Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Proton could take the reins from BMW Sauber, return Lotus to F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/report-proton-could-take-the-reigns-from-bmw-sauber-return-lot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/report-proton-could-take-the-reigns-from-bmw-sauber-return-lot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/report-proton-could-take-the-reigns-from-bmw-sauber-return-lot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Lotus Type 72 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When BMW announced several weeks ago that it would be withdrawing from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season, the automaker left open the fate of the operations it bought from Peter Sauber. Since then, reports have indicated that the automaker has been evaluating possible buyers for the team.

According to Autocar, one of the possible suitors is Malaysian automaker Proton and the British sportscar maker it owns, Lotus. Team Lotus was a staple of F1 from 1958 until 1994 - winning seven Constructors Championships in that span. During its heyday in the Sixties, Seventies and early Eighties, Team Lotus was one of the greatest innovators in the sport. Unfortunately, after founder Colin Chapman's death, the team eventually withered.

The new Lotus effort would likely be sponsored by long-time Sauber backer Petronas and the team could be led by former Renault and Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne. So far, there has been no official comment from anyone reported to be involved.


Gallery: Lotus F1 cars


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Proton could take the reins from BMW Sauber, return Lotus to F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The guys over at China Car Times are super-stoked over news that Proton has inked a deal that will see the Lotus Europa built in China.

According to a China Daily report, Proton is working with its Chinese partner, Jinhua Neoplan Vehicle Co., to produce for Proton the Europa and a four-door sedan based on Proton's Gen-2.

Jinhua Neoplan has until now manufactured buses, but in its new partnership will build as many as 150,000 cars for both the Chinese market and for export. Inside Line even goes so far as to predict future Chinese-built Lotus vehicles being sold in the U.S.

[Sources: China Daily, China Car Times, Inside Line]

Proton partner to build Lotus Europa in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china lotusChinaLotuseuropa chinaEuropaChinalotusprotonproton lotusProtonLotusMon, 13 Aug 2007 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Proton denies knowledge of GM bid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/15/proton-denies-knowledge-of-gm-bid/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/15/proton-denies-knowledge-of-gm-bid/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/15/proton-denies-knowledge-of-gm-bid/#commentsFiled under: ,

While it's pretty clear that GM is definitely interested in buying a piece of Proton pie, Proton management say they know nothing of the plan. That's only a little suprising, since the Malaysian government owns 53% of Proton and is in negotiations with several suitors to sell some of that stake, government officials say. Forbes reports that the Malaysian's want the deal finished by March, so we shouldn't have too long to wait. That same article states, "The current bid involves a plan to take a small stake in Proton at the holding level, as well as a stake in its manufacturing arm, Proton said."

So why is GM so keen on buying into Proton? Here are some of our ideas...
  • Proton owns Lotus, which was once owned by GM. Is this merely an effort to regain a lost love? Uh, not likely.
  • GM rolled out the Volt electric concept last week in Detroit, despite reportedly not having the technology to back it up. Is it just coincidence that Lotus is working to design advanced electric vehicles for Obvio! and has been working with the Tesla gang? Or is GM angling to buy into that technology?
  • Or is GM looking to get a piece of the Chinese-carbuilding action? Also not likely at all since they're already involved in building cars in China and doing quite well at it.
  • Proton sells vehicles in many countries not served by the General. A stake in the Malaysian company could be seen as a good entry point to otherwise hard-to-reach markets.

[Source: Forbes via Paul Tan]

Proton denies knowledge of GM bid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>General Motors LotusGeneral Motors ProtonGeneralMotorsLotusGeneralMotorsProtonGM LotusGmLotusLotus Obvio ProtonLotusObvioProtonProton GMProton LotusProton Lotus GMProton ObvioProton Obvio GMProtonGmProtonLotusProtonLotusGmProtonObvioProtonObvioGmMon, 15 Jan 2007 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[VW getting serious about Proton. Again.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/vw-getting-serious-about-proton-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/vw-getting-serious-about-proton-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/vw-getting-serious-about-proton-again/#commentsFiled under:

After many months of deal / no deal, it looks like Volkswagen is ever closer to being a part owner of Malaysian automaker Proton, which, as you know, owns Lotus.

According to the Associated Press, VW is looking at conducting a pre-Christmas audit of Proton, a move that would indicate VW is serious about investing in the Malaysian company.

The story goes on to say that from its estimated $545 million investment, VW would get access to Proton's assembly lines as well as Malaysia's free trade agreement with Japan. VW could theoretically use Proton's plants to produce cars to export to Japan tariff-free. Proton would benefit from the deal by getting a much-needed cash injection.

[Source: The Associated Press via The Detroit News]

VW getting serious about Proton. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lotusprotonproton lotusProtonLotusvolkswagenvolkswagen lotusvolkswagen protonVolkswagenLotusVolkswagenProtonTue, 12 Dec 2006 17:58:00 EST