If you happen to frequent the World Imports USA blog, then you may remember a post that we made some time back regarding the sale of Lotus from one parent company to another. Currently, the British automaker is funded in large part by Proton, a Malaysian automaker. A government-owned entity that tends to focus more on the mass car market than performance-driven sports cars, many have been questioning whether or not the two are a good fit.
Rumors have been circulating about the sale of Lotus for some time, but until recently the move was impossible for Proton to make. That's because the company cannot sell Lotus without the approval of the Malaysian government. But the recent buyout of Proton by DRB-Hicom in January means that the company is now in the hands of private investors again. And this means that they may plan on selling Lotus to a new parent company that can take it in the kind of direction that enthusiasts really want.
As for who they would sell to? Genji Capital currently owns the Lotus Formula One team, so it's safe to say that the company knows a thing or two about performance. They're currently in line as a potential buyer for the exotic automaker, as is China's Shanghai Auto, which has owned other successful automakers in the past.
We're inclined to say that Lotus would be fine in the hands of either firm, and we're equally excited to see where this move takes them. Of course, many are still questioning if the move will even happen at all. It's been in question for some months now, and officials at Proton continue to deny that the sale will take place. But no matter what happens, you can count on everyone here at 11650 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32246 to keep you up to date on this exciting news as it becomes available. Questions about the new Lotus lineup? Contact us online or by phone at (888) 853-7166
