RE: Lotus: The perils of a hands-on CEO
Discussion
donteatpeople said:
I'm not sure what your point is? This reads like your suggesting the current lack of large profits is a good reason why they shouldn't move into a more profitable area of the market. It also sounds like your suggesting they should spend less money to avoid under developing products. How can they win?
The Lotus 7 was bread and butter car, the Elise is much the same and without it the company wouldn't be in business. Just hope the company doesn't loose its soulDeejRC said:
SidewaysSi said:
Agent XXX said:
Gecko1978 said:
I went to Pagani a few years ago when they had just unveiled the Zonda R track only model. While we were being shown around they fired it up opened the factory gates an went out onto the open roads. I asked what about the police an our guide smiled an said they just get out of the way
So true!I've seen prototype Ferraris buzzing round the roads near Maranello numerous times, at great speed and zero action from the Polizia. If anything I reckon they actively encourage it!
I have and I came to learn the BMW test routes quite well...hell the i8 test route was pretty much my journey to work.
Your statement above isn't quite the truth...
Yipper said:
It is not the handling and ride the CEO needs to test.
It is the godawful interiors.
Recently looked at buying an Exige S V6. Looked incredible, drove incredible, sounded incredible... but the inside is like something from a gokart. You just can't take family, friends or clients out for a spin, the interior is plain embarrassing.
They only have to raise the quality to halfway between an Alfa 4C and a Porsche Cayman and Lotus will see an instant jump in sales and profit.
And, yes, they can do it and still keep the car "light enough".
You liar Yips, you old monkey. No way were you thinking of buying one...what did you get instead? It is the godawful interiors.
Recently looked at buying an Exige S V6. Looked incredible, drove incredible, sounded incredible... but the inside is like something from a gokart. You just can't take family, friends or clients out for a spin, the interior is plain embarrassing.
They only have to raise the quality to halfway between an Alfa 4C and a Porsche Cayman and Lotus will see an instant jump in sales and profit.
And, yes, they can do it and still keep the car "light enough".
Lovely 'story' about the strip down, but come on!
If the situation was as described, his move wasn't to ask the team to strip the cars and cost them, but to sack his supply chain leadership.
That he didn't, implies to me they were competent.
That the supply chain haven't already performed the cost-down excersize, implies they were working to different priorities (ie get lead time down, or consolidate suppliers, or extend credit terms with suppliers, all things that a supply chain would be asked to do in a company that was struggling for stabikity/cash.
So, the story to me reads like a kick in the face to the sourcing team at lotus.
New Co, more stability, change focus of supply chain would be a nicer story to me and give opportunity for CEO to praise team. This Just read like a CEO w
kfest to me, lotus isn't one man.
Still, good they're making progress, I can see me back in an else at some point
If the situation was as described, his move wasn't to ask the team to strip the cars and cost them, but to sack his supply chain leadership.
That he didn't, implies to me they were competent.
That the supply chain haven't already performed the cost-down excersize, implies they were working to different priorities (ie get lead time down, or consolidate suppliers, or extend credit terms with suppliers, all things that a supply chain would be asked to do in a company that was struggling for stabikity/cash.
So, the story to me reads like a kick in the face to the sourcing team at lotus.
New Co, more stability, change focus of supply chain would be a nicer story to me and give opportunity for CEO to praise team. This Just read like a CEO w
kfest to me, lotus isn't one man.Still, good they're making progress, I can see me back in an else at some point
Jellinek said:
Speeding on public roads for a man in his position is disgraceful. Attempting to justify it as necessary, ridiculous.
Potentially launching a new ‘poster car’ project in the company’s present state is deluded if that’s what he’s implying, as is his belief he represents the best person to sign off a car.
My prediction is that Gales will spend the next 2 years burning through Geely’s cash with no profits and only succeed in delivering under-developed product which will alienate even more customers and reinforce the company’s existing reputation for poor quality. Sadly, I feel hIs new plan, just like his old one, is not viable.
