Lotus’ new owner, Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom, has revised their future model plans, reducing the scale of former CEO Dany Bahar’s ambitious 5-car lineup.
According to an investment analyst interviewed by Malaysian media outlet The Star, Lotus will cut back their new model plans from 5 nameplates to 3, but that the strategy was still being worked out. The analyst, working for Malaysian firm RHB Research, met with DRB-Hicom officials to discuss future plans.
According to RHB, there is healthy demand in China for Lotus cars, and the company is producing as many cars as possible based on a single shift work schedule. RHB claims that DRB-Hicom plans to hang on to Lotus, and see through the introduction of new vehicles, based on a common platform. No specifics were given regarding the nature of the vehicles.
Who really cares anymore?
Well I like Lotus and hope they can work something out.
fredtal,
I agree. I know it’s been painful to watch this ongoing drama (as Ethan Gaines bemoans), but Lotus is worth saving. They represent a “purer” form of driving than almost any other car maker I can think of. And without getting into real super-car territory, a company like BMW or VW could snatch them up and flesh out its own offerings in performance vehicles, – – – BMW especially could use something like this, since it no longer produces “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, unlike its own advertising would lead you to believe.
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I want to make it clear: I like Lotus. I wish the best for the brand, but after the Saab saga I’m jaded to bad news coming from manufacturers.
When is TTAC going to start Lotus Death Watch?
Death Watch? Lotus has been on life support for years.
I’d sell a kidney for that rallying Exige in the background.
ANYONE surprised how that Bahar character turned out to be full of Grade A shit?
A Lotus with a black 3? That so appeals to the hillbilly/anglophile in me.
Mazda, please buy lotus and make it your performance/luxury division.
How about Toyota + boxer engine?
I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us. Thank you for sharing…
ship my car