VW buys Proton of Malaysia

[AlbanyCartel]

But why should we care?

Because Proton owns Lotus!

VW just obtained 51% of Proton. GM originally wanted it, but VW sniped it from underneath.

"Official announcement" to be made Feb 8.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/01/...-proton-lotus/

[drunken monkey]

I hardly think that anyone in their right mind would stick their fingers into what Lotus are doing.
The way I see it, VW have seen that Lotus can makes very tasty pies and should let them make pies however they want to.

Lotus Engineering and the type of business they do is pretty much unique in how it operates for a car manufacturer. Lotus road cars would not exist if Lotus Engineering didn't exist and as it stands, Lotus' work does not interfere with anything that VW/Porsche do. If anything, VW support might mean that more things get tested than before under a more nervous Proton.
Considering that we have a New Esprit coming up based on a New Platform, I think it's good news.

[DinanM3_S2]

Elise 2.0t!

Unfortunately I don't really see how a company like Lotus fits in with VW. VW has plenty of sporting connections already with Audi, Lambo, and Bugatti, not to mention their connection with Porsche. I wouldn't be suprised if we saw them sell Lotus to someone like Toyota, who is desperate for some sporting credentials. As long as it doesn't go Chinese, I'll be happy.

[drunken monkey]

the thing is, none of the VW/Porsche groups are anything like Lotus with possibly Porsche's motorsport arm being perhaps the closest in spirit and so Lotus more or less fits into a hole that VW doesn't have covered; that is an operation that can take purely engineering commisions not entirely related to the immediate production line.. At the end of the day, I'm pretty sure that who-ever ends up with Lotus wouldn't interfere with their operations anyway, instead just letting them do their thing and take a chunk of the profits (if they exist....).

Saying that though, considering how much buying power Toyota have and seeing that Lotus are at the moment using their engines (and gearboxes), I'm surprised that no offer has been made by them. Could it possibly be that the long standing rumour that Toyota are looking at taking a bite out of one of the big three american companies be true?

[AlbanyCartel]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

...I'm surprised that no offer has been made by them.

Same here, seems like Toyota should have had this. I mean, I also heard rumors that the new Esprit, which is scheduled to be revealed in 08', might have a Toyota V8. I doubt this is still going to happen, though I am not complaining that much, they might go with a Lambo V10 instead.
This appears to be the latest design concept of the Esprit, alot of "ifs and maybes" surrounding this thing;



Even then, how would the new Esprit fair against its competitor Porsche (or Lambo -I also heard rumors its going to be spec'd to compete with the Gallardo)? It would be a shame if Lotus was reduced to a design department.

Whatever the plans are, I'm sure they are already set in stone considering Porsche has the right to end any big decision VW makes, and has yet let this through.

As Dinan stated, they might just sell it off. I mean, VW does have a pretty big stake of the Chinese, East Asian, market. Maybe they were just after Proton, its purchase will just add to their presence.

[Jimster]

Elise TDI anyone?





Yeah, me neither. Still good to see Lotus get a bit of proper financial backing behind them.

[VAD0R]

Like what Albany and Jimster pointed out to, the most "interference" to Lotus from the VW Group will probably be that they will give Lotus their engines so the engineers can tweak around, push them to the limit, make new features and so one, then in return VW can release watered down versions into the rest of their lineup.

Even though Audi sort of does that already, Lotus can push it even further and add even more unique mechanics and software to the engines. Or they will continue to let Lotus source Toyota parts and VW will use it as a bridge of sorts to bring the two companies closer together.

[MonsterBengt]

I want an Elise with the R32 engine.. Sound nice anyways. Or would that be too big?