has Bahar left Lotus

[campbell]

Some further background. Interesting twist with Youngman (Chinese squad)

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2012/04/ ... oup-lotus/

[Peter]

and then another twist..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-17834710

[j2 lot]

A further update - production of cars has resumed and a denial that there are iminent moves to sell to China

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArtic ... rs/262480/

[smee]

A message from Dany BahahaPosted in Columns by Dany Bahaha on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Hello believers,

It has been brought to my attention that various ugly rumours have been circulated whilst I was away visiting my home planet. It is time to set the record straight and to correct the thinking of those who seek to question The Plan.

Firstly, Lotus is still a Formula 1 team. I decided that the best course of action was to terminate our title sponsorship deal because it will strengthen our role in F1. When you love something, set it free. I wrote that song. I also invented Velux windows.

Secondly, Lotus is still committed to Indycar. As proof of this commitment I have decided to strengthen our involvement by working with fewer teams. Remember, three is actually a bigger number than five. Also, dogs can smell colours.

Finally, The Plan For Road Cars remains in place. Ignore the disbelievers; I am committed to building all five new Lotus models and this will happen. The only change is that we will not build the Elan. Or the new Elise. In all other respects the five car programme is strong and will start with the 2013 Esprit in 2015. In my new Lotusian calendar, 2015 comes before 2013. Remember that. And remember that I once saved someone from drowning just by looking at them.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

L. Dany Bahaha

sniffpetrol.com

[Dominic]

[j2 lot]

Latest update - Lotus not to be sold:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArtic ... rs/262768/

[Dominic]

It's good to hear some positive news

[campbell]

Common sense says DRB should now give Lotus time to demonstrate what the "interim" linup of Elise S, Exige S and Evoras can actually achieve. My opinion is that they should be allowed a full 12-month cycle for this.

But I'm most likely only to buy from their "back catalogue" in any case, so the situation is really only sentimental for me.

Best wishes to all at Hethel. Brandon was in real good spirits today, right enough, as it appears that there remains strong demand for the current product portfolio

[Lazydonkey]

It's all over twitter that bahar has been suspended.

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/bus ... _1_1389662

[ryallm]

It's all over twitter that bahar has been suspended.

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/bus ... _1_1389662

Blimey, suspended by the parent company Surely no way back from there. I thought in the new Swiz Beatz era Lotus I had seen it all, but this is truly bizarre. Where next for Lotus and the grand 5 year plan?

[campbell]

Where next for Lotus and the grand 5 year plan?

The people who know what they are talking about launch a new 5 year plan.

It says...

- deliver the Exige S orders promised, to quality

- market the Elise S correctly and get strong takeup

- capture the entry level market with Elise 1.6 and encourage trading up after a year or two, to other Lotuses

- continue with the excellent Evora, to quality

- get the Esprit launched

- enjoy your new 4-model lineup, true to Lotus spirit and expertise, watch the money roll in and stop getting ideas above your station

[ryallm]

Hilarious take on it by sniff http://sniffpetrol.com/2012/05/25/bahahamessage120525/

Presumably you can't be suspended for just being a delusional ego maniac, so I am curious to know what he is accused of..

[Sanjøy]

Think HP & Yahoo CEOs, when they want you out cheaply there are ways ...

[rossybee]

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default ... ryId=25769

[neil]

Did they not say that last week?