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**itaspCatCriny** · 12-30-2011, 04:44 AM

Matt Miller mentioned this on Bloomberg. The rumor/story now seems to be gaining steam. Since this might affect both F1 and to some degree, the IRL, I wasn't sure where to post this. But with a cloud still over the IRL effort, I guessed that it might affect F1 more.

Also, it's pretty amazing to learn that Lotus sells less than 2000 cars a year globally.

Lotus being up for sale has been rumoured for some time now. Dany Bahar's optimistic plans for expansion never did get much interest from investors and Lotus had to raise money from state owned Malaysian banks to fund its plans, they were supposedly forced to lend the money by the Malaysian government.

Oddly he has been frittering money away sponsoring anything on four wheels and celebrity endorsements when he should have spent everything possible on car development. I was surprised to hear the Indy engine project is still going on, where did they get the money from?

Incidentally Bahar has worked for Sauber, Red Bull and also Ferrari, all of whom were happy to see him go. He is not a car or product man but a PR and merchandising guy and it shows. His last act for Ferrari was to sign them up to supplying A1GP shortly before they went bust, the Italian team never saw their money from that deal.

If true the rumours indicate Proton has finally lost its patience with him and thats good news.

12-30-2011, 04:44 AM	#3
itaspCatCriny Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 463 Senior Member	Matt Miller mentioned this on Bloomberg. The rumor/story now seems to be gaining steam. Since this might affect both F1 and to some degree, the IRL, I wasn't sure where to post this. But with a cloud still over the IRL effort, I guessed that it might affect F1 more. Also, it's pretty amazing to learn that Lotus sells less than 2000 cars a year globally. Lotus being up for sale has been rumoured for some time now. Dany Bahar's optimistic plans for expansion never did get much interest from investors and Lotus had to raise money from state owned Malaysian banks to fund its plans, they were supposedly forced to lend the money by the Malaysian government. Oddly he has been frittering money away sponsoring anything on four wheels and celebrity endorsements when he should have spent everything possible on car development. I was surprised to hear the Indy engine project is still going on, where did they get the money from? Incidentally Bahar has worked for Sauber, Red Bull and also Ferrari, all of whom were happy to see him go. He is not a car or product man but a PR and merchandising guy and it shows. His last act for Ferrari was to sign them up to supplying A1GP shortly before they went bust, the Italian team never saw their money from that deal. If true the rumours indicate Proton has finally lost its patience with him and thats good news.
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