Lotus fails to get funding

[hks786]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/lotus-fa...ion-plant.html

I think that's disappointing because Lotus showed us several concepts which looked really good and they have a clear plan for the future revival of models like the Esprit and Elan.

Also, we talk about unemployment and these plans would have created 1200 jobs. I wonder why the funding application was rejected. I really want to see new Lotus models.

[michaelthepsycho]

Because of brand image. People simply don't think about Lotus... There are more posers with money than drivers who want a light-weight Lotus. Plus, the new models get heavier, which is kind of anti-Lotus.

[stickypaws]

Although I hate to see the UK lose out in terms of jobs and local production, I can see why the regional growth fund wanted to put their money in the already known part of the UK auto manufacturing equation (ie, Bentley, Jaguar.)

And actually it might even be a better quality car if Magna Steyr builds it (which it sounds like will happen.) Magna Steyr has high quality control. They also build the BMW X3, the Mini Countryman, and the Aston Martin Rapide.

Lotus will become an Austrian made car.

[DASHOCKER]

Toyota should just buy Lotus and have them tune the steering and suspension on Lexus cars

[JoosyJoos]

Lotus is trying to build itself as a premium brand.... whereas the other manufacturers that received loans are well established in their markets. It's a pretty large business risk for Lotus to try such a brash strategy... if it fails they'll likely go bankrupt or at least be bought out by some larger manufacturer.

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by JoosyJoos

Lotus is trying to build itself as a premium brand.... whereas the other manufacturers that received loans are well established in their markets. It's a pretty large business risk for Lotus to try such a brash strategy... if it fails they'll likely go bankrupt or at least be bought out by some larger manufacturer.

A medium sized Malaysian entity called Proton already owns it. This is basically down to convincing the Malaysian government that Lotus has a better future this way.

[WishBone33]

so i know how the older british sports cars had horrible reliability but does anyone know if the newer lotuses like the elise and exige are reliable? i would think so, since there is little to break on them and the motors are toyota sourced.

[OBI_agent]

I was disappointed at the news as well but as someone pointed out, the malaysian company named Proton may step in and make our Lotus designs come true.