Lotus records its best half year car sales since 2008/09

For the months of July, August and September 2014, Lotus sold 609 cars worldwide, a 69% increase over the same period last year and the best figure since 2007/08. This quarter contributed to the half year total of 1114 cars, compared to 746 cars in the first six months of the last financial year a 49% increase and the best half year car sales since 2008/09.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said, “I am delighted with these first six months cars sales results. These results are a testament to the hard work of not just our sales teams around the world but also to our skilled workforce. I would also like to thank our dealers, suppliers and manufacturing partners for their continued support and look forward to maintaining and building this momentum for the future.”

Leading the sales is the Lotus Exige which accounts for around 39% sales and advanced orders, closely followed by the Lotus Elise and the Lotus Evora. Japan continues to be the leading market for Lotus sports car sales, followed closely by the UK, USA, Germany and France. The highest growth in sales was recorded in Japan, followed by Germany and France.

Jean-Marc Gales added, “We have just announced a proposal to restructure Lotus worldwide workforce in order to reshape the organisation and to reduce costs. This reshaping, combined with increasing sales of cars is vital to Lotus building a strong, sustainable future for the business.”

Last minute WCLM updates including registration and trailer parking

The 2014 WCLM starts in less than 48 hours and we are all set to have a fantastic event. The following are some last minute updates that should come in handy.

Spectacular Weather
The weather gods have cooperated and we will have fantastic weather at the 2014 WCLM. Highs are forecast to be in the mid-70s with lows in the low 40s. This means that while the daytime events will have great driving weather it will be on the chilly side at night. Folks should bring sufficient layers especially on the way back from the main banquet on Saturday.

Registration
Registration will start at 5pm on Thursday in the Ridge Tahoe reception building. This is also the location for the opening reception and dinner which starts at 6pm. If you arrive late and miss the reception, you will be able to pick up your registration packets at the drive start location on Friday morning. You can see more details of the full event schedule at http://westcoastlotusmeet.com/2014/#events.

Trailer Parking
Folks who are bringing trailers should note that trailer parking is not at the main hotel parking lot. It is instead at the Galaxy lot (218 Galaxy Ln, Stateline, NV 89449) which is one block from the hotel and has ample space to maneuver trailers. You can also find it on Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/mx95Z). The area around the hotel is quite steep and not the easiest to walk – we recommend that you unload the trailer at the lot and then drive your Lotus to the hotel.

Car Wash Hose
We have arranged for a car wash hose to be available on-site at the HQ hotel. The exact location will be given to you at the time of registration.

Volunteers
We are still looking for a few volunteers to help with the concours and the autocross – if you’d like to help please let us know when you sign in at registration.

Caravans to WCLM
Caravans to WCLM are being organized from both the SF Bay Area and Sacramento. Head over to BritishSpeed (http://www.britishspeed.com/forum/showthread.php?7940) or LotusTalk (http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f203/caravan-2014-wclm-east-bay-october-2-a-257850/) to coordinate with other folks in your area. You can also post your caravan plans at the WCLM Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastLotusMeet).

Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti signing Andretti Winery bottles for WCLM
Winners prizes for the WCLM will include autographed bottles on Andretti winery wine (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/15222122478/), this should help ratchet up the competition level.

King Fire
With rain and light snow over the weekend the King Fire is now at 94% containment and intensity is much lower. The air quality in Tahoe has already improved and we do not expect it to have any effect on the WCLM.

Those are all the updates we have for the moment. Have a safe journey to WCLM and I look forward to meeting you all in person.

Regards
Rahul Nair
Chair, 2014 West Coast Lotus Meet