This story is taken from here :
- since firing CEO Dany Bahar in June 2012, reporting US$200 million loss (RM660 Million loss) Lotus has sought to find solid footing.
- One way was by entering motorcycle business, promising Lotus "hyper bike," built by German race team Kodewa and the Holzer Group by the turn of the year.
- And here it is, the Lotus C-01. A true stunner that isn't really a Lotus at all
- sports car maker has become more of a branding company than automotive innovator it once was
- enlisting others to do heavy lifting while licensing Lotus name for the sheet metal.
- evident in 2010 IndyCar season, slapping Lotus logos on Honda powerplant
- they did enter an engine in 2012, not sure Lotus wants to be reminded of that
- In Formula One, Lotus F1 team is powered by Renault
- C-01 bike "is not designed, engineered or produced by Group Lotus" at all.
- another licensing deal where Lotus plays consultant
- Kodewa producing the bike and Holzer handling development.
- exterior designed by Daniel Simon, man behind "Tron: Legacy" bike
- Only 100 bikes will be produced, and Lotus is yet to reveal pricing
- it's not technically a Lotus
My comments : I clearly recall Tun Dr Mahathir saying that we bought Lotus to access their design and engineering capabilities. It looks like Lotus is now also going down the same road as parent Proton. Buy other peoples' products and rebadge as Lotus. Buat apalah susah-susah nak memikir. Penat lah.
Ok so lets forget about engineering and technology. Lets just talk money. I hope the new Lotus bike sells well. Hopefully Lotus can recoup some of that RM660 million losses.
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