CharlieBrown 19 Report post Posted March 29 Yes, but not until the new line up is out there....that is at least 5 yrs from now. Lotus will have a new Boss in 5 yrs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted March 29 Maybe so, but Lotus will have the same ownership in the foreseeable future, with adequate funding and realistically an even more aggressive second 5 year plan... Hence the company has every reason to gear up now to get to that hypothetical 5000 cars per annum number sooner than later... The completion of the new staff restaurant and the building hall and as far as I know the new customer centre set to be completed next summer goes to prepare that. The product line up was never going to be revamped within two years of the purchase, Geely did not do it at Volvo and it was even slower at LEVC. Getting a new model actually within 3 years of the purchase even if it is actually an "Evora+" or actually "Evora-" ( Exige replacement to compete with the Boxster/Cayman) and planned under the previous management is actually unprecedented and bodes well... Yes I know we all want customer and fans alike the new car here and now and we've all been here before but the difference is that this time there is very serious investment and Lotus is owned by the newest and best connected global player out there, and this player is in here not as a care taker like some have done before but has an investor playing the long game and bullish about establishing all their companies as powerhouses... Geely took nearly 20 years to produce a 1M vehicles per annum, they want Proton to reach 1M cars in the ASEAN within 10 years. They are in the place and are putting in the time. I trust their business acumen because at this point they are proven builders. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C8RKH 4,252 2 Vehicles Report post Posted March 29 57 minutes ago, Spinney said: And Honda stated very clearly that the Swindon plant closure had nothing to do with Brexit either. Whilst its workers blamed Brexit, unless the Guardian just decided to blame Brexit anyway :) https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/feb/18/carmaker-honda-plans-to-close-swindon-factory-reports Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spinney 468 Report post Posted March 29 It's no great surprise that the workers blamed Brexit. It's a very convenient scapegoat at the moment for anything that happens and which people don't like. Honda, however, have categorically stated their decision has nothing to do with Brexit. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/honda-swindon-plant-closes-cuts-a8785876.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotty435 483 Report post Posted March 29 1 hour ago, CharlieBrown said: Yes, but not until the new line up is out there....that is at least 5 yrs from now. Lotus will have a new Boss in 5 yrs. Wow so much for supporting the new owners and there vested interest in keeping a iconic brand as going concern, please tell me what they have done wrong so far? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T_Exige 27 Report post Posted April 1 (edited) Nvm April fools Edited April 1 by T_Exige Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 2 (edited) https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/industry/opinion-life-returning-lotus-last https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/lotus-ceo-popham-plans-product-expansion Edited April 2 by NedaSay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeanvm 92 1 Vehicles Report post Posted April 2 I love to read that: "It will be a car that is within the price band that we have today in our range of products. It's going to have all you'd expect of a Lotus in terms of its DNA, which is about performance. It's about on-road and on-track handling and dynamics." And in 3 or 4 years I am intent to buy a normal car so I like to read that: "Popham says Lotus will deliver more mainstream vehicles — possibly an SUV or a sports sedan — on this condition: Any such new product must preserve Lotus' tradition of lightweight and exemplary handling." Wait and see. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 8 https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/lotus-positions-itself-life-after-brexit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 8 the latest piece from Paul Tan https://paultan.org/2019/04/08/lotus-to-preserve-tradition-of-lightweight-handling-and-parts-sharing-to-enable-brand-differentiation-report/ 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotty435 483 Report post Posted April 8 Exiting times ahead me for one can not wait Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techyd 123 1 Vehicles Report post Posted April 8 Not quite understanding the bit about new car being on sale - does he just mean it’s a show car only, or that it’ll be sold much later than end of next year? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 8 ^^I do think that Lotus and a few others are bracing for a Brexit No-deal and lengthier homologation processes... That is just me reading signs in the sky though. Under JMG, the car was supposed to show up in the dealerships in 2020, so the change of CEO coincides with a few months delay. Not surprizing considering JMG's plan was to get a new Exige out on the VVA-Evo platform and by the sound of things, we are set to get a new Evora on the same VVA-Evo. So introduction possibly at the LA Autoshow in November next year and released in February 2021 or thereabout... It could be a global release (with North America getting the car at the same time as Europe and the rest of the world) which would be a first for Lotus but considering they can just use all of the Geely R&D centres and have a lot more money, it should now possible for lotus to deal with a dual homologation process at once. