Lotus 3rd Phone Call

[andrew6382]

@andrew6382 I'm not offended. Your posts have come across to me as trying to prove that I'm wrong. You've said as much in your last post.

I'm trying to help. I have a (probably unhealthy) understanding of what's going on, some of which we all know is very sub-optimal from a customer standpoint, but is what it is. I've given my Lotus contacts (4 pages worth of) feedback and it is being reviewed. It might make a difference.

I know how the deposit/call/config process should be working in the UK. I don't have any individual data. Trying to tease out who has been contacted and where they are in the process relies on what I read on here. Sometimes that needs clarifying. Sometimes the process hasn't worked as expected. Sometimes (hopefully not too often) my understanding and communication of the process may be wrong or incomplete - happy to be corrected so everyone gets clarity.

My sole purpose in spending several hours on this every day is to help people understand what the process is supposed to be, and provide as accurate information as we (as a community) can pull together in the absence of direct Lotus input. I particularly don't want people to miss out or make wrong decisions because the process broke or they had the wrong info. "No person left behind" and all that.

The situation with teamvxracing highlights where the process appears not to have worked and someone could miss out. That's what I'm concerned about. Not proving my understanding of the process.

The info that you've had a second call/deposit with an 18 Oct deposit is helpful in showing the process we all thought was being followed was actually followed. It reinforces the key point. Anyone else who hasn't had a second call/email and wants a V6 FE needs to act asap, but if they want an i4 FE or Base they can wait or double check. Then we won't leave anyone behind. The situation on V6 FE third calls is a different issue and it helps if we can be clear which we're talking about.

Tom you have it all wrong, I was trying just highlight that some had still had not had the call for the second deposit, example "teamvxracing".... twice i tried to explain to you, and twice you basicly said i was wrong..... but still I was not trying to do this to prove any thing to any one, but infact highlight some had not been contacted, and if you check back you will see others have expressed the same about being contacted. I am not trying to compete with you, but i did have to prove my point to get you to notice what i was saying was true. I do respect you and the help you give others. but I saw somthing was wrong and tried to bring it to you. Thank any way


Today at 9:34 AM
"The people saying they haven't been called yet are in the V6 FE queue and have paid second deposit and generally had 2 calls already, but are waiting for the third call. Originally this would have also been third/final deposit. I had been told these folks (particularly 7/8/9 July deposits) were going to get their third call in January."

Toady at 11:44 AM
"Other people who've said "not had a call yet" are clearly talking about the expected 3rd call in January and we know they've paid first/second deposits."

 

[Tonyshepp]

I think the mantra is don’t shoot the messenger, in this case Tom.

 

[DPB]

 

[EspritGuy]

That would be Emira Quest!

 

[andrew6382]

Made me Car I brought when I sold BMW8 was a jazz 2006, 120k .....and stunned when it past its MOT monday ...... me Jazzed

 

[Chadder]

Perhaps they're pausing to revise the call list into a proper deposit date order, including the pre-reveal people?

...or maybe the 8 people they've contacted means they've covered all the June deliveries?

Placed deposit :
Am 8th July at Goodwood
Paid 2 x deposits ,
Not had 3rd phone call yet , why don't they just email , it's a lot easier

 

[Lankan]

The info that you've had a second call/deposit with an 18 Oct deposit is helpful in showing the process we all thought was being followed was actually followed. It reinforces the key point. Anyone else who hasn't had a second call/email and wants a V6 FE needs to act asap, but if they want an i4 FE or Base they can wait or double check. Then we won't leave anyone behind. The situation on V6 FE third calls is a different issue and it helps if we can be clear which we're talking about.

Just to add to the mix, I went to view Emira on 7th Nov and put my first deposit down on 8th Nov. I then received my first call on 6th Dec, followed by an email with a dedicated link to the V6 FE configurator, which I received on the same day.

When I got in touch with Customer Care, stating that I will be going for a V6 FE, but that I am unsure about a couple of things and would rather wait until I see a production car, they told me that there was no rush to put the second deposit down and that I could "take as much time as I need".

As such, if someone has placed their first deposit, and they haven't received a call/email, then it is best to call Customer Care since the first call is to establish whether you want a V6 (FE) or an I4.

 

[scoates]

I spoke to my dealer on Friday and asked a few questions about the deposit process and delivery estimates. They said they had a recent meeting and were not expecting any more phone calls to be made to depositors, and the spec placed at second deposit stage is regarded as final unless you tell them otherwise. Production schedule is apparently delayed (as expected from June being first deliveries) but also apparently demo cars are also delayed, they estimated they may have one in June. Seems like a lot of people might have to fully commit with no demo and no further call for info!

 

[Tailslides]

I spoke to my dealer on Friday and asked a few questions about the deposit process and delivery estimates. They said they had a recent meeting and were not expecting any more phone calls to be made to depositors, and the spec placed at second deposit stage is regarded as final unless you tell them otherwise. Production schedule is apparently delayed (as expected from June being first deliveries) but also apparently demo cars are also delayed, they estimated they may have one in June. Seems like a lot of people might have to fully commit with no demo and no further call for info!

