Comments on: Report: Proton, Lotus near collapse http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:57:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276804 Andre Neves Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:56:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276804 Lotus Elise/Exige is a hard car to compare to the boxster/Cayman or or any other car for that matter. I've been in an Elise and I can tell you, it's basically a fast production "Go-Kart". Your only creature comforts are a Climate system & a stereo. It's kinda like a "mass-produced"(somewhat) specialty vehicle. Honestly, I would consider the, no longer produced, Espirit a Competitor to the 911. But Porsche focuses more on the GREATER competition(Mercedes,Aston Martin,Jaguar-XK-,Chevy-Z06-,BMW,Dodge-Viper-,etc.). And guess what, not only are those taken from the Product guides, but are also the ones you see parked infront of the Dealership more often. Meanpants555, It's just a different market I guess. Lotus Elise/Exige is a hard car to compare to the boxster/Cayman or or any other car for that matter. I’ve been in an Elise and I can tell you, it’s basically a fast production “Go-Kart”. Your only creature comforts are a Climate system & a stereo. It’s kinda like a “mass-produced”(somewhat) specialty vehicle. Honestly, I would consider the, no longer produced, Espirit a Competitor to the 911. But Porsche focuses more on the GREATER competition(Mercedes,Aston Martin,Jaguar-XK-,Chevy-Z06-,BMW,Dodge-Viper-,etc.).
And guess what, not only are those taken from the Product guides, but are also the ones you see parked infront of the Dealership more often.
Meanpants555, It’s just a different market I guess.

]]> By: bepsf http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276773 bepsf Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:00:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276773 Here's a vote for Toyota to come bail out Lotus - this would fit into their product/brand portfolio perfectly. Here’s a vote for Toyota to come bail out Lotus – this would fit into their product/brand portfolio perfectly.

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276753 meanpants555 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:42:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276753 Weird. I just guessed since both set out to make the ultimate sports car, that they would be competitors. I assumed an Exige or Elise buyer would look at a Cayman or Boxster... Do think Lotus' numbers are too small to be perceived as competition? Weird. I just guessed since both set out to make the ultimate sports car, that they would be competitors.
I assumed an Exige or Elise buyer would look at a Cayman or Boxster…

Do think Lotus’ numbers are too small to be perceived as competition?

]]> By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276745 Andre Neves Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:04:32 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276745 ^ Porsche & Lotus are definately NOT competitors. Here at work(Porsche/Aston dealership) we get product guides on the introductions of each model that's released. They talk about each vehicle, the competition, and comes with some comparisons in between them. I've never seen a lotus in there ^ Porsche & Lotus are definately NOT competitors.
Here at work(Porsche/Aston dealership) we get product guides on the introductions of each model that’s released. They talk about each vehicle, the competition, and comes with some comparisons in between them. I’ve never seen a lotus in there

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276708 meanpants555 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:20:46 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276708 I do not believe Toyota would ever buy Lotus, but it would be ideal. And there needs to be some level of 'involvement' since both firms have qualities that the other needs. Porsche and Lotus are competitors, maybe not in price, but in goal and being driver oriented. Aston/Lotus is interesting since they don't compete against each other and are both British, sharing a dealer network, etc... I just want Lotus to build the same dynamic cars that are beautifully built and accessible to buy. I do not believe Toyota would ever buy Lotus, but it would be ideal. And there needs to be some level of ‘involvement’ since both firms have qualities that the other needs.

Porsche and Lotus are competitors, maybe not in price, but in goal and being driver oriented. Aston/Lotus is interesting since they don’t compete against each other and are both British, sharing a dealer network, etc…
I just want Lotus to build the same dynamic cars that are beautifully built and accessible to buy.

]]> By: global_lightning http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276697 global_lightning Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:34:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276697 Chevy490, the idea of a Lotus truck is as retarded as a Saab V8 RWD SUV, which fails to explain the Saab 9-7x. Given GM's mantra that SUVs and trucks will save the company, and their cross-platforming of *everything*, nothing is sacred. IF they do acquire Lotus, I really, really, really hope I'm wrong. As for Ford, I agree right now they're in trouble, but from a technical perspective there could be some benefits, particularly with Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo, or Ford-Europe. Ford also controls Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Aston-Martin; adding Lotus to the mix would sweeten a package sell-off of their English marquees. Chevy490, the idea of a Lotus truck is as retarded as a Saab V8 RWD SUV, which fails to explain the Saab 9-7x. Given GM’s mantra that SUVs and trucks will save the company, and their cross-platforming of *everything*, nothing is sacred. IF they do acquire Lotus, I really, really, really hope I’m wrong.

