DanG Posted January 12, 2013 Report Share Posted January 12, 2013 I have read that Lotus sales are down some 50% YoY and that they sold only 1043 cars in 2012. Although I am trying to quantify this at the moment. Doesn't look good, however, for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinspark Posted January 12, 2013 Report Share Posted January 12, 2013 They're fecked - as I posted in another thread, you're looking at £30k for a usable entry-level Lotus, which is enough to buy 2 MX5s - I'm not convinced the Elise is that much better, unless you have enough money to spunk £30k on a weekend toy - and then you'd probably look at something a lot more special on the used market. (I know I would - in fact, for £30k, I could have a Porsche 968 and a decent spec. brand new MX5) It'll be a sad day when they do go, but sadly it's inevitable. I used to really like Lotus - when they were making the M100 Elan and the Esprit, they really did punch above their purchase price. These days, they're far too closely aligned to Porsche pricing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted January 12, 2013 Report Share Posted January 12, 2013 I have read that Lotus sales are down some 50% YoY and that they sold only 1043 cars in 2012. Although I am trying to quantify this at the moment. Doesn't look good, however, for them. The EVO story last week said it was only 137 cars!!! http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/287530/2012_car_sales_winners_and_losers.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 That was my feeling when I dropped in to a dealer last summer. Nice cars, but hopelessly optimistic price tags. Worse, the dealers seem to have realised this and have given up trying to sell them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 (edited) I have read that Lotus sales are down some 50% YoY and that they sold only 1043 cars in 2012. Mook touched on it here: http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/general-cars/138527-best-worst-selling-cars-2012-a.html. The EVO story last week said it was only 137 cars!!! It's not based on sold figures, it's based on new cars registered in the UK therefore Lotus only registered 137 new cars – including press/TDK demonstrators and dealer cars - how many did they sell? a lot less. Lotus didn't sell 1043 cars worldwide in 2012, they only produced 1043 new cars in 2012 (inc demo's, stock etc.) Edited January 13, 2013 by Andy_Bangle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanG Posted January 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Ah indeed. Lots of vehicles parked up somewhere then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 I guess they'll have sold a few which are for track use and not regisitered but that handful's not gonna make much difference. It was a success story but I fear they'll do well to get to 2014. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Ah indeed.Lots of vehicles parked up somewhere then? Yes, at the dealers. Half of them registered, too. All on sale at a significant discount, thus making sure that you don't buy a new one either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 My 2p; I think the uncertainty over ownership, and therefore warranty and residual worries, have done the biggest amount of harm. I think I read somewhere that they have 1000 orders for the Exige S, which was delayed to production due to DRB reining in the spending thanks to Bahar's mad expansion costs etc etc... Also; The models are mis-aligned. Any die hards waiting for the Esprit are not buying an Evora, when in reality the Evora is Lotus's top model and the Esprit is mothballed indefinately. The Exige is a belter, and £30k for an Elise might sound expensive but you can't compare one to a £20k MX-5, even though they're (now) good enough to be used as a daily driver (assuming you can get your fat arse in the door). Their company is saddled with debt and sooner or later an Accountant will make some painful decisions. The cars are award winning, they have a fantastic heritage, and I have nothing but praise for the ones I've driven. I suspect many of those knocking 'em haven't tried one lately. Good luck Lotus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Are Lotus still doing work for other car companies regarding setting up their suspension? I remember them working for a host of companies as they were so good at it. I still think the Mk1 Exige in orange is one of the best looking cars around, with all its faults. I saw one at Bedford Autodrome and fell in love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Are Lotus still doing work for other car companies regarding setting up their suspension? You have Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, both owned by proton, Lotus Engineering does the engine/handling design consulting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 I think I read somewhere that they have 1000 orders for the Exige S... I'd certainly take that figure with a pinch of salt! Possibly the last of Bahars bullshit! I've sat in one (the car that evo used on their coty text unless I've got my number plates mixed up!) and it was awesome, Thorburn is a lucky git to have driven one in anger. However 53k plus options is a mountain of money.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlot Posted January 15, 2013 Report Share Posted January 15, 2013 Their cars are now overpriced. Surely a five year old used Elise is 90% as good as a new one and leaves plenty of cash for a hatchback as a daily driver? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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