Lotus will terminate the contracts of all its European dealerships in July 2012 as part of plans to completely overhaul its dealership network.
Lotus CEO Dany Bahar has written to the Norfolk firm’s entire European dealership network informing them that their contracts will not be renewed and will expire on 18 July 2012.
Full story: Lotus reveals radical new direction
The sports car firm is acting within the current terms of its dealerships’ contracts, which outlines that two-year’s notice must be given for termination.
Plans for a radical overhaul of the European dealer network will be revealed in the period after the Paris motor show, the location where Lotus’s new five-year blueprint will be announced, outlining its future building a new range of more luxurious GTs and sports cars.
Lotus has confirmed the current dealer network would be able to apply for new dealerships or franchises under new terms, but it has yet to reveal precise details on what those terms will be.
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Re: Lotus axes dealer network
Thanks, but I'd read it. I meant I'd need to find out in more detailed terms exactly how it would affect one particular dealership - partly because it's the first dealer Lotus ever had, partly because it's on a rural site, with roads on two sides, and no space for redevelopment anywhere. There was no need for you to reply in such a patronising way anyway.
Re: Lotus axes dealer network
Not good news on the Lotus front, looks like it's full steam ahead on the 'upmarket' push..
Really not a good idea, if you move away from what makes you unique in the marketplace, what makes you different?
If you want a 120k+ sports car- you'll buy Ferrari/Lambo
If you want a 100K+ British sports car you'll buy a Aston.
If you want a sub 100k sports car, you'll buy Porsche
These are the type of buyers Lotus are going to have to convert to realise the strategic direction they wish to take the company.
surely a new Espirt would have been sufficent to chase the high end sales?
Think the Malaysian owners may regret the day they put a Ferrari man in charge of Lotus.
Re: Lotus axes dealer network
+1