Currently reading: Lotus plans five-fold sales increase
Growing demand for sports cars will be key to Lotus increasing sales five-fold over 2012 figures

Lotus Group’s owners, DRB-Hicom, are confident the brand can achieve 4000-5000 sales annually by 2015.

The figures are based on increasing global demand for sports cars and new management under DRB-Hicom, according to DRB-Hicom chief, Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil.

Jamil said: “To change something that has been there for 16 years is not easy, but the management team is very innovative and forthcoming. We know there is competition in the market.

“However, with our quality and standard enhancements of the Lotus, we are confident we can compete.”

He said the biggest markets for the firm are China, Japan and North America. It has recently opened a showroom in Kuala Lumpur, which has delivered 12 cars from a 20-strong order book.

In 2011, Lotus produced 1457 cars, which fell to 1043 last year. Lotus says the delay in introducing Lotus Exige S, due to a “significant quality overhaul of the product prior to launch”, accounts for lower than forecast volumes.

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Hethel goes back to basics with its Lotus Exige, which makes for a capable track day machine, but one less refined than its direct rivals on the road

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Cyborg 10 January 2013

Lotus

4000-5000 annual sales by 2015 doesn't seem all that much really. Is that enough to keep the company viable over the long haul?