The official Lotus Emira Deposit thread

[Mike-engel]

It'll depend on country, dealer and whether you've already indicated V6/i4 and First Edition/Base Edition. All dealers should have greater clarity on allocations, timings and process by end of Jan. So I'd expect them to start contacting deposit holders soon after.

I guess I remain confused about how our initial configuration at the time of our initial deposit could determine build timing if we were supposed to be allowed to change that configuration until the commitment deposit. What if you initially indicated preference for the I4 but then befor a commitment deposit was made you changed your mind. Since we haven’t had any contact from lotus or our dealer, how will our new preference be accommodated in terms of build position? Advice from anyone.? Should I contact lotus with a change in configuration for my build code so my position can be altered? Thanks everyone.

 

[Johnson]

That's odd @Mike-engel... we had to lock in our preferences last November, with the understanding that if we change then we go to the back of the queue. Is that not what your dealer has told you?

 

[FlyNavy01]

That's odd @Mike-engel... we had to lock in our preferences last November, with the understanding that if we change then we go to the back of the queue. Is that not what your dealer has told you?

My US dealer asked for nothing but a $5k deposit. I mentioned casually that I was only interested in a manual, but otherwise they asked nothing from me as far as my specification preference. This might be because my deposit was later than most (01 Dec) but I've received no communication since. Hoping that changes soon.

 

[Maverick1]

My US dealer asked for nothing but a $5k deposit. I mentioned casually that I was only interested in a manual, but otherwise they asked nothing from me as far as my specification preference. This might be because my deposit was later than most (01 Dec) but I've received no communication since. Hoping that changes soon.

You and me both.

 

[TomE]

I guess I remain confused about how our initial configuration at the time of our initial deposit could determine build timing if we were supposed to be allowed to change that configuration until the commitment deposit. What if you initially indicated preference for the I4 but then befor a commitment deposit was made you changed your mind. Since we haven’t had any contact from lotus or our dealer, how will our new preference be accommodated in terms of build position? Advice from anyone.? Should I contact lotus with a change in configuration for my build code so my position can be altered? Thanks everyone.

Originally around reveal time Lotus asked the US dealers to submit requests for 2022 allocations. At that point each dealer was still building a deposit book, so some had initial indications from early deposit holders on V6 vs i4 preferences. Most didn't have a full book. Dealers then pitched for a 2022 number and V6/i4 split. Lotus crunched all that and gave them provisional allocations.

Since then the global demand has way exceeded expectations and 2022 looks like it will be all (or nearly all) V6 FE. So whilst dealers may already have an indication from people about V6 vs i4 and First vs Base, they don't need to sort that out until they get their 2022 and provisional 2023 allocations and timing info from Lotus later in Jan.

If you've already said you want an i4 FE and now change your mind to get a V6 FE I'd assume your dealer would re-shuffle their queue based on original deposit date. Lotus has said original deposit date is key and the fairest way. All this assumes that you don't change your mind AFTER queues and then specs have been determined - which they haven't for US yet.

The big decision is V6 FE vs i4 FE vs Base, as this determines which sub-queue you go in and hence sets the timing of when you need to confirm spec.

My expectation is US dealers will be communicating with their customers soon (late Jan/early Feb) as soon as they get their info from Lotus. If you know you want to change from i4 to V6 FE (ie switch to an earlier sub-queue) I think there's no harm in letting your dealer know that now. if you want to switch from V6 FE to i4 there's no rush.

The approach is different in other countries. For example early Australian deposit holders have already had to submit V6 FE specs and have only limited options to change.

 

[Mike-engel]

Originally around reveal time Lotus asked the US dealers to submit requests for 2022 allocations. At that point each dealer was still building a deposit book, so some had initial indications from early deposit holders on V6 vs i4 preferences. Most didn't have a full book. Dealers then pitched for a 2022 number and V6/i4 split. Lotus crunched all that and gave them provisional allocations.

Since then the global demand has way exceeded expectations and 2022 looks like it will be all (or nearly all) V6 FE. So whilst dealers may already have an indication from people about V6 vs i4 and First vs Base, they don't need to sort that out until they get their 2022 and provisional 2023 allocations and timing info from Lotus later in Jan.

If you've already said you want an i4 FE and now change your mind to get a V6 FE I'd assume your dealer would re-shuffle their queue based on original deposit date. Lotus has said original deposit date is key and the fairest way. All this assumes that you don't change your mind AFTER queues and then specs have been determined - which they haven't for US yet.

The big decision is V6 FE vs i4 FE vs Base, as this determines which sub-queue you go in and hence sets the timing of when you need to confirm spec.

My expectation is US dealers will be communicating with their customers soon (late Jan/early Feb) as soon as they get their info from Lotus. If you know you want to change from i4 to V6 FE (ie switch to an earlier sub-queue) I think there's no harm in letting your dealer know that now. if you want to switch from V6 FE to i4 there's no rush.

