Email... V6 Delayed to 2024!

[Jon_N]

So you won’t need a dated old Lotus Emira then with at least 3 more prestigious motor cars added to what I assume is an already impressive garage? For me there are just too many whinging w**ly wavers on this forum.

I’m not whinging, just making the point that it’s a farce & the brand really hasn’t moved on a huge amount…. if the car goes wrong, it sounds like it could be a nightmare getting it resolved or obtaining parts….
I only keep two vehicles at a time, but I’m changing them every 12 to 18 months, I was adding the Emira as a 3rd, really on design alone…. but I stand by the fact in 2024 the engine will be very dated

 

[Off The Shelf]

Dear xxxxxxxxxx



As an important Emira customer I wanted to update you personally on your Emira order. In our last communication we shared the difficulties we are facing not only as an industry but here at Lotus.



In 2022 we have faced several unforeseen complications, and as a result we have not been able to ramp up Emira production in the way we had initially planned. This has been challenging but we are doing our very best to resolve the issues.



As a consequence your Emira order has been delayed and is now scheduled for production in Q1 of 2024. I understand this is disappointing to hear, and apologise for the frustration and disappointment I am sure you are feeling.



Whilst the Lotus team are committed to delivering your Emira First Edition, we appreciate circumstances may change. If you would like to discuss your options with us or have any other questions, please contact our dedicated Lotus Customer Care Centre, you can contact them by responding to this email, calling 03300 948 047.



Kind regards,



Lotus Customer Care

03300 948 047

 

[emiraspain]

Wow.... this is very strange and once again, I dont think Lotus are telling the whole truth, but then again, I guess it is/was always unlikely they would do so. There are so many possibilities here... some already mentioned.
1. Maybe they are still struggling with parts &/or with labour, both of which would explain some of the issues people are experiencing with their cars and things a certain employee has mentioned already. Hence, maybe they don't feel they can realistically be on a 2 shift production successfully at the moment and in turn, they cant get the UK cars or any cars out as fast as they thought a few months ago. We were told about 60 UK cars delivered by the end of December, at the moment I estimate thats about 12 or so, but I dont know the exact number. Then this was ramping up strongly in January....... remains to be seen...
2. This would mean they are not necessarily prioritising US over UK, which I personally don't think will happen, it would just mean they are trying to get to the US car production, but that will also suffer some delays.... you guys will find out over the next few weeks I guess. They are trying to be all things to all men/women and due to certain complications, they are failing... but will keep trying.
3. Unlikely, but it could be an attempt to keep residuals high in the UK. I doubt it, but they may already see the % and it is a decent % of people looking at selling, at least potentially, due to crappy CS, poor quality on delivered car, not as exciting as expected, unrealistic expectations, or always planned on flipping. To prevent values plummeting, it would make sense to reduce production... in theory....... but again, I doubt this to be the reason.
4. It would seem to me that the base price V6 should in this case not be released at all! If you make more money on your FE, due to forcing people to have all the crap they do or dont want on it, and you have a waiting list of now 18 months for that car, or MORE... then why introduce another car which in theory makes you less profit (unless you increase the price quite a bit) and one that you should not be pushing into production ahead of people who already ordered the FE. What the hell? The base car should now be 2025 and by that time it will in some way be competing with itself as the new EV comes online around then also.
.

I think they are making too many changes and telling people about dates way into the future, too soon, if that makes sense. The dates may change again, and improve as people cancel, or some outside factor means they cant deliver to china or who knows. I appreciate giving people the bad news as soon as you can, but not when there is a chance it will come good again and its so far into the future, it means nothing. Deal with the people over the next 6 months... would be my plan, and dont worry toooo much about the others, apart from a general email/contact now and again 1/2 months.

weird and keeps getting weirder..... some people say that about me though...

 

[scoates]

I wonder if because of all the delays and frustrations we have had over the last year or two they are wanting to avoid the whole "June, no July, actually September, no definitely November, for reals this time, honest!" situation and are deliberately forecasting way further than they expect it to be. They might now be adding 6months plus to their actual best guesses so if it is delayed it is still "on time" but if it all goes to plan then people get a nice email saying "your car is ready early, congratulations!". Hopefully starting an under-promise and over-deliver communication strategy.