Blimey! What a bundle of laughs you are!Potentially launching a new ‘poster car’ project in the company’s present state is deluded if that’s what he’s implying, as is his belief he represents the best person to sign off a car.
My prediction is that Gales will spend the next 2 years burning through Geely’s cash with no profits and only succeed in delivering under-developed product which will alienate even more customers and reinforce the company’s existing reputation for poor quality. Sadly, I feel hIs new plan, just like his old one, is not viable.
V8 FOU said:
Gales is a total legend.
He inherited a real mess from Danni Boy - if it weren't for Gales, there would be no Lotus today.
Don’t forget that Lotus were screwed long before Bahar arrived with his Eurospend model. Gales is by far the best thing that has happened for Lotus since Chapman and at the rate he is improving the business and actually making the car manufacturing a professional enterprise then he looks like he’ll be surpassing Chapman even on that front. You’re spot on that without Gales then Lotus just wouldn’t be here now let alone have completely rebuilt itself internally and getting prepared to move a big step forward. He inherited a real mess from Danni Boy - if it weren't for Gales, there would be no Lotus today.
There's plenty of room on the Hethel test track to hit well over 120 in an Evora - I have managed those sorts of speeds in my TVR at Hethel. I am puzzled as to why he needs to use the A11, which after all is just one long straight in that area, when he can use Hethel with its long straight (with fast corner half way along), and all the twisty stuff on the return leg. It is a great track, beautifully surfaced, and i was able to really test the handling, brakes and dynamics of my car there.
I am not suggesting his driving was unsafe in itself, but regular drivers are not doing those sorts of speeds, don't expect others to be, and its misjudgement of the speed differential that causes some of the big accidents. I pay for track days exactly so i can enjoy the speed and handling of my car, and don't have to use the public road for that purpose. He doesn't even have to pay for his.
I am not suggesting his driving was unsafe in itself, but regular drivers are not doing those sorts of speeds, don't expect others to be, and its misjudgement of the speed differential that causes some of the big accidents. I pay for track days exactly so i can enjoy the speed and handling of my car, and don't have to use the public road for that purpose. He doesn't even have to pay for his.
QBee said:
There's plenty of room on the Hethel test track to hit well over 120 in an Evora - I have managed those sorts of speeds in my TVR at Hethel. I am puzzled as to why he needs to use the A11, which after all is just one long straight in that area, when he can use Hethel with its long straight (with fast corner half way along), and all the twisty stuff on the return leg. It is a great track, beautifully surfaced, and i was able to really test the handling, brakes and dynamics of my car there.
I am not suggesting his driving was unsafe in itself, but regular drivers are not doing those sorts of speeds, don't expect others to be, and its misjudgement of the speed differential that causes some of the big accidents. I pay for track days exactly so i can enjoy the speed and handling of my car, and don't have to use the public road for that purpose. He doesn't even have to pay for his.
Hethel is smooth and flat. A11 is more representative of normal roads. pretty s***t in other words.I am not suggesting his driving was unsafe in itself, but regular drivers are not doing those sorts of speeds, don't expect others to be, and its misjudgement of the speed differential that causes some of the big accidents. I pay for track days exactly so i can enjoy the speed and handling of my car, and don't have to use the public road for that purpose. He doesn't even have to pay for his.
Article says "Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales did well to escape with a 30-day driving ban after being caught driving at 102mph and eight points already on his licence. But as he told PH when we caught up with him earlier this week, the defence put forward by his lawyer was no sob story: he really does sign off every new car personally. Ban him for six months and he can't do that.
So whats the problem, what if he is off sick, do they stop selling cars, guess not. He is a marked man now, a few more incidents and he will be banned.
So whats the problem, what if he is off sick, do they stop selling cars, guess not. He is a marked man now, a few more incidents and he will be banned.