As for Ford, I agree right now they’re in trouble, but from a technical perspective there could be some benefits, particularly with Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo, or Ford-Europe. Ford also controls Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Aston-Martin; adding Lotus to the mix would sweeten a package sell-off of their English marquees.

]]> By: Ricardo Head http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276695 Ricardo Head Sun, 15 Oct 2006 23:39:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276695 The hell with Lotus. Proton rocks and must survive at all costs! The hell with Lotus. Proton rocks and must survive at all costs!

]]> By: theshadow http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276691 theshadow Sun, 15 Oct 2006 17:57:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276691 the idea of lotus-tuned VAG products would give BMW and Mercedes the willies, not to mention VW-powered Lotuses... 2.0T would go great with the elise/exige and the RS4's V8 woulod spice up the Esprit nicely :) the idea of lotus-tuned VAG products would give BMW and Mercedes the willies, not to mention VW-powered Lotuses…

2.0T would go great with the elise/exige and the RS4′s V8 woulod spice up the Esprit nicely :)

]]> By: chevy490 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276686 chevy490 Sun, 15 Oct 2006 15:04:20 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276686 global_lighting if u think that gm would make a truck with the lotus name ur retarted, and thats the last thing ford needs right now they are loosing big time how could they handle another coumpany if they cant evan handle there own! global_lighting if u think that gm would make a truck with the lotus name ur retarted, and thats the last thing ford needs right now they are loosing big time how could they handle another coumpany if they cant evan handle there own!

]]> By: chevy490 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276685 chevy490 Sun, 15 Oct 2006 15:00:57 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276685 how old are u like 45 are u like married to ur hand u petafile! how old are u like 45 are u like married to ur hand u petafile!

]]> By: mblommel http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276681 mblommel Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:02:36 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276681 Ummm, GM already owned lotus once. They bought them in '87. Stephens era Esprits and the early 90's elans use a lot of GM parts and Lotus designed the ZR1 Corvette engine. How old are you guys, like 12? Ummm, GM already owned lotus once. They bought them in ’87. Stephens era Esprits and the early 90′s elans use a lot of GM parts and Lotus designed the ZR1 Corvette engine.

How old are you guys, like 12?

]]> By: Aussie#1 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276679 Aussie#1 Sun, 15 Oct 2006 04:58:09 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276679 Lotus lotus lotus is what all you guys are saying, but the company that holds it together is Proton a car company Americans would not know about, you should want Proton to Survive in order for lotus to go on. Lotus lotus lotus is what all you guys are saying, but the company that holds it together is Proton a car company Americans would not know about, you should want Proton to Survive in order for lotus to go on.

]]> By: Sharif http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276678 Sharif Sun, 15 Oct 2006 04:57:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276678 I just hope lotus lives on long enough for me to buy a few of them. Like 3 or 4 of them. I just hope lotus lives on long enough for me to buy a few of them. Like 3 or 4 of them.

]]> By: global_lightning http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276671 global_lightning Sun, 15 Oct 2006 04:06:52 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276671 GM? Noooooooooo! Look what they did to Saab! Imagine the nightmare of a Lotus-badged GMC truck, because that's exactly what they'd do with it. The ghost of Colin Chapman would haunt the halls of Detroit for bearing this abdomination. Toyota, Honda, the Koreans, BMW, even Ford (nice historic ties), any of these would make sense. I could easily see the next Lotus with Honda's K20, MINI's turbo, or a Ford/Mazda MZR engine. GM? Noooooooooo! Look what they did to Saab! Imagine the nightmare of a Lotus-badged GMC truck, because that’s exactly what they’d do with it. The ghost of Colin Chapman would haunt the halls of Detroit for bearing this abdomination.

Toyota, Honda, the Koreans, BMW, even Ford (nice historic ties), any of these would make sense. I could easily see the next Lotus with Honda’s K20, MINI’s turbo, or a Ford/Mazda MZR engine.

]]> By: Lucifer http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276662 Lucifer Sat, 14 Oct 2006 23:42:01 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276662 a lot of companies could use lotus engineering expertise/soul/image. not gm, it has too much on it's plate now. not porsche, it really doesn't need it. but toyota, might be a good bet. a lot of companies could use lotus engineering expertise/soul/image. not gm, it has too much on it’s plate now. not porsche, it really doesn’t need it. but toyota, might be a good bet.

