Future of Lotus

[exeterjeep]

From the Lotus retailer web site, notice today that Hendy Lotus Poole is no longer a service agent either now, had dropped off being a 'dealer' a couple of months ago. Knew that their new Lotus CI had been delayed and now know why.

Would have thought that this site would have been the main Hendy one as the other sites are somewhat smaller. Makes me wonder what will happen to them in the near to mid term future. Posted elsewhere today that Poole is now Maserati. 

[Rambo]

It begs the question from me, where are all you guys lucky enough to have an Emira goung to get it serviced/going for your recalls?

[Bibs]

[exeterjeep]

On facebook.... looked up the shopping site, never heard of before - what a load of expensive crap.  are these really Lotus' target audience.

https://www.facebook.com/LotusCars/photos/a.713113505399764/6107129899331404

[yeller77]

Slippery slope re: Celebs. Swizz and D-list Baldwins much? 🙈

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

That’s horrific. If that’s all the 75 year anniversary is about, then I’m oot.

[ramjet]

I just went to the website for a sticky beak as well. Not my thing either. There is nothing to say that the older of you all have to be a part of 'that' crowd?

Maybe even be able to impress upon them what you know and change them into 'believers'?

If that doesn't work, then just drag them, kicking and screaming.

[Rambo]

19 hours ago, exeterjeep said:

On facebook.... looked up the shopping site, never heard of before - what a load of expensive crap.  are these really Lotus' target audience.

https://www.facebook.com/LotusCars/photos/a.713113505399764/6107129899331404

Slapper. I'd rather get intimate with the real thing, the Ford Capri.

I'm beginning to think Lotus are losing/have lost the plot 🤔

Who is she anyway? Never heard of her. But, then again, I have to admit I'm still stuck in the 80's/90's time warp 🤣

[C8RKH]

5 hours ago, Rambo said:

Who is she anyway?

Oh a she. Thanks for clarifying that for me.

[Rambo]

Well, I think it's a woman? Looks a bit androdyne to me. But, who knows what gender under "Herr Krankie's" new rules 🤔

[ramjet]

I wondered whether the person was a man or woman, but the the word actress in the title gave it away. Still don't know anything that she has been in though.

[exeterjeep]

Noticed today that the service agent in north Acton London  - HR Owen is no longer listed on the Lotus web site. Was still there a couple of days ago. They had been service agents for many years since London Lotus closed. But I doubt if many folks actually used them.

Makes the Lotus UK map look even more sparse round London and the home counties, hope Lotus get the supposed new retail shops/centres up and running.

In the next couple of years they need to get more locations to support the Emira/Eletre etc, if they want to improve both sales and customer support.

[KusaKusa]

Car and Driver: Matt Windle Is Bullish about Lotus's Future Prospects

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

Thanks for that. A couple of comments. The Car & Driver journalist states that Lotus is 72 years old, but it is famously celebrating 75 years in 2023. Lotus will introduce metal body panels, rather than sticking with composites. Lotus will not produce a low cost Elise replacement, despite the never-ending requests from keyboard warriors on forums around the globe. Lotus is no longer expecting to sell all 130 Evijas.

[jep]

I hadn't realised Matt Windle is not involved with Electre or any of the lifestyle cars; that is Lotus Technology, a separate company. 

Matt is MD of Lotus Cars, which is the sports car division of the Group. 

It appears the two companies interact as required for specialist input.

Fascinating interview. And a clever business model by Geely. 

Justin 

[Rambo]

4 hours ago, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

Thanks for that. A couple of comments. The Car & Driver journalist states that Lotus is 72 years old, but it is famously celebrating 75 years in 2023. Lotus will introduce metal body panels, rather than sticking with composites. Lotus will not produce a low cost Elise replacement, despite the never-ending requests from keyboard warriors on forums around the globe. Lotus is no longer expecting to sell all 130 Evijas.