Guybrush said:
Shame such a jobsworth booked him; I am pretty sure the driving wasn't dangerous. I wonder if in Italy, factory test drivers on the public roads have to worry about such a thing. I doubt it.
So anyone caught at similiar speeds on that road should not be clocked, or is it just the average driver.Edited by Vipers on Saturday 27th January 17:28
Davidonly said:
Yup
PH is really sad these days. I wtf is wrong with all these snowflakes? I wish they'd sod off over to Brake or somewhere I don't have to keep scrolling past their PC crap.
I rarly visit PH anymore, but when I do im surprised at the amount of brainwashed anti speed sentiment. It's really good fun to drive 100+, as long as the conditions are safe. If you don't share that opinion, then you are most probably an unskilled driver, and you have a poor understanding of the facts. This guy is clearly a more experienced and better driver than most here, and was in a very high performance vehicle, very capable at those speeds. The jobsworth of a fuzz should have known his place and let him go - I mean this guy is doing very impressive things on zero budget, ensuring manufacturing, jobs and money in the UK. I imagine and hope these statements would have some of the members of this forum ejaculating with daily express rage, which is more a mirror on their downtrodden meak existences that anything else. :PPH is really sad these days. I wtf is wrong with all these snowflakes? I wish they'd sod off over to Brake or somewhere I don't have to keep scrolling past their PC crap.
oldtimer2 said:
Sounds like double standards are in operation when it comes to exceeding the speed limit
I think he's unlucky to even end up in court. I got caught doing 102mph near there by an officer with a laser gun. He jumped in his car and made chase but I'd already pulled into the next layby for him. I was very apologetic and he was shocked to find out I'd never got any points in 15 years. He thanked me for not keeping pedal to the metal and making him go all the way to the registered keepers address, which is what he had to do next to find the car that was overtaking me when he clocked us.He offered me court OR 3 points and a fine and I obviously took the latter. He told me the other driver wouldn't be getting that offer!
Hell, if we are going to be all beuraucratic about it and a good old Italian smile, wave and €20k to the local plod ball isn't good enough.
Give him a blue light, a police instructor in his passenger seat and a panda'd up 530d in tow and let him do his job reviving one of the UKs last great manufacturers. Plenty of other countries have such provisions.
Give him a blue light, a police instructor in his passenger seat and a panda'd up 530d in tow and let him do his job reviving one of the UKs last great manufacturers. Plenty of other countries have such provisions.
Lyons said:
Davidonly said:
Yup
PH is really sad these days. I wtf is wrong with all these snowflakes? I wish they'd sod off over to Brake or somewhere I don't have to keep scrolling past their PC crap.
I rarly visit PH anymore, but when I do im surprised at the amount of brainwashed anti speed sentiment. It's really good fun to drive 100+, as long as the conditions are safe. If you don't share that opinion, then you are most probably an unskilled driver, and you have a poor understanding of the facts. This guy is clearly a more experienced and better driver than most here, and was in a very high performance vehicle, very capable at those speeds. The jobsworth of a fuzz should have known his place and let him go I mean this guy is doing very impressive things on zero budget, ensuring manufacturing, jobs and money in the UK. I imagine and hope these statements would have some of the members of this forum ejaculating with daily express rage, which is more a mirror on their downtrodden meak existences that anything else. :PPH is really sad these days. I wtf is wrong with all these snowflakes? I wish they'd sod off over to Brake or somewhere I don't have to keep scrolling past their PC crap.
What's wrong uszing a track for testing?
Vipers said:
Lyons said:
Davidonly said:
Yup
PH is really sad these days. I wtf is wrong with all these snowflakes? I wish they'd sod off over to Brake or somewhere I don't have to keep scrolling past their PC crap.