The approach is different in other countries. For example early Australian deposit holders have already had to submit V6 FE specs and have only limited options to change.

Thanks Tom! This is helpful.

 

[Mike-engel]

Originally around reveal time Lotus asked the US dealers to submit requests for 2022 allocations. At that point each dealer was still building a deposit book, so some had initial indications from early deposit holders on V6 vs i4 preferences. Most didn't have a full book. Dealers then pitched for a 2022 number and V6/i4 split. Lotus crunched all that and gave them provisional allocations.

Since then the global demand has way exceeded expectations and 2022 looks like it will be all (or nearly all) V6 FE. So whilst dealers may already have an indication from people about V6 vs i4 and First vs Base, they don't need to sort that out until they get their 2022 and provisional 2023 allocations and timing info from Lotus later in Jan.

If you've already said you want an i4 FE and now change your mind to get a V6 FE I'd assume your dealer would re-shuffle their queue based on original deposit date. Lotus has said original deposit date is key and the fairest way. All this assumes that you don't change your mind AFTER queues and then specs have been determined - which they haven't for US yet.

The big decision is V6 FE vs i4 FE vs Base, as this determines which sub-queue you go in and hence sets the timing of when you need to confirm spec.

My expectation is US dealers will be communicating with their customers soon (late Jan/early Feb) as soon as they get their info from Lotus. If you know you want to change from i4 to V6 FE (ie switch to an earlier sub-queue) I think there's no harm in letting your dealer know that now. if you want to switch from V6 FE to i4 there's no rush.

The approach is different in other countries. For example early Australian deposit holders have already had to submit V6 FE specs and have only limited options to change.

As an FYI, I spoke with my sales associate at flow lotus in Winston Salem, NC today to ask for an update on where things stand and to get answers to some of my questions above. He told me there was a conference call between Lotus and the Us dealer network last week. He said that Lotus plans on increasing the US allocation by approximately 50%, which he equated with a total allocation of around 750 cars. He also said this allocation is to be divided among around 40 dealers, but with some allocation accommodation for prior volumes and confirmed deposits. But in truth, each dealer is handling the reserve process differently so determining how many cars will go to specific dealers is uncertain. For example, my dealer has decided to forego the second deposit and instead just wait until their allocation is set and start contacting deposit holders in order to lock in their configuration and place orders. How those orders are filled will also be influenced by lotus’s build order strategy. V6 FEs first. He anticipates first US cars in the last quarter of 2022. There has been very little drop out so far because no one has been asked to lock in. He’s expecting drop outs comparable to the UK, maybe more, when folks are asked to make purchase commitments. There was an expressed commitment to fairness based on initial deposit date, but there will need to be some flexibility related to dealer allocation and build configurations. One thing he did say, which I don’t think is correct, that even if you placed an early deposit, you might not get a first edition. That’s contrary to what I’ve heard. I thought I heard that as long as you placed a deposit by November 4, 2021 you were good for a FE. Anybody have info about that. He had no info on reveal of next colors. He did say they are expecting their paint and interior samples next week. He also said there will be another roadshow for those dealers who didn’t participate the first time. Still lots of uncertainty here in the us. I have a call in to lotus USA for clarification. Keep smiling everyone.

 

[Eagle7]

Got an email from my salesman at Bellevue who confirmed that Lotus will be shipping ALL 700 North America cars between October and December of this year. He doesn't know yet when we'll be placing hard orders, but we should have more of that info later this month.

 

[TomE]

Total production is 100 cars per week as a base, but I believe they have been making improvements to build time during validation and may be able to increase this. They are also advertising for new hires for a second shift, but not clear how soon that will be operational. So I think 700 for US in Q4 is ambitious but feasible.

 

[Magma]

Got an email from my salesman at Bellevue who confirmed that Lotus will be shipping ALL 700 North America cars between October and December of this year. He doesn't know yet when we'll be placing hard orders, but we should have more of that info later this month.

Huh...it's interesting how 2 different US dealers can have complete opposite information from Lotus about this.
I'm hoping Gator will chime in at this point...

***In thinking more about this.. Did your salesman actually get this info DIRECTLY from Lotus or did he just ask someone else at the dealership? The reason I ask is because Allison said that Tony (Gator) thought that he understood it as all 700 cars to be delivered as well. However, Allison went DIRECTLY to Lotus to clarify. It sounds like whatever was said at the meeting wasn't 100% clear to everyone. Again, Allison got her info from LOTUS.

 

[SloAlfa]

Huh...it's interesting how 2 different US dealers can have complete opposite information from Lotus about this.
I'm hoping Gator will chime in at this point...