 

[idleuser]

Lotus can't be using Covid and supply chain issues to mask all their problems. Assuming Lotus can produce 8 cars per day * 261 working days/year = 2088 cars per/year. If Lotus can't even make 8 cars per day, there are some major issues going on. With that being said, I rather be told when I would be receiving my car rather than waiting in the dark. At least you can plan something else to get or simply check out for a year.

 

[Lotustoronto]

Wow.... this is very strange and once again, I dont think Lotus are telling the whole truth, but then again, I guess it is/was always unlikely they would do so. There are so many possibilities here... some already mentioned.
1. Maybe they are still struggling with parts &/or with labour, both of which would explain some of the issues people are experiencing with their cars and things a certain employee has mentioned already. Hence, maybe they don't feel they can realistically be on a 2 shift production successfully at the moment and in turn, they cant get the UK cars or any cars out as fast as they thought a few months ago. We were told about 60 UK cars delivered by the end of December, at the moment I estimate thats about 12 or so, but I dont know the exact number. Then this was ramping up strongly in January....... remains to be seen...
2. This would mean they are not necessarily prioritising US over UK, which I personally don't think will happen, it would just mean they are trying to get to the US car production, but that will also suffer some delays.... you guys will find out over the next few weeks I guess. They are trying to be all things to all men/women and due to certain complications, they are failing... but will keep trying.
3. Unlikely, but it could be an attempt to keep residuals high in the UK. I doubt it, but they may already see the % and it is a decent % of people looking at selling, at least potentially, due to crappy CS, poor quality on delivered car, not as exciting as expected, unrealistic expectations, or always planned on flipping. To prevent values plummeting, it would make sense to reduce production... in theory....... but again, I doubt this to be the reason.
4. It would seem to me that the base price V6 should in this case not be released at all! If you make more money on your FE, due to forcing people to have all the crap they do or dont want on it, and you have a waiting list of now 18 months for that car, or MORE... then why introduce another car which in theory makes you less profit (unless you increase the price quite a bit) and one that you should not be pushing into production ahead of people who already ordered the FE. What the hell? The base car should now be 2025 and by that time it will in some way be competing with itself as the new EV comes online around then also.
.

I think they are making too many changes and telling people about dates way into the future, too soon, if that makes sense. The dates may change again, and improve as people cancel, or some outside factor means they cant deliver to china or who knows. I appreciate giving people the bad news as soon as you can, but not when there is a chance it will come good again and its so far into the future, it means nothing. Deal with the people over the next 6 months... would be my plan, and dont worry toooo much about the others, apart from a general email/contact now and again 1/2 months.

weird and keeps getting weirder..... some people say that about me though...

I would be prioritizing my sales, energy and marketing $$ into the most attractive markets. Lotus is pretty well known in the UK, with a good loyal following and in a much better spot to take market share from others.

If I was in charge of a brand that has world wide ambition to become a large production player in the EV field, I would prioritize my offerings / allocations into the markets that are best suited to grow sales quickly. I think what we are seeing is the Emira being used as a marketing tool and therefor production being allocated to EU/Asia/NA. They need to grow dealerships and brand awareness and the best way to do it is seeing people driving Lotus cars.

I am sure market saturation and UK flipping is also a consideration, but certainly not the main objective. My only surprise is still making V6 F/E's into mid 2024 seems very odd. (note this is a UK only thing, ROW had numbered spots for F/E allocations) I do think Lotus will ramp production to over 5-6K for 2023.

There is a launch plan with the Emira and it's a global car. UK probably ranks 4th in terms of what markets are most important;

1. Asia
2. EU
3. N/A
4. UK

 

[mjw930]

Lotus can't be using Covid and supply chain issues to mask all their problems. Assuming Lotus can produce 8 cars per day * 261 working days/year = 2088 cars per/year. If Lotus can't even make 8 cars per day, there are some major issues going on. With that being said, I rather be told when I would be receiving my car rather than waiting in the dark. At least you can plan something else to get or simply check out for a year.

