New Esprit severely delayed - if ever...
Discussion
NEWS RELEASE
Solid 5 Year Plan Heralds 3 New Models.
Group Lotus is set for a bright future with a greatly expanded and extended car model
programme and new opportunities for the engineering business on a re-aligned basis.
Following a major review of the entire business and with the full support of the Lotus Group
International Limited (LGIL) holding company board, Lotus intends to launch two additional
new models over the next three years. This is in addition to the new Esprit, which will top the
range as the company’s future flagship sports car.
The two additional models will be a new mid-range Lotus set for launch in December 2008 and
a Lotus/Proton high-performance model, due in May 2008. The flagship Esprit replacement,
whose introduction has been extended to incorporate more Lotus “DNA” and other
enhancements to meet the changing needs of the global marketplace, will be unveiled in
December 2009.
The review also highlighted opportunities for growth in the engineering consultancy business,
including expansion in new markets, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus said: “We are very pleased to
have secured LGIL Board approval for a high-level five-year strategic business plan –
the first such approved plan that this company has had in the last six years. We have
some great opportunities ahead of us and some already under way. It’s a very bright
future but we have to work hard to bring all the opportunities to fruition.”
The current Lotus model range includes the award-winning and class-leading Elise and Exige
with the recently-introduced Europa S. The three new models, all to be sold through the Lotus
dealer network, will address new market segments and allow Lotus to extend its appeal to a
wider customer base. Development work on two of the three new models is already ongoing
and will increase significantly in future months.
Responding to a general economic downturn in certain key markets, Lotus has recently
reduced production of its iconic Elise and Exige models. It also expects to ‘right-size’ its
workforce to match capacity with global demand and to minimise overheads.
Mike Kimberley concluded “Like many other carmakers we need to tighten our belts in the
short term. It is essential we respond fast to market conditions while we drive forward this
exciting long-term plan. Our shareholder Proton has been and is very supportive of Group
Lotus plc, with strong backing for our realignment plans.”
Sounds like a severe attack of cold feet at Proton to me.
Solid 5 Year Plan Heralds 3 New Models.
Group Lotus is set for a bright future with a greatly expanded and extended car model
programme and new opportunities for the engineering business on a re-aligned basis.
Following a major review of the entire business and with the full support of the Lotus Group
International Limited (LGIL) holding company board, Lotus intends to launch two additional
new models over the next three years. This is in addition to the new Esprit, which will top the
range as the company’s future flagship sports car.
The two additional models will be a new mid-range Lotus set for launch in December 2008 and
a Lotus/Proton high-performance model, due in May 2008. The flagship Esprit replacement,
whose introduction has been extended to incorporate more Lotus “DNA” and other
enhancements to meet the changing needs of the global marketplace, will be unveiled in
December 2009.
The review also highlighted opportunities for growth in the engineering consultancy business,
including expansion in new markets, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus said: “We are very pleased to
have secured LGIL Board approval for a high-level five-year strategic business plan –
the first such approved plan that this company has had in the last six years. We have
some great opportunities ahead of us and some already under way. It’s a very bright
future but we have to work hard to bring all the opportunities to fruition.”
The current Lotus model range includes the award-winning and class-leading Elise and Exige
with the recently-introduced Europa S. The three new models, all to be sold through the Lotus
dealer network, will address new market segments and allow Lotus to extend its appeal to a
wider customer base. Development work on two of the three new models is already ongoing
and will increase significantly in future months.
Responding to a general economic downturn in certain key markets, Lotus has recently
reduced production of its iconic Elise and Exige models. It also expects to ‘right-size’ its
workforce to match capacity with global demand and to minimise overheads.
Mike Kimberley concluded “Like many other carmakers we need to tighten our belts in the
short term. It is essential we respond fast to market conditions while we drive forward this
exciting long-term plan. Our shareholder Proton has been and is very supportive of Group
Lotus plc, with strong backing for our realignment plans.”
Sounds like a severe attack of cold feet at Proton to me.
Edited by 5 USA on Wednesday 20th September 18:28
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