I must say those sort of delays sound difficult to accept, there are many test/pilot build vehicles on display in the photograph in the Autocar article and we are still over four months from sales.

In relation to dealers, unless communication has improved dramatically I have my doubts, when I spoke to my dealer, he actually knew less than me from reading forums

 

[TomE]

I spoke to my dealer on Friday and asked a few questions about the deposit process and delivery estimates. They said they had a recent meeting and were not expecting any more phone calls to be made to depositors, and the spec placed at second deposit stage is regarded as final unless you tell them otherwise. Production schedule is apparently delayed (as expected from June being first deliveries) but also apparently demo cars are also delayed, they estimated they may have one in June. Seems like a lot of people might have to fully commit with no demo and no further call for info!

That's odd, as Lotus re-started calls to UK depositors this week!

Lotus really need to clarify the position to all deposit holders about "final" spec and changes, as they said at roadshows, in calls and in emails that specification could be changed after 2nd deposit up until 3rd deposit. Not now asking for a 3rd deposit and them just assuming it's final unless people ask for changes is going to confuse people, particularly those still waiting for the promised pictures of painted cars.

I'm due a response on my list of questions by end of this week, which included these points.

 

[TXEMIRA]

If you placed a deposit on 8 July and haven't been contacted by phone or email about choice of V6 FE or alternatives then something has gone wrong. Might be that Lotus don't have your phone number or email recorded correctly, or sent you an email and it went into spam/quarantine. I suggest you call Customer Care on 0330 094 8047 straight away to clarify the situation.

Anyone else on this thread who paid a deposit up to and including July and has said "no call yet" and means "no second call about V6 FE choice and second deposit" please do the same.

If you're waiting for a third call about firming up delivery date (possibly June but more likely July and onwards), then please hold on and wait for an update from Lotus during January. Or call Customer Care if you feel you need to confirm your individual situation.

You’re only talking UK deposits right?

 

[TomE]

Yes, that's just the UK process.

US dealers will get their updates from Lotus by end of Jan and should then start contacting customers early Feb to explain process and timings.

 

[Lankan]

That's odd, as Lotus re-started calls to UK depositors this week!

Lotus really need to clarify the position to all deposit holders about "final" spec and changes, as they said at roadshows, in calls and in emails that specification could be changed after 2nd deposit up until 3rd deposit. Not now asking for a 3rd deposit and them just assuming it's final unless people ask for changes is going to confuse people, particularly those still waiting for the promised pictures of painted cars.

I'm due a response on my list of questions by end of this week, which included these points.

Indeed, I hope we get clarity on this matter as to when one needs to (or can) finalise one's configuration since it seems like there have been various mixed messages being banded about.

For example, I was never told that there was a need for a 3rd deposit, possibly because by then Lotus had abandoned that idea, but was told that there was no pressure to finalise my configuration or the need to put the 2nd (configuration) deposit down until I was ready, and that was after informing customer care that I would like to wait until I have seen a production car and have actually test driven one. To date, I haven't heard anything to the contrary.

@TomE, I certainly hope you get a response to your queries soon. Also, aren't we expecting an update from Lotus on Monday (24th)?

 

[TomE]

During week commencing 24 Jan, may not actually be on Monday

 

[Tailslides]

I suppose when there is a lack of real updated information, the rumour mill goes into overdrive.

 

[andrew6382]

During week commencing 24 Jan, may not actually be on Mond

I suppose when there is a lack of real updated information, the rumour mill goes into overdrive.

Oh Yes..... thats for sure

 

[scoates]

That's odd, as Lotus re-started calls to UK depositors this week!

Lotus really need to clarify the position to all deposit holders about "final" spec and changes, as they said at roadshows, in calls and in emails that specification could be changed after 2nd deposit up until 3rd deposit. Not now asking for a 3rd deposit and them just assuming it's final unless people ask for changes is going to confuse people, particularly those still waiting for the promised pictures of painted cars.

I'm due a response on my list of questions by end of this week, which included these points.

Interesting! Information definitely all over the place, but that's nothing new!

Looking forward to hearing the response, and the info direct from Lotus hopefully next week.

 

[frazzer]

3rd call yesterday. Deposit placed midday on the 8th July. My delivery slot is in June, although with my changes it'll be July.

 

[New to Lotus]

Thanks for info frazzer
Can I ask when you got second call I placed my deposit between 2 and 3pm 8th of July so hope I get a call soon.
Cheers

 

[Yachtie]

3rd call yesterday. Deposit placed midday on the 8th July. My delivery slot is in June, although with my changes it'll be July.

I placed deposit 11am on same day so I'm encouraged by your delivery slot, I probably won't have any changes so maybe I'll take your June slot!!