***In thinking more about this.. Did your salesman actually get this info DIRECTLY from Lotus or did he just ask someone else at the dealership? The reason I ask is because Allison said that Tony (Gator) thought that he understood it as all 700 cars to be delivered as well. However, Allison went DIRECTLY to Lotus to clarify. It sounds like whatever was said at the meeting wasn't 100% clear to everyone. Again, Allison got her info from LOTUS.

Well, confusing it is. Are they saying 700 cars delivered in 2022 or 700 orders confirmed and started building in 2022?

My dealer has lead us to believe that allocations will be V6 only in 2022 and a set amount of automatic and a set amount of manual will be allocated to that dealer? They are managing two lists and will be calling as allocations are communicated to take the second deposit and finalize the colors and suspension etc. So, in theory, there are 50 people waiting on a manual and 15 waiting on a auto, there is a chance a auto customer could get allocated before a manual?

If they have already ordered transmissions etc and/or started building the allocations as I described it would make more sense they could have 2022 cars landing IN 2022.

If they are waiting for people to make these decisions only when the second deposit is confirmed at the dealer, no way they can deliver 700 in 2022 because of supply chain.

Is that what everyone else is hearing or is that different also?

 

[Magma]

Well, confusing it is. Are they saying 700 cars delivered in 2022 or 700 orders confirmed and started building in 2022?

My dealer has lead us to believe that allocations will be V6 only in 2022 and a set amount of automatic and a set amount of manual will be allocated to that dealer? They are managing two lists and will be calling as allocations are communicated to take the second deposit and finalize the colors and suspension etc. So, in theory, there are 50 people waiting on a manual and 15 waiting on a auto, there is a chance a auto customer could get allocated before a manual?

If they have already ordered transmissions etc and/or started building the allocations as I described it would make more sense they could have 2022 cars landing IN 2022.

If they are waiting for people to make these decisions only when the second deposit is confirmed at the dealer, no way they can deliver 700 in 2022 because of supply chain.

Is that what everyone else is hearing or is that different also?

The way I'm told it will work is that the dealers will start taking orders in March. Each dealer will be assigned a specific number of allocations. Order to delivery is approximately 6 weeks.
Production will start in Sept for October '22 deliveries. This is saying there are no more delays. And as we know, this has already been pushed out 6 months.

But if your dealer gets 4 allocations a month, and you are #20...you can do the math. That's a March car.

 

[SloAlfa]

The way I'm told it will work is that the dealers will start taking orders in March. Each dealer will be assigned a specific number of allocations. Order to delivery is approximately 6 weeks.
Production will start in Sept for October '22 deliveries. This is saying there are no more delays. And as we know, this has already been pushed out 6 months.

But if your dealer gets 4 allocations a month, and you are #20...you can do the math. That's a March car.

Well then that’s completely different then what I was told by two dealers. Just hope we know the truth by end of the month. Been holding off buying another car, getting a little annoying. Should not be that hard to communicate to 40 dealers. Much larger manufacturers handle it fine with much larger dealer networks.

Guess we will hurry and wait until we get a call.

Anyone know the drop out rate so far in the UK or anywhere else they have been taking “non refundable” deposits? Just curious.

 

[Magma]

Well then that’s completely different then what I was told by two dealers. Just hope we know the truth by end of the month. Been holding off buying another car, getting a little annoying. Should not be that hard to communicate to 40 dealers. Much larger manufacturers handle it fine with much larger dealer networks.

Guess we will hurry and wait until we get a call.

Anyone know the drop out rate so far in the UK or anywhere else they have been taking “non refundable” deposits? Just curious.

The dealers got a schedule from Lotus.

We had a dealer wide meeting this afternoon that provided some updates for the new Lotus Emira!

Allocations

• 700 cars coming to US/Canada
• Dealer allocation numbers are coming by the end of the month

Ordering Process
We will know how many allocations we will have monthly. At the beginning of each month we will be processing 'x' amount of orders. We will be in contact with you the prior month if you are on the list to order the next month. Orders must be submitted by the 24th of each month. Once the order has been placed, it cannot be changed.

** I am working on a way to constantly update you where you are on the list to order your car, stay tuned! **

Car Production
There has been a slight delay in production. Production is set to begin in September 2022. This production schedule is just for the Supercharged V6 'First Edition' car. The schedule below is the tentative schedule Lotus has shared that gives an estimated production time frame for those who will order their cars this year.

Cars are going to start delivery in October!

Order Submission	Car Production
March 22	September 22
April 22	October 22
May 22	November 22
June 22	December 22
July 22	January 23
August 22	February 23
September 22	March 23
October 22	April 23
November 22	May 23
December 22	June 23

 

[SloAlfa]

The dealers got a schedule from Lotus.

We had a dealer wide meeting this afternoon that provided some updates for the new Lotus Emira!

