Interview with Tengku Hasmadi, Commercial Director
Discussion
Is in the current Lotus Life magazine from the OLC. Lots of very encouraging words about finances, commitment, model programmes etc. etc. A few quotes:
Lotus has recently been re-financed. What is the current financial strength of the company?
Very strong. Proton as you know recently increased its shareholding in Lotus from 80% to 100% and this is a very positive move. We are turning the business around: controlling costs; continuing investment. The Rights Issue alone means that more than 36million pounds has been injected into the company. It should also be remembered that in South East Asia, Proton is itself a highly profitable business, and this should give even greater comfort to the Lotus faithful.
What is happening to the Esprit?
The Esprit is our flagship brand. It will always be there, but obviously won't always have the same look and feel. There is still demand for the existing car, and we shall continue production for at least the next 12 months. I cannot at this stage disclose a date for the new model, but I can guarantee that Lotus will continue to manufacture a Supercar - and both the concept and the name of the Esprit will live on.
And the US?
The US will be a major focus in the coming years. It is still a largely untapped market. Indeed I can tell you that at the LA Motor Show this month, Lotus will announce that in mid-2004, we shall be introducing the 2005 Year model Elise into the States as part of a new commercial strategy.
Why should the Lotus faithful stay faithful?
Hopefully for all the reasons I have already outlined. Proton is commited to Lotus, and we have faith in Lotus to be able to deliver our long term strategy. And as we know, Lotus still make the best cars!
There is lots of good stuff about strong engineering capability, life in the V8 but discussion about V6, V8, V12 etc. for specific platforms, no immediate plans for a four seater, thoughts on the Elise replacement etc.
OK, given past broken promises you have to be cautious about this optimism, but with real business folk in charge (and financial stability) and what seems to be a major long term commitment to the brand, it looks like Proton might finally lay the ghosts to rest and we can look forward to a genuine long term futue for Lotus.
But then I'm a glass half full kinda guy........
Lotus has recently been re-financed. What is the current financial strength of the company?
Very strong. Proton as you know recently increased its shareholding in Lotus from 80% to 100% and this is a very positive move. We are turning the business around: controlling costs; continuing investment. The Rights Issue alone means that more than 36million pounds has been injected into the company. It should also be remembered that in South East Asia, Proton is itself a highly profitable business, and this should give even greater comfort to the Lotus faithful.
What is happening to the Esprit?
The Esprit is our flagship brand. It will always be there, but obviously won't always have the same look and feel. There is still demand for the existing car, and we shall continue production for at least the next 12 months. I cannot at this stage disclose a date for the new model, but I can guarantee that Lotus will continue to manufacture a Supercar - and both the concept and the name of the Esprit will live on.
And the US?
The US will be a major focus in the coming years. It is still a largely untapped market. Indeed I can tell you that at the LA Motor Show this month, Lotus will announce that in mid-2004, we shall be introducing the 2005 Year model Elise into the States as part of a new commercial strategy.
Why should the Lotus faithful stay faithful?
Hopefully for all the reasons I have already outlined. Proton is commited to Lotus, and we have faith in Lotus to be able to deliver our long term strategy. And as we know, Lotus still make the best cars!
There is lots of good stuff about strong engineering capability, life in the V8 but discussion about V6, V8, V12 etc. for specific platforms, no immediate plans for a four seater, thoughts on the Elise replacement etc.
OK, given past broken promises you have to be cautious about this optimism, but with real business folk in charge (and financial stability) and what seems to be a major long term commitment to the brand, it looks like Proton might finally lay the ghosts to rest and we can look forward to a genuine long term futue for Lotus.
But then I'm a glass half full kinda guy........
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