Lotus in the post DB era

[softlips]

You'd have thought they'd have sorted a nice compromise agreement. Only reason not have done that is if they had something on him.

[Kimbers]

One of my mates at Lotus told me that the reply to this was "We're ready, bring it on".

I think it's very dangerous for DB as up until now DRB have kept quiet about what they have found out and why he was dismissed. But this will bring it all out into the open surely?

[Bibs]

You'd have thought he'd have considered that?

[Kimbers]

Thats what I thought. Maybe he's hoping for an out of court for a fraction of the claim?

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

He obviously feels he has a case...

[Snoopy1969]

In my opinion it would be very interesting if we would know under which circumstances he left Red Bull and later Ferrari. Up to now I have not read c l e a r statements concerning his former employers.

While reading all the interviews with him after the takeover containing his critical words on DRB Hicom I believe that he wanted to be dismissed but -of course - getting a good package of money and some nice words typical in such a situation ("we do not fit together...., many thanks...great work...all the best to you------), .but DRB Hicom went another path..... I think it was very clever to not reveal details of his dismissal up to now / court. We will see....

BTW: In my eyes Lotus could vice versa sue Danboy for not promoting the Evora in a serious way - such a great multi-purpose car, developed with a real idea, but no advertising - imho focus only on the esprit etc might have impressed rapper impressarios but does not sell cars in the meantime!

[simonb]

If he settles out of court for pennies, he goes from "sacked" to "wrongly dismissed, settled out of court" - looks much better on the CV and might be cheaper than defending for Lotus

[NedaSay]

Uh Am I wrong to hope to see Lotus/DRB HICOM walking all other him in court, getting damages in the process and making sure that the guy will never get anywhere near a carmaker in a foreseeable future!? If you've seen the Avengers, think about the scene with the Hulk (GL/DRB) and Lokie (DB) at the end of the movie, This is what I'd like to see.

Seriously the guy really damaged the company if he had not he would still be having a job. He started well - all guns blazing, would I say - and then he completely lost track of what was necessary, what was doable with what was available! As a result, new models have been delayed (Esprit and Evora roadster) ; money was poured into marketing with very little success and effect on car sales ; the brand became a laughing stock and Lotus Lawyers have spent countless hours in court diverting money from car production and development!

Edited August 28, 2012 by NedaSay

[Moxie]

I said it before and I'll say it again--I just don't think Dany is wired to have been a leader of Lotus who could focus and build upon its core competencies. While his plan was ballsy and attention grabbing, it also drifted from Lotus's foundational identity and values right out of the gate. On the other hand, I still think he could have been the greatest CMO Lotus could ever have hoped for, but under the guiding hand of a CEO who was a benevolent dictator with laser focus on the company's core. Speaking as a marketing guy, it's generally a lousy idea for marketing guys to lead a company, particularly companies who's identity is so tied to technology and engineering.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Agreed. I see the wastefulness of DB's actions but I also see the profile massively higher, the niggle free MY12 Evora ( allegedly at least! ), has arrived, the Exige S is here and selling well. What we have now is company with little interest in PR matters, staff laid off, the new cars ditched and I wouldn't hold my breath for the new Esprit.

Edited August 28, 2012 by Stirling_Villeneuve

[TBD]

I keep thinking whether it's worth answering this thread, but let's be honest, we can only hope that Lotus survives the DRB era long enough that the Esprit hits the market an a new owner is found.

What would Colin possibly have thought about the current situation?

[benjamincalleja]

Last I heard the esprit, even back in June, was developed beyond the point of no return.... Kimbers, bibs and I right? Engines and mules up and running? By that point it would be economically insane to throw those development dollars away. Though part of me does hope they at least redesign the concept so it shows more esprit DNA. I though the élan concept had more esprit DNA in some respects.

[Kimbers]

It's my understanding that the engines were well underdeveloped and only 1 mule was running and this badly.

The Esprit itself had changed so many times it hard to see whats what for all the smoke and mirrors. All I can say is that "some friends" tells me that MJK and RB were closer to production of the Esprit than DB was. It's my impression that because of the fact the engine may not be viable without huge investment a replacement must be found and this will incur yet more cost as the internal design will need to change.

I think DRB are concentrating all their efforts, quite rightly, on marketing and selling the Evora, ironing out any final issues with the Exige S (they have an overheating issue at present) and getting everything to market. Delivering the Exiges they have on order will help cash flow hugely and allow them to look further ahead.

[Bibs]

That's very different to what I heard regarding the engine and DRB are putting no effort into marketing anything, they've even gone so far to announce this in a press release!

Anyway, Steve Baldwin has some thoughts on the matter that you need to listen to!

[Exploded]

Bibs are you really sure it is not you on the left side of the picture? :D

Anyway if I were mr Baldwin and got loads of money for doing nothing actually and I wouldn't get anything at present, then I would be unhappy as well. Mr Bahar was forced to start trial which will be delayed and delayed and delayed and... until the storm is over and he can settle out of court for virtually nothing. This way the public will see he was right... If any one wishes to settle out of court, I bet it will be Dany Boy...

[Bibs]

Bibs are you really sure it is not you on the left side of the picture? :D

Any more of that and this'll be you on the left...

[Exploded]

Any more of that and this'll be you on the left...

[fmxa]

The flaw in this plan is they'll soon have zero product to sell to the US market other than stickers and tee-shirts

It's my understanding that the engines were well underdeveloped and only 1 mule was running and this badly.