]]> By: chevy490 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276660 chevy490 Sat, 14 Oct 2006 23:21:09 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276660 gm should take them under there shoulder that would be kool if gm owened lotus!! gm should take them under there shoulder that would be kool if gm owened lotus!!

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276641 Renton Sat, 14 Oct 2006 14:31:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276641 YourNameHere --"elise + VWs 2.0T = =^D" Thought the same thing. Great little lightweight motor. YourNameHere –”elise + VWs 2.0T = =^D”

Thought the same thing. Great little lightweight motor.

]]> By: LamborghiniZ http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276636 LamborghiniZ Sat, 14 Oct 2006 13:01:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276636 Well this doesn't look good.. Well this doesn’t look good..

]]> By: YourNameHere http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276634 YourNameHere Sat, 14 Oct 2006 11:28:51 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276634 elise + VWs 2.0T = =^D elise + VWs 2.0T = =^D

]]> By: Stuart http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276628 Stuart Sat, 14 Oct 2006 05:59:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276628 The new owners of Aston should buy it to put under ston Martin. It could also help make Aston better at handling and take porsche on directly. Toyota would only ruin the company.A better bet would be Honda. Put that 2.0 type r engine from the civic in there and watch it fly. The new owners of Aston should buy it to put under ston Martin. It could also help make Aston better at handling and take porsche on directly.

Toyota would only ruin the company.A better bet would be Honda. Put that 2.0 type r engine from the civic in there and watch it fly.

]]> By: amanda http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276627 amanda Sat, 14 Oct 2006 05:59:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276627 I wouldn't read too much into the words of a racist wanker like Mahathir. He's currently engaged in a big fight with his successor, who had the sense to realize that it was a waste of public money to go on supporting Proton. Build quality of their cars is literally 20 years behind Japan or Germany. They probably bought Lotus because it was the only sports car company they could find whose quality standards were as low as their own. Porsche/Toyota engineers will die laughing when they dissect a ProtonLotus. I wouldn’t read too much into the words of a racist wanker like Mahathir. He’s currently engaged in a big fight with his successor, who had the sense to realize that it was a waste of public money to go on supporting Proton. Build quality of their cars is literally 20 years behind Japan or Germany. They probably bought Lotus because it was the only sports car company they could find whose quality standards were as low as their own. Porsche/Toyota engineers will die laughing when they dissect a ProtonLotus.

]]> By: WonbyOne http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276624 WonbyOne Sat, 14 Oct 2006 04:53:02 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276624 Lotus really seems best suited as a 'boutique' type marque anyway. I just can't see Toyota taking it under it's wing IMHO. Whoever ends up with it should just stay mostly hands off and let them do what they do best which is purpose built light weight great handling impractical cars for enthusiasts. Having always been a huge fan of the Esprit I would love to see it make a comeback but would rather see Lotus live on if it meant not having the Esprit. Lotus really seems best suited as a ’boutique’ type marque anyway. I just can’t see Toyota taking it under it’s wing IMHO.
Whoever ends up with it should just stay mostly hands off and let them do what they do best which is purpose built light weight great handling impractical cars for enthusiasts. Having always been a huge fan of the Esprit I would love to see it make a comeback but would rather see Lotus live on if it meant not having the Esprit.

]]> By: 1c3d0g http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276620 1c3d0g Sat, 14 Oct 2006 02:22:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276620 No, the suits know about cars alright (well, some of them at least), but money is the only thing they're interested in. No, the suits know about cars alright (well, some of them at least), but money is the only thing they’re interested in.

]]> By: Wickedated http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276603 Wickedated Sat, 14 Oct 2006 00:02:07 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276603 Lotus should be bought by a flamboyant rich playboy with as much enthusiasm as any of us. Enough with these big corporations buying and merging. Look at TVR, Koenigsegg and Ascari. These companies are owned by people like us, who love cars, who dreamt and doodled cars in class and their cars all reflect that passion. Lotus has so much potential, they need a guy who thinks big. Shove a 500hp V8 in the Elise and make a car that goes around Nurburgring faster than anything out there. The suits know jack about cars- look at Ford and GM. Lotus should be bought by a flamboyant rich playboy with as much enthusiasm as any of us. Enough with these big corporations buying and merging. Look at TVR, Koenigsegg and Ascari. These companies are owned by people like us, who love cars, who dreamt and doodled cars in class and their cars all reflect that passion. Lotus has so much potential, they need a guy who thinks big. Shove a 500hp V8 in the Elise and make a car that goes around Nurburgring faster than anything out there. The suits know jack about cars- look at Ford and GM.

