Lotus: "We are going through a very difficult time"
 

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Lotus: "We are going through a very difficult time"

Lotus has decided to release a statement to quash rumors it is calling in the administrators. Since the Formula 1 debacle which saw major sponsors pull out, the name Lotus has been bandied about with all sorts of speculation as to the future of the British company.

"There have been and continue to be positive discussions between Group Lotus senior management and senior management at DRB-HICOM both here in Hethel and in Malaysia," the statement said. "Despite various rumors in the media to the contrary, at no point has DRB-HICOM indicated to Group Lotus that they intend to put the company into administration."

Some had said that production had stopped, while others speculated that CEO Danny Bahar's absence was a sign of the company going south. According to Lotus, none of that is true.

"It’s no secret that we are going through a very difficult time at the moment due to the change in ownership," continued the statement, "but we’re doing everything we can to get through this period and come out the other side stronger than before. We’re very grateful for the continued support we receive from the people of Norfolk and all over the world."

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Would like to see them pull through, to much good heritage here.

Agreed. Lotus fills a perfect spot in the automotive world that I'm not sure anyone else could fill.

such a shame for its name to go south if it happens. hopefully Lotus makes it through.

production is certainly delayed if not stopped. my friend's been waiting the new Exige delivery since March oversea. no ETA now... :(

It'd be a shame to see them fold. So many sports cars these days are either overweight or overpriced. It's nice to have them around providing a lightweight driver's car that's within the reach of normal folks.

I feel very torn about this. On one side, I would love for them to pull through, there's much more at stake here then just cars. There's people's lives. However, I would like to point out a very REAL issue- their cars.

They are not producing cars that people want, nor can justify for basically- kit cars. Their quality, fit and finish is shoddy at best. For the $ they are charging there are automakers who produce REAL cars that are built to great specifications with original OEM parts. That's not to say people don't want a Lotus- but the point is- that the people who have been in charge for many years have sipped some really messed up kool-aid. WHO do they think their client is, and WHAT real value are their cars bringing?

They need REAL products that people will buy. Not kit cars. People want to spend $$ on a lotus; but not one that's been tossed together around a Toyota engine and truck transmission.

real cars people.

Lotus should build a car that's in the 20-30k range and a real handler with REAL quality and workmanship. And the super cars need real OEM Lotus only engines and transmissions- with quality that matches Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz or better!

Very similar issues that SAAB had. No real product that is competitive to give enough people reason to consider them viable; thus wanting to part with their money.

Tough times indeed. Not shocking results I'm afraid.

agreed Chris.

the name is still good & carry a prestige status somehow, but the product quality is not up there with the name. it's just not a car u can look in details. their price point is also not realistic reflecting their quality & package offered.

some good company that has money, experience & resource should step up to buy them. it has a bright future, if run by the right people.

Let's all pool our money together and buy them.

^^^^ Idea of the century!!! Let's all save Lotus :)

Upon further review, I didn't know the elise and evora were so expensive! In my head the elise was like a 35-40k car. I sat in an evora last week and 64k? lol!