The Esprit itself had changed so many times it hard to see whats what for all the smoke and mirrors. All I can say is that "some friends" tells me that MJK and RB were closer to production of the Esprit than DB was. It's my impression that because of the fact the engine may not be viable without huge investment a replacement must be found and this will incur yet more cost as the internal design will need to change.

I think DRB are concentrating all their efforts, quite rightly, on marketing and selling the Evora, ironing out any final issues with the Exige S (they have an overheating issue at present) and getting everything to market. Delivering the Exiges they have on order will help cash flow hugely and allow them to look further ahead.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

The Evora's a stunner though, I was sceptical but now a convert... ...perhaps the same thing happened to DB, albeit a little late in the day?

DRB's best shot for the US would be to throw everything into that, launch a reboot model with lots of press, excessive exposure at car shows, all the smoke and mirrors Lotus can throw at it.

In fact.... maybe they should talk to DB?

[benjamincalleja]

That's very different to what I heard regarding the engine and DRB are putting no effort into marketing anything, they've even gone so far to announce this in a press release!

Anyway, Steve Baldwin has some thoughts on the matter that you need to listen to!

hahahaahah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love it............. so true....i cant believe they dragged the Baldwin brothers out of....death.. to help launch those cars.... Anyway so now i dont know who to believe. Kimbers you were born with Lotus in your blood and surely have an ear to the ground at all time with the factory. but bibs.....so do you!!! And you both say opposite things......arghhh! are they making the DB esprit or not! If they are doing it with someone elses engine, i dont want them to make it! It doesnt ring true anyway as the engines are all computer designed now, it seems incredulous that it could not be running very well......maybe in need of some fiddling, but its the core business of Lotus Engineering! If a block was designed, a cam head and all associated parts, this represents a massive amount of the investment.....it would seem most illogical that by this point it would be running so poorly that it would be thrown out. Either path represents continued investment. Surely they know by now that one of the main things we all want is a lotus engine in a lotus car. That said, is they dont have the cash and need to save up via the MY12 stunning Evora and the awesome Exige S, do it. We will wait!!!!

God i wish i was a billionaire so i could buy lotus and put it right. Starting with "their most recognisable car was the king of the wedge supercars". And perhaps running from there....IE

1. The 300 sport was meant to be the last esprit of the then current design.

2. Design what you WOULD have designed after the 300 sport in 1995 (probably a full evolutionary redesign).

3. That design should not have lasted past about 2003. So design an updated version of the 1995 design for what was trendy in 2003.

4. That 2003 design would have lasted until now. Brings us to the present day, look back at those 2x hypothetical esprit designs and bring it forward once more. - basically, bring the Wedge into the 21st century! (but not the fighter jet angular aka Lambo style, looks good now but will date)

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

True... walking around Brands the other day looking at all those lovely Lotus's, the Guigiaro Esprits were looking better than ever.

[Bibs]

http://sniffpetrol.com/2012/08/30/dany-bahaha-on-his-recent-legal-action/

Hello believers,

You may have heard that I am taking legal action against Lotus and that I am demanding from them $6.7 million. This is correct. They are the enemies of premium lifestyle aspirational lifestyle excellence and I must smite them with my mighty optimum heritage lifestyle sporting lifestyle aspirational sword of truth. That is why I have assembled a crack legal team here at my new headquarters, Room 231 at the Norwich Airport Premier Inn.

Today I want to outline to you, my loyal followers, what I intend to do with the money that I will extract from Lotus. I will happily explain my intentions to you now, but please remember to keep staring at my slowly rotating bow tie…

As you may remember, when I decided to be sacked by Lotus there was some disagreement over The Plan. I said that The Plan was strong. The weak Lotus fools said The Plan was ‘ridiculous and we don’t know how you’ve managed to keep the media wanking over it without questioning its transparent impossibility for so long you deranged fantasist’. That was the moment when I decided to be told to leave.

The truth is, I was right and they were wrong. You can tell this because I have nicer hair. The Plan is still strong and for the first time I can reveal that I will be using the money I get from Lotus to put The Plan into action for myself. Yes, my believers, you are witnessing the first steps of the brand new company, Lotus-Bahar Cars (Dany Bahar Is Great) Ltd.

Already I have assembled a crack team here at my new headquarters and we are hard at work on six brand new designs which I intend to announce all at once just as soon as Mickey Rourke and Brian May return my calls.

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, ‘Dany, you are so great that you could easily design and develop six brand new models on your own but wouldn’t it be easier on you and your excellent hair if you had some help?’ You are correct. The good news is, I do have help here at LBC(DBIG)L HQ. Working with me here in Room 231 I have my new Director Of Styling, Tefal Mini-Kettle, and my new Director of Engineering, McVities Complimentary-Biscuits. Together we are laying the foundations for The Plan to become a reality and as soon as the money from those infidels at Lotus arrives I will be able to issue some vague assurances about where it will be spent without giving enough detail for you to be able to work out that it doesn’t add up.

Until then, refer all legal matters to my council Mr Corby Trouser-Press at the usual HQ address and please, keep drinking the Kool Aid.

Lord Dany Bahahaha

[vintaylor]

you read the above post and start wondering what drugs this guy is on!

[benjamincalleja]

bahahahahahaha

[ramjet]

The ironic thing of that Bibs is DB probably thinks that way.