boast of progress like this in the current economic climate. There is simply no comparison with Muller whatsoever (even if Lotus actually developed the chassis/suspension for the new Spyker - underneath its basically a big Evora) Now, I admit it could all go Pete Tong, particularly with all the politics at play. But I for one am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. Any other scenario gives me nightmares to be honest Edited October 11, 2011 by hedgerley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudolphwolven Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 @hedgerley Of course I did read your previous post with the plans, the funding, first realisations and the extra's we were not expecting of DB........... And of course it can not be compared with the specific plans, the funding, first realisations and the surprising things we were not expecting of Victor Muller too, however with the presentation of prototypes of Spyker which were never released, the Spyker- F1 engagement that brought immense losses, the move of the premises to the UK and final sale of Spijker, the fresh and enthousiastic engagement with Saab (he was a hero in Sweden 2 years ago; now they hate him), the spectacular way he arranged the funding(s), the new models (only one), the production stops due to parts suppliers that wanted their money....... (the stops turned out to last for a couple of months)........ and now the nearby bankruptcy of Saab...........there are a number of similarities in my experience.......... The enthousiastic crowd that time gave VM the benefit of the doubt just as some folks give it to DB now...........not to much criticism/negativity please........... And honestly, imo the cards of DB are some better as with VM that time..........but the indefinable mixed feelings I have with these kind of power-entrepeneurs remain..........I see repeatedly similarities.......that's my own problem........... I sincerely hope that Lotus will survive the next decade, with or without DB......... Any other scenario gives me nightmares too........... And last but not least.........many times in my life my assumptions turned out to be wrong in the end........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 "A most excellent plan, Tony. I look forward to the day Caterham buys out Ferrari and paints all their pastamobiles green. I'm going to put a webcam in Enzo's grave, just to watch him roll, har har." Ya know, a few months ago when DB did something that I won't get in to, but which really pissed me off, I registered gropelotus.com with the thought that if I ever couldn't contain myself, I'd just unleash a torrent of sarcastic vitriol there with xtranormal parodies and a sort of "Fake Steve Jobs" kind of blog, but when you go off on your golden dialogue rants it really makes me just want to hand the registration over to you. Friggin' priceless. Anyway, I've calmed down since I registered it, but I reserve the right to activate it as may be required in the future. Or not. Although I will say that while he frequently drives me completely nuts, I still hope he succeeds for all concerned. Quote 1983 "Investor's Special Edition" Turbo Esprit (#43/50) | 2012 Evora S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Press release from Proton: MEDIA STATEMENTON THE SPECULATION OF THE SALE (OF A STAKE)IN GROUP LOTUS We refer to the news reports that have been circulating recently over the sale (of a stake) in Group Lotus. PROTON hereby states that the alleged moves between Group Lotus and GENII Capital are untrue and that the news are highly speculative in nature. PROTON’s relationship with Group Lotus is as good as it has ever been. Through this positive synergy, our priority now is to ensure that the Lotus Business Turnaround Plan is executed according to schedule and that both parties are committed to its success. PROTON and Lotus have reached a juncture whereby the market is eagerly waiting for Lotus’ new products and all our energy and efforts have to be channelled towards achieving this critical goal. Furthermore, the scope of Lotus’ involvement in F1 as title sponsor to Lotus-Renault GP is to create dynamic marketing and branding synergies. PROTON does not wish to further entertain any unsubstantiated news of speculative nature and we hope this statement will put all speculation to rest. [END OF STATEMENT] Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerch Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Actually it's not the full statement, there are another 2 paragraphs, though don't contain anything significant. "However we wish to add, that as a proactive business entity, the PROTON Group of Companies will continue to initiate and consider viable business opportunities and arrangements which will benefit and add value to the Group's interest. PROTON hereby undertakes to make all relevant and necessary announcements at the appropriate time in accordance with the Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad." Quote Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. (Tom Leahrer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLF News Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Proton: "Lotus not for sale" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Actually it's not the full statement, there are another 2 paragraphs, though don't contain anything significant. That's probably why they weren't posted. Fancy adding the page header and footer information, press release reference? Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerch Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 For legal purposes it could be advisable. Quote Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. (Tom Leahrer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Sure. Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronin Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Indeed. I mean, who ever payed attention to those red cars between 1979 and 2000... No one certainly cares abut the Constructor's titles, so 82, 83, and 99 really doesn't count, does it? You are right I didn't buy any of my Red cars or Lotus because the won some race on the other side of the planet, I bought them because the drove and looked the way I wanted back then... Speed and Sex sells cars, cars that you can drive not some corporate toy... Quote I think it's fast enough…maybe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Speed and Sex sells cars So how did Toyota sell 32,000,000 Corolla's?! Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gus82 Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 (edited) Well that strengthens the theory that its more likely to be a joint shareholding between the F1 team and Group Lotus rather than a full take over, which is actually a positive move in my own opinion. I wonder if the new special edition Evora anounced today is a hint at whats going on: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/259537/. All is well (until the next rumour)!!! Edited October 12, 2011 by Gus82 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exploded Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 (edited) 1 of 3 LHD cars is already in Belgium... http://www.autojunk....tus-evora-s-jps How would this news reflect towards the F1 Team owners? Edited October 12, 2011 by Exploded Quote Calypso Rose Rules the World! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insider Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 You need to read my previous post. DB has actually delivered what he said he would deliver in the first 18 months, despite the changes to the plans for the Elan and the addition of an engine development programme. At the Paris launch 2 years ago everyone agreed it was a very ambitious plan but that DB should be judged on results. OK, lets do just that: 5 year plan with funding - check (with caveats on the funding admittedly) Massively strengthened management team - check New model range/concepts - check New test track and garages - check New trim shop - check New Esprit production facility - check New Esprit development programme - check and on schedule New Elite development programme - check and on schedule Success on track (GT) - check Return to F1 - check, albeit very tenuously! Plus a few things we weren't expecting - In-house V8 engine development programme - check and on schedule Completion and launch of the V6 Exige - check Improvements to existing range, in particular Evora - check New Evora derivative (GTE) - check Confirmation of Evora variants - check Development of rally car - check T125 Exos Programe - check Indycar engine/aero development - check Judged by the results, I would venture to suggest DB has had a very successful first two years. There aren't many companies who can boast of progress like this in the current economic climate. There is simply no comparison with Muller whatsoever (even if Lotus actually developed the chassis/suspension for the new Spyker - underneath its basically a big Evora) Now, I admit it could all go Pete Tong, particularly with all the politics at play. But I for one am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. Any other scenario gives me nightmares to be honest I could suggest that a lot of the items above, especially regarding timing, are incorrect as to checks indicating success Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sport 160 Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Mercedes don't do F1 and they sell cars... So who is forth in the current constructors championship then? So how did Toyota sell 32,000,000 Corolla's?! They used to be in F1... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtornes78 Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 I could suggest that a lot of the items above, especially regarding timing, are incorrect as to checks indicating success Firstly, would you care to elaborate on that? And second, if you really are Paul Newsome, why the trouble of only calling yourself "Insider"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iconic Ride Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 My research came up with 3 "Paul Newsomes." One was a radio announcer in Oklahoma, now deceased. Probably didn't put up this post, but stranger things have happened. One is a swim coach in Perth, Australia, but he may be swimming upstream a bit here. Time will tell. And the other is, of course, the guitarist/songwriter for UK rock group Proud Mary . Maybe he'll send a You Tube snippit our way as evidence. Fingers crossed. Quote Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exploded Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 As in Paul Newsome, the director at Lotus Engineering? Quote Calypso Rose Rules the World! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtornes78 Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Rather, ex director at Lotus Engineering, now in charge of the C-X75 Jaguar programme at Williams: http://www.cartechnical.co.uk/jaguar/296-newsome-heads-williams-c-x75-team.html Or perhaps just a troll? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iconic Ride Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Dang! Well, he need's to update his Wiki page. Quote Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exploded Posted October 12, 2011 Report Share Posted October 12, 2011 Is he away from Lotus as well??? I didn't know. Who has taken over at Lotus Engineering? Quote Calypso Rose Rules the World! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iconic Ride Posted October 13, 2011 Report Share Posted October 13, 2011 I will believe he's an engineer when he posts the terminal velocity of an unladen swallow. To 3 decimal points...and with a complete Srouhal ratio analysis. Quote Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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