Lotus in Malaysia

[gtvroom]

Guys,

As we know, Lotus have recently mooted the idea of shifting part of their manufacturing out to Malaysia, because Hethel can't cope with current demands.

Even though the company is now owned by Proton, surely a major part of owning a Lotus is knowing that it's one of last true modern British sports cars made in THIS country.

Won't moving even part of the production outfit to Asia tarnish a fantastic brand?

GTV

[garyDVO]

As said on Seloc, build quality?

Gary

[scotte]

Hi,

I thought the cars built for Malaysia were just for the US market ?

Maybe the fact the sports cars are British isnt the biggest selling point for that market - its not for me. Besides if Lotus as a company are more economic manufacturing abroad then i guess its a sound decision for them if they can keep making cars. Pretty sure lower production costs wont lower prices though

Cheers
Scott

[gooby]

The chassis is made in Norway (If I remember correctly) The body work in France, The switch gear is GM so god knows where that is made. The engine is Toyota, developed and built by yamaha
(probably in japan). It is assembled in Hethel but really, so what. The key is that it is designed and developed in the UK where we have the best engineers and designers, that is the important bit and that isnt changing.

[weed]

Rumour has it that VW is showing some interest in the aquisition of Proton.

Either way, it's a loss to the independent, innovative British car industry.
m