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HI All,
Just back from a meeting with John English, I've got the answer to a few questions:
1. When will the first cars arrive?
First cars will arrive in Mid June, this will be a relatively small shipment, with rest of shipments being substantially larger. Two ports for elise deliveries (don't know if this will be the case with first shipment), E. Coast - Charleston from there containers transported to Brunswick GA. W. Coast - LA with containers transported to San Diego, these are the distribution centers. Company has been shipping volvos for about 30 years very experienced with expensive car transport .
2. Any plans on price increase?
NO PLANS FOR PRICE INCREASE FOR FORSEEABLE FUTURE! (barring incidents beyond Lotus control)
3. Is the Exige coming?
Is yet to be determined, probably will examine this issue in 6-9 months.
4. US designed clothing/accessory line?
Got "sales pitch" from large apparel manufacturer yesterday, plan is to have US designed/style apparel from shirts, jackets, etc. High quality, moderate price.
5. Cars will come with 3 year 36,000 mile warranty, also roadside assistance package. An extended warranty will also be available.
6.Dealer/Servicing?
LCU will NOT have non-dealer service centers, they presently have 41 dealers, they plan to expand to areas not presently served.
7. Plans to improve communications?
Big issue with John, he's aware of a lot of the issues with lack of information coming out about the cars, build, etc. They still have only a handful of people working at LCU and it's his full intention to see that the communication situation will be improved. BTW> John did mention, he's a visitor to elisetalk and pays attention to what's posted here, he's got a very positive impression of the knowledge base we have here. Realizes this is definately a niche car "we're not talking about chevy luminas here!"
8. Website?
They've been talking to various web designers about redoing the LCU website, it's a high priority.
9. He's very interested in maintaining good relations with the elise bbs' and Lotus clubs as he feels these are exc. advertisement for the product.
10. As to Arnie leaving Lotus, said he never actually met Arnie, had wished that he would have stayed on in the position offered him as he was a great asset to Lotus.
The impression I came away with, they're incredibly busy dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's" but everyone there, including John, are committed to bringing this car and to make it an enjoyable experience. He did state that it's a totally different mindset going from a large capacity car manufacturer to a micro manufacturer, but he seems genuinely enthusiastic.
While there, talked with CLyde who's still thrilled with the Tahoe autocross experience, he said he learned an incredible amount in just one afternoon as to the capabilities of the car. Also talked with Mark O'Shaughnessy who arranged my meeting (thanks very much Mark!) and Dave Simkin who's been conducting dealer service classes. Andy Plante has relocated from Lotus UK and has been there a month or two now.
The new LCU is quite nice, high ceilinged and well let, nice Saffron yellow elise on display in the entry area.
Chris
Just back from a meeting with John English, I've got the answer to a few questions:
1. When will the first cars arrive?
First cars will arrive in Mid June, this will be a relatively small shipment, with rest of shipments being substantially larger. Two ports for elise deliveries (don't know if this will be the case with first shipment), E. Coast - Charleston from there containers transported to Brunswick GA. W. Coast - LA with containers transported to San Diego, these are the distribution centers. Company has been shipping volvos for about 30 years very experienced with expensive car transport .
2. Any plans on price increase?
NO PLANS FOR PRICE INCREASE FOR FORSEEABLE FUTURE! (barring incidents beyond Lotus control)
3. Is the Exige coming?
Is yet to be determined, probably will examine this issue in 6-9 months.
4. US designed clothing/accessory line?
Got "sales pitch" from large apparel manufacturer yesterday, plan is to have US designed/style apparel from shirts, jackets, etc. High quality, moderate price.
5. Cars will come with 3 year 36,000 mile warranty, also roadside assistance package. An extended warranty will also be available.
6.Dealer/Servicing?
LCU will NOT have non-dealer service centers, they presently have 41 dealers, they plan to expand to areas not presently served.
7. Plans to improve communications?
Big issue with John, he's aware of a lot of the issues with lack of information coming out about the cars, build, etc. They still have only a handful of people working at LCU and it's his full intention to see that the communication situation will be improved. BTW> John did mention, he's a visitor to elisetalk and pays attention to what's posted here, he's got a very positive impression of the knowledge base we have here. Realizes this is definately a niche car "we're not talking about chevy luminas here!"
8. Website?
They've been talking to various web designers about redoing the LCU website, it's a high priority.
9. He's very interested in maintaining good relations with the elise bbs' and Lotus clubs as he feels these are exc. advertisement for the product.
10. As to Arnie leaving Lotus, said he never actually met Arnie, had wished that he would have stayed on in the position offered him as he was a great asset to Lotus.
The impression I came away with, they're incredibly busy dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's" but everyone there, including John, are committed to bringing this car and to make it an enjoyable experience. He did state that it's a totally different mindset going from a large capacity car manufacturer to a micro manufacturer, but he seems genuinely enthusiastic.
While there, talked with CLyde who's still thrilled with the Tahoe autocross experience, he said he learned an incredible amount in just one afternoon as to the capabilities of the car. Also talked with Mark O'Shaughnessy who arranged my meeting (thanks very much Mark!) and Dave Simkin who's been conducting dealer service classes. Andy Plante has relocated from Lotus UK and has been there a month or two now.
The new LCU is quite nice, high ceilinged and well let, nice Saffron yellow elise on display in the entry area.
Chris