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotty435 483 Report post Posted April 8 Geely win first time out with Lynk and Co at the WTCC against the best in the world, you have to admire the conviction they put into every thing they do.https://www.fiawtcr.com/cyan-racing-develops-road-version-of-lynk-car-wtcr-challenger/ 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 9 Conviction + financial, technical and human resources... 3 of the 4 drivers have one in total no less than 8 WTCC titles. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C8RKH 4,252 2 Vehicles Report post Posted April 9 5 hours ago, NedaSay said: Conviction + financial, technical and human resources... 3 of the 4 drivers have one in total no less than 8 WTCC titles. Isn't that the way to win? Even Chapman and Lotus used some of the best drivers in the world! The winning formula is as you said, but it starts with the vision, resources and determination to get to where you need to be. 2 Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusLeftLotusRight 731 1 Vehicles Report post Posted April 9 Regarding the new owner's video above. What a strange guy. I think he was more excited about making his moaning video than enjoying his 1 day old car. Most of the "issues" he raises are laughable. He has a 400 specced up with the expensive lightweight c/f roof and c/f rear hatch and then he moans that he hasn't got a glass hatch! WTF! Next up he's worrying about things falling in the bonnet vents. There are so many more daft points mentioned, it's embarassing to watch. Maybe he's the one American customer who fell for the "It's not for you" marketing strategy! 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C8RKH 4,252 2 Vehicles Report post Posted April 9 A fool and his money were easily parted there me thinks. That guy in the video obviously had not done any real research before buying a car that obviously isn't for him. Bonkers. 2 Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Breeze 108 Report post Posted April 9 The New Owner video is interesting though as it gives an idea of what the non enthusiast, potential Lotus owner is looking for in a car. I fully agree that none of his points would be of any issue at all to me, but were clearly of issue to him. He seemed to be the sort of guy who wants to make an impression with his car, not actually enjoy driving it. That said, if Lotus want to have a wider appeal, they really should have a less performance, more luxury model in their range. The Add lightness thing can also look a lot like add cheapness in some cases. For the US market, and many others, lotus need a proper GT version of the Evora, not everyone wants to be fast and furious or a track day king. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tim_marra 297 Report post Posted April 9 Most of his comments were a tad strange. Who would drive to the airport/seaport/wherever in an Evora to start a three week holiday? He must travel light on his holidays Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
au-yt 232 1 Vehicles Report post Posted April 9 38 minutes ago, Breeze said: The New Owner video is interesting though as it gives an idea of what the non enthusiast, potential Lotus owner is looking for in a car. I fully agree that none of his points would be of any issue at all to me, but were clearly of issue to him. He seemed to be the sort of guy who wants to make an impression with his car, not actually enjoy driving it. That said, if Lotus want to have a wider appeal, they really should have a less performance, more luxury model in their range. The Add lightness thing can also look a lot like add cheapness in some cases. For the US market, and many others, lotus need a proper GT version of the Evora, not everyone wants to be fast and furious or a track day king. You have summed what I was thinking. Car design is a compromise but as Enthusiasts our acceptance is different the, that looks different I’ll buy one market expecting that it will have all the bells and whistles of the average luxury barge. There is a new era coming and yes it will apeal to cup holder brigade, but I am happy with out one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 9 (edited) Did this US customer buy the car sight unseen, with no prior testing and no discussion with his dealer??? Why didn't he get a classic 400 with the glass lid that is still available... The comments about dropping his car at a "port" for a 2/3 week period is mindboggling. Would any of you guys leave his pride and joy and arguably second car at a carpark for that long? Anyway by the sound of it the next Lotus model shall satisfy the likes of him. In the meantime I found a 2010 aquamarine... lucky for me my wallet says no but my brain is so full of yes and YOLO. Edited April 9 by NedaSay 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 9 Ok this one just did not register on my watch but it could matter a great deal to Lotus in a few years time: https://www.greencarcongress.com/2019/04/20190408-ricardo.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusLeftLotusRight 731 1 Vehicles Report post Posted April 9 Wallet's are overrated. Empty it out and invest the contents wisely in that Aquamarine Evora. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NedaSay 733 Report post Posted April 9 (edited) ^^^other than wallet there's just another thing that leads me to think that as of this very minute the Evora is not quite the investment I should do: It's called Canada... I need Lotus to bring the AWD SUV stat... I'm tired of this shit. This above is pretty much the exact same view i see from my home office window, we are set for a glorious 10 to 15cm of snow today and we are the 9th of april Edited April 9 by NedaSay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