]]> By: autonutt http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276601 autonutt Fri, 13 Oct 2006 23:37:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276601 Lotus under Porsche or VW ownership would be a disaster.. under VW the next Elise would be nothing more than a reskinned TT! Toyota seems to be the best match, since they use their engines already, but I get the feeling that HyunKia has been lusting for Lotus for a long time (remember the home-market Elan rebadge by Kia?) and this might be their opportunity to take it. Lotus under Porsche or VW ownership would be a disaster.. under VW the next Elise would be nothing more than a reskinned TT! Toyota seems to be the best match, since they use their engines already, but I get the feeling that HyunKia has been lusting for Lotus for a long time (remember the home-market Elan rebadge by Kia?) and this might be their opportunity to take it.

]]> By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276592 Andre Neves Fri, 13 Oct 2006 22:48:26 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276592 "As of June 2006, Porsche AG's stake in Volkswagen had risen to 25.1%, giving Porsche a blocking minority, whereby Porsche can veto large corporate decisions undertaken by VW." -Wikipedia “As of June 2006, Porsche AG’s stake in Volkswagen had risen to 25.1%, giving Porsche a blocking minority, whereby Porsche can veto large corporate decisions undertaken by VW.”
-Wikipedia

]]> By: jipsiville http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276589 jipsiville Fri, 13 Oct 2006 22:34:42 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276589 Actually mbftw, Porsche has been trying recently to increase it's stake in VAG, not the other way around. Actually mbftw, Porsche has been trying recently to increase it’s stake in VAG, not the other way around.

]]> By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276585 Andre Neves Fri, 13 Oct 2006 22:26:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276585 mbftw, What makes you think VW owns Porsche? Where'd you get that info from? Porsche has just recently increased their stake in VW to 25%. mbftw,
What makes you think VW owns Porsche? Where’d you get that info from?

Porsche has just recently increased their stake in VW to 25%.

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276579 Renton Fri, 13 Oct 2006 22:19:11 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276579 The hallmark of Lotus has always been being light in weight. I hope whoever gets it, will maintain that philosophy. The hallmark of Lotus has always been being light in weight. I hope whoever gets it, will maintain that philosophy.

]]> By: mbftw http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276575 mbftw Fri, 13 Oct 2006 22:00:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276575 Porsche is allready owned by VW group. The Espirit would probably be powered by the Gallardo V10...they seem to be pimping that around lately (detuned versions in both the S8, S6, modified version in R8, and plans of using half of it in a TT!). Porsche is allready owned by VW group.

The Espirit would probably be powered by the Gallardo V10…they seem to be pimping that around lately (detuned versions in both the S8, S6, modified version in R8, and plans of using half of it in a TT!).

]]> By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276572 Andre Neves Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:31:14 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276572 Now that I think about it...Imagine the new Espirit being based on the 997 Turbo, but retaining a Twin Turbo V8...take the one out of the Cayenne Turbo and slap it right in lol. Now you have a 450HP(520HP TurboS Cayenne) supercar. Im getting ahead of myself. Just think of the possabilites though. Now that I think about it…Imagine the new Espirit being based on the 997 Turbo, but retaining a Twin Turbo V8…take the one out of the Cayenne Turbo and slap it right in lol. Now you have a 450HP(520HP TurboS Cayenne) supercar.
Im getting ahead of myself. Just think of the possabilites though.

]]> By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276571 Andre Neves Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:21:29 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276571 Porsche should buy it and throw a mid engine boxer engine in there...Cayman S' 3.4L 295hp 6 + Lotus Elise = Ultimate sports car. Porsche & Lotus would be incredible...but it's only a thought that would most likely never happen. Heh, get's ya thinking though doesn't it? Porsche should buy it and throw a mid engine boxer engine in there…Cayman S’ 3.4L 295hp 6 + Lotus Elise = Ultimate sports car.
Porsche & Lotus would be incredible…but it’s only a thought that would most likely never happen. Heh, get’s ya thinking though doesn’t it?

