Lotus ‘will not be sold’

Lotus parent Proton has issued a statement saying it is NOT considering a sale of the famous British sportscar maker – despite last week’s news that controversial CEO Dany Bahar has been suspended.

Lotus boss suspended following complaint

Great moments in Lotus Cars history

Lotus Eterne, Elite, Esprit, Elan, Elise, city car

The Proton statement says that new owners DRB-Hicom is not preparing to sell Lotus and that “We acknowledge that Lotus can provide value to Proton.

“Lotus is an iconic brand with global presence and positioning, coupled with unsurpassed engineering expertise and a talented workforce.”

Instead, DRB-Hicom and Proton are reviewing all aspects of the Group Lotus business, including current business plans that involve the launch of five brand new cars by 2015.

This business plan was announced to the world in a dramatic press conference at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and is a strategy many have since questioned.

The suspension of Dany Bahar added further question marks over the future of Lotus, which is why Proton has issued the statement. Bahar, it adds, was suspended following a complaint by DRB-Hicom, but no further details of the allegations have been revealed.

Consultants KPMG are assisting DRB-Hicom in the evaluation of Lotus: today’s announcement that a sale of the group is not now being considered must be considered positive news after many months of questions regarding the iconic Norfolk sports car manufacturer.

Lotus boss suspended following complaint

Great moments in Lotus Cars history

Lotus Eterne, Elite, Esprit, Elan, Elise, city car