Lotus need to make 3 times that number in 2023 to satiate existing demand. They have already committed to making over 2000 for the North American market next year.

If I can’t place an order in Q2 2023 for Q4 2023 delivery then I will be cancelling my reservation and moving on and I’m sure I won’t be alone.

 

[Pegasi]

I am waiting for full production to start. With a new factory, new car, and a recent supply crisis Lotus has yet to get up to full speed. It's anyone's guess of when they will get to full speed. Once they get to full speed I think the projections will have more merit. Right now future dates mean very little.

Once Lotus hits full production I think it will be easier to criticize them and compare them to industry norms. Now they are just a start up just beginning to produce a product. I am not saying you can't criticize now but it seems like there is just a lot going on in Hethel.

 

[emiraspain]

I would be prioritizing my sales, energy and marketing $$ into the most attractive markets. Lotus is pretty well known in the UK, with a good loyal following and in a much better spot to take market share from others.

If I was in charge of a brand that has world wide ambition to become a large production player in the EV field, I would prioritize my offerings / allocations into the markets that are best suited to grow sales quickly. I think what we are seeing is the Emira being used as a marketing tool and therefor production being allocated to EU/Asia/NA. They need to grow dealerships and brand awareness and the best way to do it is seeing people driving Lotus cars.

I am sure market saturation and UK flipping is also a consideration, but certainly not the main objective. My only surprise is still making V6 F/E's into mid 2024 seems very odd. (note this is a UK only thing, ROW had numbered spots for F/E allocations) I do think Lotus will ramp production to over 5-6K for 2023.

There is a launch plan with the Emira and it's a global car. UK probably ranks 4th in terms of what markets are most important;

1. Asia
2. EU
3. N/A
4. UK

So, 1. you would bite the hand that feeds you? thats just rude.. haha
Cant compare one market country to an entire continent and while NA has more potential than the UK, that potential may not be realized, where as the UK is the cash cow that keeps on giving... Not sure they would cut off the teat teet tit until those other markets have proven themselves...
I dont know.... It is strange..... as strange as people that say they've had great holidays in canada... whats up with that. Bali I can understand, but Canada?

 

[IH8theMavs]

I’m not whinging, just making the point that it’s a farce & the brand really hasn’t moved on a huge amount…. if the car goes wrong, it sounds like it could be a nightmare getting it resolved or obtaining parts….
I only keep two vehicles at a time, but I’m changing them every 12 to 18 months, I was adding the Emira as a 3rd, really on design alone…. but I stand by the fact in 2024 the engine will be very dated

2024 engine will be dated? You know they’ve used it in the Evora for ages. I’d say it’s well tested and easily a daily driver for 100k miles. The AMG isn’t new either; just polished off an already awesome engine.

 

[IH8theMavs]

Same for me - email this morning from LCC telling me my build schedule is now Q2 2024 - this is after an earlier email (8.22 from LCC) telling me Q2 2023. I'm a Feb 22 deposit for I4, so I understand I'm late to the party but this is still very poor.
I called LCC today to check Q2 2024 was correct & ask what has happened since 8.22 to push build back by 1 year - the clerk who took my call cheerfully told me it was "due to parts & scheduling" When I pushed for more details she said " I understand you have had bad news, other customers who have called understand & accept the situation " I know this forum has recorded numerous frustrations with the whole Emira launch & my experience today epitomises Lotus' complete lack of customer care & the whole CX.
Q2 2024 is just too long to stay connected, without a car, to a brand that is increasingly frustrating its customer base. I'll stay in for a few months to see if things change & improve but other options are now a serious consideration.

“To a brand that’s increasingly frustrating…..” never owned a Lotus have you??

 

[Lotustoronto]

So, 1. you would bite the hand that feeds you? thats just rude.. haha
Cant compare one market country to an entire continent and while NA has more potential than the UK, that potential may not be realized, where as the UK is the cash cow that keeps on giving... Not sure they would cut off the teat teet tit until those other markets have proven themselves...
I dont know.... It is strange..... as strange as people that say they've had great holidays in canada... whats up with that. Bali I can understand, but Canada?

