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Post by Tim on May 24, 2017 13:16:56 GMT
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Post by PetrolEd on May 24, 2017 13:37:57 GMT
Well they've not exactly fucked up Volvo, so can only be good news on the whole. Hopefully given the Lotus USP of weight they can avoid the whole SUV thing but survival is the main aim I guess.
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Post by michael on May 24, 2017 14:14:17 GMT
This must put Lotus in a comfortable place. Improved access to the Chinese market and an enormous boost to the engineering and research division. I'd speculate that an electric Lotus will be on the cards soon - ignoring the Tesla Roadster that is already an electric Lotus.
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Post by Big Blue on May 24, 2017 14:33:46 GMT
In view of yesterday's sad news of the death of Roger Moore I reckon a car that can dive under water and act as a submarine is being developed.
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Post by michael on May 24, 2017 14:40:24 GMT
Can I interest you in lightly used XC70?
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Post by Ben on May 24, 2017 15:05:25 GMT
The thing is, Geely left Volvo alone because it was already pretty well run. Proton (and by extension Lotus) aren't exactly in the same shape so I think they need a bit more help.
I hope this turns out well though.
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Post by Alex on May 24, 2017 18:32:20 GMT
The thing is, Geely left Volvo alone because it was already pretty well run. Proton (and by extension Lotus) aren't exactly in the same shape so I think they need a bit more help. I hope this turns out well though. Proton maybe, but Lotus have really turned a corner since Danny Baha (was that his name?) left and the entry level 1.6 Elise has bought the car back to its roots and boosted profits massively. Having access to some of Volvo's in car tech will help keep their cars up to date but I hope it's not at the expense of handling. The Excel and the mid 00's Europa showed that Elise drivers don't crave their creature comforts as much as you'd think. |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2017 20:21:10 GMT
Whatever, I hope Lotus finally get some security and decent financial backing.
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Post by Stuntman on May 24, 2017 20:23:28 GMT
I think it's good news and keep my fingers crossed for sensible development and sensible pricing.
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Post by michael on May 24, 2017 21:08:54 GMT
Can I interest you in lightly used XC70? Ha! I've already been offered one by a bloke who does some work for me - I take the piss out of him having a side line as an undertaker - it is quite nice, mind. I was at a funeral on Friday and as I got back into the car I told Louisa that if we still owned the XC70 when I peg it then that can be used to transport my corpse. |
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Post by chipbutty on May 25, 2017 10:33:30 GMT
I have zero interest in Lotus as a brand, but I think their consultative capacity in terms of vehicle dynamics is very valuable.
If Lotus can wave their magic wand in the Volvo chassis tuning department....and maybe encourage a new 5 cylinder engine family...
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Post by PG on May 25, 2017 12:39:16 GMT
I have zero interest in Lotus as a brand, but I think their consultative capacity in terms of vehicle dynamics is very valuable. It isn't really clear yet why they wanted Lotus. The Chinese are not known for building (or buying) low volume, specialist cars are they? So apart from wanting their expertise, they may well think they can use the Lotus name on other stuff, thinking it will help sell it. After all, look how well that has gone for SAIC buggering the the MG name.......... |
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Post by Ben on May 25, 2017 15:33:43 GMT
I have zero interest in Lotus as a brand, but I think their consultative capacity in terms of vehicle dynamics is very valuable. It isn't really clear yet why they wanted Lotus. The Chinese are not known for building (or buying) low volume, specialist cars are they? So apart from wanting their expertise, they may well think they can use the Lotus name on other stuff, thinking it will help sell it. After all, look how well that has gone for SAIC buggering the the MG name.......... My best guess with this deal is: - They wanted Proton to help them make inroads into the South-East Asian region (Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines etc, all pretty big markets), and to have a (sorta) established budget brand to sell in developing markets. - They wanted Lotus for engineering expertise, as well as a 'brand name', much the same way they did with Volvo. They don't have to do anything with it and leave them be, but just the fact that they can claim ownership of one of the most famous names in the automotive world will raise their standing considerably. I suspect Geely has visions of being an automotive conglomerate, much like the VW Group or Hyundai-Kia, so this is probably their way of going about it. |
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Post by Roadsterstu on May 26, 2017 1:07:24 GMT
....and maybe encourage a new 5 cylinder engine family... If only. |
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Post by Blarno on May 26, 2017 8:35:41 GMT
I think the MG name was buggered well before SAIC showed up.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2017 8:47:20 GMT
Is this in the correct section? I see no new motors...
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