18 July 2012

Business Secretary visits Lotus’ flagship 'Lotus Originals' store

New Lotus owners DRB-HICOM welcomed Business Secretary Vince Cable to the Lotus Originals flagship store on Regent Street today. Present during the visit was His Excellency Dato' Sri Zakaria Sulong, Malaysia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The DRB-HICOM delegation led by DRB-HICOM Chairman Dato’ Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza and DRB-HICOM Berhad's Group Managing Director and Executive Chairman of Proton Holdings Berhad, Dato Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil met with the Business Secretary before showing him around the new flagship store in London.

The Regent Street store opening marked the end of a three day visit by DRB-HICOM to Group Lotus which began with two days at the Hethel based headquarters. During the visit, the delegation from DRB-HICOM was given a thorough tour of the facilities including the production line, design studio and engineering facilities before putting current Lotus products through their paces out on the test track with a ride and drive experience. The feedback from Lotus’ new owners was very positive and senior staff at Hethel were reassured regarding DRB-HICOM’s support for Group Lotus going forward.

Dato’ Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director DRB-HICOM & Executive Chairman PROTON said: “Group Lotus has some of the most technically gifted and talented members of the automotive industry and we are determined that they will be given the opportunity to flourish under the new management. DRB-HICOM has invested new funds and it is our job to make sure that investment is used in a way that can drive the company forward.

“We are working on a number of new developments and are confident of the company’s bright future as we continue to leverage on our engineering excellence and innovation culture. Meeting with Dr Cable and hearing about his continued support for this great British brand was very heartening.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “I'm pleased to have been invited to meet with DRB-HICOM on what is a milestone day for Lotus. Lotus is an important part of the UK’s automotive sector, and I particularly welcome DRB-HICOM’S continued commitment to the future of Lotus in Norfolk."