I am sure from a per capita basis the UK market will have the highest percentage of Emira's.

But don't mistake the ambition / goals the new Lotus has, it's global and electric. I still think my priority ranking is correct and rightfully so, from a business perspective. Most Porsche owners in US probably don't even know the Emira exists yet, wonder what will happen when the Emira's start showing up to cars and coffee all over the US next summer.

Holiday's in Canada?? Even I know to go to Portugal. Maybe Turks and Caicos.

 

[nelly111s]

I’ve not got any confirmation with my email that the price will be held until 2024, other than the Matt W video. If they don’t hold the price, I would suspect quite a few pulling out. If they do hold the price, then 16 months from now, £80K may seem cheap for the car (and £60K for the base would be a steal).
Part of the problem is that there are too many people on here with opinions, not facts. Opinions are like arseholes; everyone’s got one. I’d like Lotus to give us some facts.

 

[TomE]

This forum largely exists because Lotus doesn’t publish many facts.

So in that vacuum you get a lot of opinions and a few people with facts and content. Filtering is the price you pay to get to the useful stuff.

It doesn’t take long to judge which people to read and which threads to skip (unless you’re a moderator and have to read everything!).

We’ve had 16 months of mostly speculation and opinions. But with actual cars now getting delivered we’ve got real content from real owners. Stick with it, a few people are going to drop out of the buying process and the forum. And owners are sticking around.

 

[First Lotus]

When in 2021?
Debut was 6th of July, 2021. That leaves a 6th month window of time.

October. Tbh, I'm disappointed with the delay in terms of what it is doing to Lotus's reputation on top of the already pretty disastrous customer service. The actual impact of delay for me isn't the end of the world as I didn't sell anything to make room for it.
It'll probably make the flippers market easier!

 

[IH8theMavs]

October. Tbh, I'm disappointed with the delay in terms of what it is doing to Lotus's reputation on top of the already pretty disastrous customer service. The actual impact of delay for me isn't the end of the world as I didn't sell anything to make room for it.
It'll probably make the flippers market easier!

Lotus will never, never produce enough to meet demand. They never have. Lotus has the slowest depreciation of anything I’ve owned. After 10 years, it sells for 50% MSRP. Always has , always will. For the Drivers!!

 

[Grumpy]

Sadly it makes total business sense to prioritize North America deliveries given the current exchange rate (assuming this is the reasoning behind it).

Having said that, if US deliveries get similarly pushed into 2024 then I'm out. I'd likely keep my deposit in just in case, but 95% would be looking elsewhere. Love the car, but waiting 2-2.5 years with zero comms or emails (at least to me) just doesn't cut it. Life is too short to waste so much time waiting!

Maybe I'd return if they make a manual Emira GT with carbon buckets and 460hp one day...

You will see a GT430 at some point but you will pay a lot of money for it. The gearbox can't reliably handle more than that.

 

[Nova]

The reality of the situation is that there was a TON of deposits placed in 2021 that have not been converted into orders. Lotus is going to have to produce cars to more or less satisfy those deposits before they move on to people who placed deposits in 2022. Customers in the rest of the world are not going to be happy reading about people getting a build slot when they can't even submit an order. I'm in that boat with a September 2021 deposit. I know there are a bunch of people in front of me, and the juggling is going to cause someone who placed a deposit much later than me to get a car before me. But that can't be the norm. My optimistic expectation is to get a car in Q4 2023, that means a 2 year wait since deposit. However, at the rate this is going, it may get stretched into Q1/Q2 2024. So if you placed a deposit in 2022... Q3/Q4 of 2024 for delivery sounds pretty reasonable to me.

 

[Quantox]

Same for me, received the same email on Friday. Deposit Oct. '21. Originally told Q3 '22 then Spring '23 and now Q1 '24. Puzzled as to what to get as a stopgap.

 

[IH8theMavs]

Same for me, received the same email on Friday. Deposit Oct. '21. Originally told Q3 '22 then Spring '23 and now Q1 '24. Puzzled as to what to get as a stopgap.

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