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affordable lotus


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#1
wetworks

Posted 26 April 2006 - 03:32 PM

wetworks

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would u buy a RM100k sports car?
April 25, 2006 22:08 PM E-mail this news to a friend Printable version
of this news

Proton To Manufacture Affordable Lotus In Malaysia

SHAH ALAM, April 25 (Bernama) -- National carmaker, Proton Holdings Bhd,
plans to manufacture affordable Lotus cars in Malaysia probably in late
2007 or in 2008, its managing director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed
Tahir said.

"If everything goes on well, the affordable Lotus will be done and
assembled in Malaysia. Both Lotus and Proton have agreed on the plan," he
told reporters at a press conference to mark his 100 days as managing director.

He said Proton was currently identifying the specification for the car,
platform to work with and the market to focus.

"This car could be priced around RM100,000 compared with the current Lotus
car at between RM300,000 and RM400,000. It is a very expensive car (current
Lotus). I think there is a big market for Lotus if it is within affordable
range without compromising Lotus' quality," he said.

He said with the model, the company could expand Lotus sales not only in
UK, Europe, US and Japan but also in China, India and Association of
South-East Asian Nations market.

Syed Zainal said Proton was tapping synergies with the UK-based sports car
maker, by forming partnerships with carmakers and raising quality of the cars.

"Lotus is world famous for sports cars and its engineering services, so it
makes a lot of sense for us, as the owners of Lotus, to put in more Lotus
in Proton cars. At the same time we will open doors for Lotus to provide
engineering services to other carmakers in key Asian market such as China,
South Korea and India," said Syed Zainal.

He said currently Lotus was too heavily-centred in UK. About 80-90 percent
of Lotus engineering expertise are there.

"That is nothing wrong with it. But with we have to be competitive. People
are now working towards geo-based rather then Euro-based.

"Hence, going forward, Lotus has to move from a UK-based firm to geo-based
in order to have its resources in the emerging market like China and India.

"We are taking a fresh look at making the best use of Lotus' strengths," he
said.

-- BERNAMA

#2
ottoman

Posted 26 April 2006 - 03:41 PM

ottoman

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see, i told u guys before.

its not a stupid decision to buy Lotus.
but it's how u going to make-use of Lotus with all the resources there.
TM not really explore the full-potential of Lotus.

now this Super Syed really understand on how to use Lotus.
he dont want to use Lotus badge as "marketing" purpose.
but he want to use it as for both Proton & Lotus benefit.



#3
savvybaby

Posted 26 April 2006 - 03:58 PM

savvybaby

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Dear Ottoman,

wowee

now both Savvybaby + Sexy Susan
each put 5 sen into piggy bank
total 10 sens per day

the car should be out by 2008 ?

think can save enough to buy ah ... this Lotus ?

maybe only the spare tyre huh ?

wonder whether this Lotus got AMT or not ?

Cheers from Savvybaby + Sexy Susan

ThumbUp

hey Ottoman ... take care when you go to Irag okay ?
don't land yourself in Guatanamo Bay ?



#4
ottoman

Posted 26 April 2006 - 04:02 PM

ottoman

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i didn't mention anything about the RM 100k sport car liaoo!!!

i mean about the Syed plan to use Lotus in Proton.

i don't care about the RM 100k becoz i want GT3.



#5
berserk

Posted 26 April 2006 - 04:15 PM

berserk

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Knowing Proton's track record with quality control, a RM100,000 lotus
assembled by proton will not only be a lemon but destroy the Proton brand
equity as well.

#6
ottoman

Posted 26 April 2006 - 04:18 PM

ottoman

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give time to Mr Syed laaa..

only 100 days hold the position.
im sure his priority now is about the quality.



#7
koolspyda

Posted 26 April 2006 - 04:32 PM

koolspyda

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RM100K??

if it the proton influenced "lotus europa" then it isnt well loved. Almost everyone in the lotus
forums panned it. Even the overseas magazines fans write-in (UK EVO, CAR, etc) hates the
styling.

Even a US lotus representative said the go-ahead on the europa wasnt exactly their choice.
(check US lotus forums) . They (lotus) knows the europa is going to be a failure in the market
(europe, US) now based on feedback BUT may tool it to serve asean (esp malaysia)

well, then I suspect it will be the no frills europa then (no power window, creature comforts, no
air-bags, almost bare will be it)

lotus elise S2 (VVTL-i) YES! lovely. Lotus 111R, S2 Exige, 340R all are worthy sports car. Hoping it
to be in region of RM100K. No way. if it does, I book one inmeadiately (elise S2)

#8
berserk

Posted 26 April 2006 - 04:52 PM

berserk

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err let me rephrase that

Knowing Proton's track record with quality control, a RM100,000 lotus
assembled by proton will not only be a lemon but destroy the LOTUS brand
equity as well.


#9
savvybaby

Posted 26 April 2006 - 05:12 PM

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Crying

#10
lonelyape

Posted 26 April 2006 - 05:26 PM

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Again??
Repeat Offender??
Who wants a sport car??
Who wants a potong brand sports car??