You forgot the "we've got cupholders"

Very important for Lotus enthusiasts who like to drive hard and fast 😐

[KusaKusa]

10 hours ago, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

Thanks for that. A couple of comments. The Car & Driver journalist states that Lotus is 72 years old, but it is famously celebrating 75 years in 2023. Lotus will introduce metal body panels, rather than sticking with composites. Lotus will not produce a low cost Elise replacement, despite the never-ending requests from keyboard warriors on forums around the globe. Lotus is no longer expecting to sell all 130 Evijas.

Wouldn't metal body panels increase weight? And I had thought the use of composites was how Lotus could get such sharp angles in the Emira bodywork vs aluminum. Corvette still uses composite panels, so they must have a pretty good advantage.

8 hours ago, jep said:

I hadn't realised Matt Windle is not involved with Electre or any of the lifestyle cars; that is Lotus Technology, a separate company. 

Matt is MD of Lotus Cars, which is the sports car division of the Group. 

It appears the two companies interact as required for specialist input.

Fascinating interview. And a clever business model by Geely. 

Justin 

Matt spearheaded the Vision80 plan I believe, coming up with the product line that includes the lifestyle vehicles. But after the creation of Lotus Technology, yeah he should just be in charge of the sports cars and Hethel site.

[DarrylV8]

Think it was Matts predecessor Phil Popham who spearheaded Vision80 came from a boating background when JMG left 

[TdM]

Network panels are easier to repair, which falls into the 'daily driver' remit. Makes sense for mass market sales to be in metal.

[Bibs]

https://ltcc.teamtailor.com/jobs/2165996-group-pr-director

Job description

A Group PR Director is required to join the new Group Lotus Brand Centre in London, with hybrid working.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Brand Officer, you will define and drive the global PR strategy with an emphasis on corporate and IPO related communications. Be a key part of establishing the new Global Brand Centre and have the opportunity to shape the PR strategy and momentum in the run-up to, during and post IPO, working closely with Brand and PR teams across the world including the most senior executives involved in the IPO preparations.

You will collaborate with a world-class creative team, delivering campaigns that will transform Lotus into a more powerful global performance brand.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

- Deliver a harmonised global communications strategy that enhances the Lotus brand and supports corporate and IPO objectives

- Oversee the development of world-class campaigns and content that will ignite global media, analysts and stakeholders

- Carefully 'police' global PR and communications ensuring consistency of message, impacts and ensuring corporate and regulatory governance in all relevant communications

- Act as an expert business partner to the IPO office in China and the finance and corporate functions globally

- Analyse results and feedback from internal and external customers to enable continuous improvement

- Be a true ambassador for the Lotus brand and support increased employee engagement in Lotus business transformation overall.

- Responsibility for global group PR budget

- Manage the global communications budget

- Develop the business case to support investment

- Ensuring true global consistency across all markets, with differing timescales and local requirements

- Define the global communications strategy

Essential Skills & Attributes

- Global Automotive or Luxury brands

- Agency or Client side background with a track record delivering creative work and managing a wide variety of creative and technical disciplines

- IPO / Listed company experience

- Proven experience creating world class integrated communication strategies

- Global or NSC level experience

- A highly skilled communicator, able to work collaboratively with the ability to form and lead teams

- A true team player and leader

- Highly organised project management skills within the marketing discipline

Qualifications

- PR, Corporate Communications, journalism, or related Marketing field or equivalent experience

[jep]

55 minutes ago, Bibs said:

true team player and leader

True team John Player and leader...  Shurely? 

Justin

 

 

[Bibs]

https://www.thelotusforums.com/latest-news/lotus-cars-news/group-lotus-appoints-mike-johnstone-to-lead-global-commercial-team/

[NedaSay]

Britishvolt collapse https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-manufacturing/britishvolt-collapses-loss-nearly-300-jobs

 

Lotus had signed an MOU with them if i'm  not mistaken...Oopsie. Good thing they still have access to CATL battery technologies thru the group...

[jonwat]

Alpine mulls Lotus platform for new electric luxury SUVs

[Bibs]

https://electrek.co/2023/01/31/luxury-ev-maker-lotus-to-go-public-under-the-ticker-lot/