i don't know the auto industry's build complications, as in the day-to-day management of staff, supplies and vendors, but i would guess they know their business very well. as a sole proprietor/print-design art director, i know my business very well, and when clients ask me to design a brochure or annual report, we can get very specific in the level of detail in the "ordering" process. it invariably includes changes throughout the process, even on-press (in relative terms, as the car is on the assembly line).
my question to Lotus would be if these are hand-built exotic cars, essentially one of a kinds, why couldn't we (for example) oder the carpeting, sound insulation and electric windows as separate line items? as opposed to only as the package. i personally don't like leather seating surfaces, and prefer the breatability and non-slip feel of cloth, but would have like some of the other elements of the touring package. i understand and appreciate the minimalism of the car, but within the realm of what is offered, how much more work is it to add 3 line items instead of 1 group package??
for one, they could make a few more dollars, and two the added personalization of the exotics would make these cars/the Lotus brand that much more exclusive. with the bigger and far more complex builders like GM, you can order individual items as mentioned above, and their logistics are greater in complexity. as a (fellow) small business, i would like to know what the reason for their inability to handle that level of detail? quite often i have clients express their amazement that my small studio produces projects that are on-par with the larger agencies ...