Lotus in the post DB era

[Bibs]

As I have said many times, it is sales not shipments that count. How many cars are out on loan / test that are counted as sales? and what good do those cars do?

None, they are counted in the press fleet and the directly lead to sales of cars

[hedgerley]

Aslam seems to be really focussed on what can be sold now and I believe the GTE sits in that category. The Exige S will start rolling off the line in the next week or two and with over 500 confirmed orders (admittedly confirmed by DB at the time) I think this could really be the beginning of a positive chapter in the long and sometimes painful Lotus story.

But I am an eternal optimist - a prerequisite for any Lotus lover these days!

Edited July 18, 2012 by hedgerley

[V8 FOU]

^^^ What he said! We, optimistic Lotus Owners, have a bit of a warm feeling about the future at last!

[Kimbers]

I really look forward to seeing new Exiges on the road around here. And it'll bring a much needed cash boost to the company.

I also admit that I have been considering buying one

[TLF News]

Vince Cable meets new Lotus owners in London

[Bibs]

http://www.btimes.co...icle/index_html

Mohd Khamil reiterated and reassured that DRB-HICOM and Proton are fully committed in bringing Lotus up to the next level and to a brighter future ahead.

“Lotus is for keep. Do not listen to any speculation. It is something that is worth keeping it,” he stressed.

Speaking to the Malaysian media on a three-day visit to Lotus facilities in the United Kingdom, he said, the Exige S would be made available in Malaysia as early as this year with the opening of Lotus’ first showroom in the country.

Mohd Khamil, who is also Proton Executive Chairman, said: “Malaysia will be Lotus’ second home.”

[TBD]

As I said, the next Elise will be manufatured in Asia - in Lotus' second home.

But reassuring to hear the commitment to the future!

[softlips]

The next Elise is years and years away. Plan is Esprit in 2014 (with the new engine, despite rumours) then depending on finances and sales the Elite and Eterne a couple of years after - the Elise will be after that.

Unless the new plans have changed anything since the other week.

[Bibs]

Martin, all those cars were removed from the Group Lotus website this week. Read into that what you will for now...

[alan]

As I said, the next Elise will be manufatured in Asia - in Lotus' second home.

But reassuring to hear the commitment to the future!

I did not read it that way

"

the Exige S would be made available in Malaysia as early as this year with the opening of Lotus’ first

showroom in the country"

No mention of manufacturing in Malaysia.

[TBD]

You have to read the small print. I said the next ELISE (not Exige S)!

I did not read it that way

"

the Exige S would be made available in Malaysia as early as this year with the opening of Lotus’ first

showroom in the country"

No mention of manufacturing in Malaysia.

[Iconic Ride]

May I ask what would be the attraction/advantage of constructing a separate assembly line for Lotus in Malaysia? Not intending to be argumentative, simply curious.

[DarrylV8]

You have to read the small print. I said the next ELISE (not Exige S)!

Small print??

too many contract law specialist's on here, Thomas if you can read your view in to the article can you please PM me the numbers for Tuesday's rollover I'll even give Lotus 10M (out of the winnings) to continue with Esprit?

[Iconic Ride]

Brutal audience we have here, eh Thomas?

[hedgerley]

An outstanding result for the Exige S in the new Top gear this month, up against some very expensive and exotic kit in their 'Speedweek' super test.

They have the Toyota GT86 out in front (you'll have to read it to understand why) but there was a photo finish for second, with the Exige S, The McLaren MP4-12 and the Porsche Carrera S not able to be split. One of the guys actually had the Exige ahead of the GT86 (but behind the 911).

Those guys in Hethel continue to do us proud.

Edited July 21, 2012 by hedgerley

[Bibs]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/lotus-eaters-take-a-gamble-7962567.html

^ The Independent on Lotus/DRB.

[Iconic Ride]

"An offer to buy Lotus for £1 had also been turned down."

I was fairly certain that they would decline my offer, proffered in the spirit of "nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Still, a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, as my debt to asset ratio is (even in retirement) seems to be significantly better than that of DRB's managing director...

"Mr Pua said: 'Syed Mokhtar's group of companies has a combined debt of RM34.3bn or more than 10 per cent of all local corporate bonds as of 2011 with only RM7.8bn cash as of May 2012.'"

On the other hand, said debt would seem to lend itself to great incentive on DRB's part to [eventually] turn a profit at Lotus.

[softlips]

It was a group from Belgium who put an offer in.

[hedgerley]

A little more on the funding of 'Future Lotus' -

http://www.bernama.c...s.php?id=682387

DRB seem to be saying all the right things, lets hope they and Lotus can deliver.

This is an intriguing statement though -

"We will fund Lotus until March 2013 whereby the first of the new variant will be introduced to the market. Thereafter, we will look to the business model as well as the new fresh funds that are needed for Lotus"

This is the original date for the new Esprit under DB's plan and although DRB kick started the development programme a few months ago the assumption was it would be delayed until 2014.

Unless this is something else. Any ideas anyone?

Edited July 22, 2012 by hedgerley

[Moxie]

Don't recall seeing this being discussed, but check out what I think (?) is a new section of the website dubbed Lotus Bespoke, where Mansory is named as Lotus's "Official Customisation Studio". Presumably that means hasta la vista to Swizz?...

[jonwat]

Yesterday's Sunday Times reports that DRB-Hicom will re apply for the £10m tax payer loan for the expansion funding originally sought by Proton.

Last week three senior executives had their contracts terminated: Mike Bell, director of finance, Kerry Dugan, head of HR & Sarah Price, head of legal.

[Gus82]

Report - VW to buy stake in Lotus to gain control of Proton in the longterm:

http://europe.autone.../307209948/1042

Could be interesting as it could bring component sharing with brands such as Porsche and Audi, but Lotus would need to be a different proposition and therefore remain more Lotus???

Edited July 23, 2012 by Gus82

[Kimbers]

Now theres a suprise....3 of Bahars biggest supporters and those that were involved in all the legal farces, paying of expenses and employing hangers on.

[Bibs]

I heard that they were all long term died-in-the-wool Lotus employees of good standing who were just doing their jobs.

[Bibs]

A little more from Steve Davis.

http://skiddmark.com/2012/07/behind-the-story-lotus-eaters-take-a-gamble/