Chinese-made Lotus?

This isn't about fake Lotus cars, a joint-venture will see them made outside of the UK

The day has come when Lotus cars will no longer solely be manufactured in Hethel, UK, but also in China. In a recent announcement by Proton Holdings, the Malaysian carmaker has signed Joint Venture has been signed with Lotus Group (who is owned by Proton Holdings) and Goldstar Heavy Industrial Co. Ltd. for possible expansion of Lotus cars in the People’s Republic. But if you fancy a Made-in-China Elise, you’ll be disappointed. Lotus will continue to build the Elise, Exige and Evora in Hethel.

In any case, this collaboration aims to hasten the development of Lotus cars in the premium sports segment in China as well as leverage on the incentives offered by the Fujian Provincial Government. This joint-venture will give birth to a new JV company that will commence research and development in the use of efficient and advanced technology. That same JV company will also make, sell and offer after sales services for the cars that roll off the factory floors.

The move seems to have stemmed from the heightened interest of the Chinese in Lotus’ cars. According to Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Lotus Group International Ltd, China has appeared to be the top key growth market for Lotus exports and it continues to grow.

The type of cars that will be produced in this joint venture are yet to be announced. And it is still an unknown whether Lotus would keep to their DNA. But seeing as how Volvo is flourishing under the Chinese, perhaps this JV isn’t a bad move after all.

- Source: Astro Publication