]]> By: (V)ike http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276568 (V)ike Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:09:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276568 Just answered my own question... Yes, the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine... Just answered my own question… Yes, the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine…

]]> By: (V)ike http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276567 (V)ike Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:08:41 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276567 Don't Lotus' already have Toyota motors in them... I'm pretty sure of it. Don’t Lotus’ already have Toyota motors in them… I’m pretty sure of it.

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276566 meanpants555 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:07:44 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276566 Hate the match? Toyota quality and efficiency paired Lotus handling and technology. Bring it on. I just don't want to see a black bescooped Camry with 'Handling by Lotus' on the side. When the Elises got those Toyota engines and transmissions I groaned at first, then I realized its one less thing to worry about. Hate the match? Toyota quality and efficiency paired Lotus handling and technology. Bring it on.
I just don’t want to see a black bescooped Camry with ‘Handling by Lotus’ on the side.
When the Elises got those Toyota engines and transmissions I groaned at first, then I realized its one less thing to worry about.

]]> By: Brendino http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276561 Brendino Fri, 13 Oct 2006 20:41:42 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276561 As much as we'd all hate it, Toyota and Lotus *could* be a smart match. As much as we’d all hate it, Toyota and Lotus *could* be a smart match.

]]> By: Freshshoebox http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276560 Freshshoebox Fri, 13 Oct 2006 20:40:53 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276560 ^^ That's true. That would be nice. Just as long as Lotus lives...I mean they haven't even built the next Espirit yet. ^^ That’s true. That would be nice. Just as long as Lotus lives…I mean they haven’t even built the next Espirit yet.

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276552 meanpants555 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 20:04:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276552 Toyota should snag Louts and turn it into a showcase for both companies' mutual engineering talent. Toyota has little sexiness (until recently) and then it is sex without soul. Besides, VW has its hands full restructuring themselves. Lotus has technologies that Toyota needs and vice versa. Toyota should snag Louts and turn it into a showcase for both companies’ mutual engineering talent. Toyota has little sexiness (until recently) and then it is sex without soul.

Besides, VW has its hands full restructuring themselves. Lotus has technologies that Toyota needs and vice versa.

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276550 Renton Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:55:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276550 Whatever it takes to get the GX3 on the road in the US. That's too cool of a vehicle not to be built. VW would be a good steward for Lotus. BMW would be good as well. Both companies have done very well with their management of their old British marques Whatever it takes to get the GX3 on the road in the US.

That’s too cool of a vehicle not to be built.

VW would be a good steward for Lotus.

BMW would be good as well. Both companies have done very well with their management of their old British marques

]]> By: YourNameHere http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276548 YourNameHere Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:38:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276548 someone will buy lotus. the name has gotten huge in the last few years. didnt they sell more cars last year then ever in their history? someone dropped the ball. someone will buy lotus. the name has gotten huge in the last few years. didnt they sell more cars last year then ever in their history? someone dropped the ball.

]]> By: Chris C. http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276547 Chris C. Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:38:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276547 I think the world will survive without Lotus. I think the world will survive without Lotus.

]]> By: Piablo http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276546 Piablo Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:35:12 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276546 Andre Neves - You beat me to it!! Sounds like piss poor management. Whoever's doing the negotiations is doing a poor job. Some of these guys want all of the benefits of a partnership, but simply won't give up what it takes, $$$. I'll never understand some business leaders. Andre Neves – You beat me to it!!

Sounds like piss poor management. Whoever’s doing the negotiations is doing a poor job. Some of these guys want all of the benefits of a partnership, but simply won’t give up what it takes, $$$. I’ll never understand some business leaders.

]]> By: A4 http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276544 A4 Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:16:01 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276544 someone good better buy this, id love for it to be VW someone good better buy this, id love for it to be VW

]]> By: Andre Neves http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276543 Andre Neves Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:13:42 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276543 They should sell Lotus to Ford, so they have one more brand for rebadging one of their cars.(ex. Ford fusion)JK :D They should sell Lotus to Ford, so they have one more brand for rebadging one of their cars.(ex. Ford fusion)JK :D

]]> By: Freshshoebox http://www.leftlanenews.com/proton-lotus-near-collapse.html#comment-276538 Freshshoebox Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:55:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/13/proton-lotus-near-collapse/#comment-276538 NOOO!! LOTUS!!! They won't sell??? It sounds like they're holding it at ransom. (not that I would necessarily want to sell it either) NOOO!! LOTUS!!! They won’t sell??? It sounds like they’re holding it at ransom. (not that I would necessarily want to sell it either)

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