Lotus Parent Sold

[lkjohnson1950]

Lotus parent firm Proton has been sold (at least a large stake) to DRB-Hicom. The new owners will apparently operate the company. No word on what this means for Lotus:

http://www.worldcarfans.com/112011639886/proton-sold-to-drb-hicom

[John S]

Presumably Tony Fernandes change of heart over staying with the Lotus name is in some way connected with this new turn of events at state owned Proton. If the Lotus brand is to be sold off, which the story suggests may happen, a clean across the board corporate brand image becomes more essential. Is Tony still interested in acquiring Lotus now he owns Caterham? 

I think in the past year there have been rumours about the owners of Genii eyeing up an investment or possible take over of the Lotus car operation, whether they have the inclination or the resources remains to be seen.