RE: New CEO for Lotus

[dubbs]

I don't like the idea of a bod like this running Lotus. These British sportscar manufactuere's are all the top because they have an engineering background that excels over all others. Most of these companies need engineers at the top to recognise innovation and to direct the company down paths that aren't necessarily the most profitable but are the most inspired. This is what makes us (UK) stand out. Put a guy like this in and all we will see is lots more "consultancy" to the eurobox brigade and a whole lot less "WOW" factor out of the factory gates.

[AndyToone]

Hmmm.. it seems Lotus have lost the plot a bit, so perhaps this guy will have a good effect.

[fishnchips]

Chris Knight is retiring. I wonder what the reasons are - seems a strange time to leave. Recent job cuts, the suspension of M250 development, delays in S2 production and worries about Proton's involvment are at the forefront of the minds of many Lotus customers. Lotus seemed on a roll over the last few years under the guidance of Chris Knight, but things haven't turned out as he'd hoped. We don't know the reason for that, but what is Lotus's plan now, Mr. Playle?

[AndyToone]

quote:I am glad one of the board has done the Honourable thing and resigned/retired! As an ex-employee it is good to see someone at the highest level taking responsibility for Lotus' poor showing!

Care to expand on that? How long ago did you leave Lotus, and what are/were their failings from your point of view?

[Nightmare]

Ncik...what did you do at Lotus? very interesting to hear your views.... I think a new CEO might be good. It seems (and Nicks comments kinda confirm this) that lack of innovation, technical ability and producing excellent cars isn't the problem....its more lack of real direction, lack of understanding of customer perspective, and lack of cohesive action (hence all the delays and related disinformation). I hope the new guy is agressive and dynamic and kicks some serious butt to address the real problems.... Night

[Nightmare]

Nick, Cheers for the reply..... I understand that the Lotus/Vauxhall thing went along the lines of Vauxhall Quality Assuurance turning up and saying "whats that?" and Lotus saying "your VX220", and Vauxhall saying "I dont bloody thing you make decent cars like that, do it better...". Do you know why Lotus (and ALL 'small' volume sports car makers) have such poor build quality in relation to mass producers? Its such a shame, cos if Lotus / TVR et al could avoid that problem Im sure so many more people would buy and feel like they were taking less of a risk? anyway - wheres my M250??!!!! Night

[AndyToone]

quote: M250 - I would be suprised if you see one any time in the next 3 years! Edited by NickNor on Tuesday 17th April 12:08

That implies that the M250 has been completely ditched, and that it is being redesigned from scratch. Slowly. True?

[DBW]

Hi NikNor Interesting to see a former Lotus guy on the boards. Welcome. I have a V8 GT, throughout this site you may be able to see the problems that I have had with it. Has there been many V8's rejected, and should I be concerned that my engine problems have been diagnosed as the lifters? (SGT has recommended a new set of lifters but Lotus, as usual, are making no comment.) I have had an email from Simon Wood acknowledging my email of compliant to Terry Playle. Is Simon a reasonable guy? I need someone there who can talk rationally about the situation with Lotus. Cheers D BW Hate it - lurv it!