I rarly visit PH anymore, but when I do im surprised at the amount of brainwashed anti speed sentiment. It's really good fun to drive 100+, as long as the conditions are safe. If you don't share that opinion, then you are most probably an unskilled driver, and you have a poor understanding of the facts. This guy is clearly a more experienced and better driver than most here, and was in a very high performance vehicle, very capable at those speeds. The jobsworth of a fuzz should have known his place and let him go I mean this guy is doing very impressive things on zero budget, ensuring manufacturing, jobs and money in the UK. I imagine and hope these statements would have some of the members of this forum ejaculating with daily express rage, which is more a mirror on their downtrodden meak existences that anything else. :PPH is really sad these days. I wtf is wrong with all these snowflakes? I wish they'd sod off over to Brake or somewhere I don't have to keep scrolling past their PC crap.
What's wrong uszing a track for testing?
Laws tend to be very shortsighted anyway.
SidewaysSi said:
Yipper said:
It is not the handling and ride the CEO needs to test.
It is the godawful interiors.
Recently looked at buying an Exige S V6. Looked incredible, drove incredible, sounded incredible... but the inside is like something from a gokart. You just can't take family, friends or clients out for a spin, the interior is plain embarrassing.
They only have to raise the quality to halfway between an Alfa 4C and a Porsche Cayman and Lotus will see an instant jump in sales and profit.
And, yes, they can do it and still keep the car "light enough".
You liar Yips, you old monkey. No way were you thinking of buying one...what did you get instead? It is the godawful interiors.
Recently looked at buying an Exige S V6. Looked incredible, drove incredible, sounded incredible... but the inside is like something from a gokart. You just can't take family, friends or clients out for a spin, the interior is plain embarrassing.
They only have to raise the quality to halfway between an Alfa 4C and a Porsche Cayman and Lotus will see an instant jump in sales and profit.
And, yes, they can do it and still keep the car "light enough".
Now, where is that script to block that loony Yippers posts...
Guybrush said:
Shame such a jobsworth booked him; I am pretty sure the driving wasn't dangerous. I wonder if in Italy, factory test drivers on the public roads have to worry about such a thing. I doubt it.
Why is the police officer a jobsworth for doing his job.. Are you saying it’s acceptable to drive at 102 in a 70 If you are the CEO of a car company ?.. Stupid,ignorant,comment...Lyons said:
I rarly visit PH anymore, but when I do im surprised at the amount of brainwashed anti speed sentiment. It's really good fun to drive 100+, as long as the conditions are safe. If you don't share that opinion, then you are most probably an unskilled driver, and you have a poor understanding of the facts. This guy is clearly a more experienced and better driver than most here, and was in a very high performance vehicle, very capable at those speeds. The jobsworth of a fuzz should have known his place and let him go - I mean this guy is doing very impressive things on zero budget, ensuring manufacturing, jobs and money in the UK. I imagine and hope these statements would have some of the members of this forum ejaculating with daily express rage, which is more a mirror on their downtrodden meak existences that anything else. :P
Agreed - PH can be like mumsnetnat times...Vipers said:
Are you for real, it's one law for all, not for the chosen few. Not saying it was dangerous or anything, but if you stopped you will probably get booked, you saying if he gets stopped again, let him off.
What's wrong uszing a track for testing?
Yep, they can use their discretion, and often do. They have when I've been pulled at something approaching that speed. Point is if he knew he was, he should have known the impact his booking would create for a Lotus company CEO. What's wrong uszing a track for testing?
999gsi said:
Why is the police officer a jobsworth for doing his job.. Are you saying it’s acceptable to drive at 102 in a 70 If you are the CEO of a car company ?.. Stupid,ignorant,comment...
I agree with you mate, there could have been children sitting in the middle of that dual carriageway!999gsi said:
Why is the police officer a jobsworth for doing his job.. Are you saying it’s acceptable to drive at 102 in a 70 If you are the CEO of a car company ?.. Stupid,ignorant,comment...
Being a jobsworth is more about the lack of though and effort you put in to your job, rather than just doing it. As part of doing his job he could have used his discretion. So yes, jobsworth.100+ is acceptable to anyone who has really spent some time thinking about all the factors at play when driving fast.
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