Allocations

• 700 cars coming to US/Canada
• Dealer allocation numbers are coming by the end of the month

Ordering Process
We will know how many allocations we will have monthly. At the beginning of each month we will be processing 'x' amount of orders. We will be in contact with you the prior month if you are on the list to order the next month. Orders must be submitted by the 24th of each month. Once the order has been placed, it cannot be changed.

** I am working on a way to constantly update you where you are on the list to order your car, stay tuned! **

Car Production
There has been a slight delay in production. Production is set to begin in September 2022. This production schedule is just for the Supercharged V6 'First Edition' car. The schedule below is the tentative schedule Lotus has shared that gives an estimated production time frame for those who will order their cars this year.

Cars are going to start delivery in October!

Order Submission	Car Production
March 22	September 22
April 22	October 22
May 22	November 22
June 22	December 22
July 22	January 23
August 22	February 23
September 22	March 23
October 22	April 23
November 22	May 23
December 22	June 23

So why did our dealers say what they did about manual vs auto and take details on build if it was going to be just a general list? Guessing the only thing that matters is if you are on the V6? Damn.

Fingers crossed then.

Anyone know the drop off rates other countries are seeing?

 

[Leonard]

Just watched a YouTube video and after visiting his dealer in the USA the guy said he would be getting his auto in 4 months. Good luck with that! Lol. Think there is some UK - USA comms lacking again

 

[Mike-engel]

The dealers got a schedule from Lotus.

We had a dealer wide meeting this afternoon that provided some updates for the new Lotus Emira!

Allocations

• 700 cars coming to US/Canada
• Dealer allocation numbers are coming by the end of the month

Ordering Process
We will know how many allocations we will have monthly. At the beginning of each month we will be processing 'x' amount of orders. We will be in contact with you the prior month if you are on the list to order the next month. Orders must be submitted by the 24th of each month. Once the order has been placed, it cannot be changed.

** I am working on a way to constantly update you where you are on the list to order your car, stay tuned! **

Car Production
There has been a slight delay in production. Production is set to begin in September 2022. This production schedule is just for the Supercharged V6 'First Edition' car. The schedule below is the tentative schedule Lotus has shared that gives an estimated production time frame for those who will order their cars this year.

Cars are going to start delivery in October!

Order Submission	Car Production
March 22	September 22
April 22	October 22
May 22	November 22
June 22	December 22
July 22	January 23
August 22	February 23
September 22	March 23
October 22	April 23
November 22	May 23
December 22	June 23

This sounds like what my sales rep said and he was on the call with Lotus. I thought he said 750 cars, but we were on cell phones and there were some drop moments so I might have mis-heard him. He did say allocation info would be transmitted very soon and that the first allocation of 700ish cars would be V6s. He didn’t make a distinction between autos and manuals. He surprised me with the comment that his dealership would not be asking for a second deposit and instead would go straight to orders once they had info about their allocation. His comments about fairness were nebulous, and perhaps he was just trying to make me feel good. I have expressed my disconcert about the possibility that where one placed their deposit could impact substantially when they get their car. It seems unfair that someone who placed a deposit in July could be leapfrogged by someone who placed their deposit in September simply because their dealer has more clout and a larger allocation. That will be all the more disconcerting if being bumped out of the first 700 cars shipped also means you won’t qualify for a first edition car, which has financial ramifications. Again, still too many unknowns and I have no idea what’s going to happen. I just hope for fairness, and I’m struggling to see how fairness aligns with distinct processes at different dealers, unless Lotus exerts some centralized control. Time will tell.

 

[andrew6382]

Just watched a YouTube video and after visiting his dealer in the USA the guy said he would be getting his auto in 4 months. Good luck with that! Lol. Think there is some UK - USA comms lacking again

Ok , can you share the video

 

[TomE]

The US process is on my list for discussion with Lotus this upcoming week, will try to get more clarity.

 

[Magma]

This sounds like what my sales rep said and he was on the call with Lotus. I thought he said 750 cars, but we were on cell phones and there were some drop moments so I might have mis-heard him. He did say allocation info would be transmitted very soon and that the first allocation of 700ish cars would be V6s. He didn’t make a distinction between autos and manuals. He surprised me with the comment that his dealership would not be asking for a second deposit and instead would go straight to orders once they had info about their allocation. His comments about fairness were nebulous, and perhaps he was just trying to make me feel good. I have expressed my disconcert about the possibility that where one placed their deposit could impact substantially when they get their car. It seems unfair that someone who placed a deposit in July could be leapfrogged by someone who placed their deposit in September simply because their dealer has more clout and a larger allocation. That will be all the more disconcerting if being bumped out of the first 700 cars shipped also means you won’t qualify for a first edition car, which has financial ramifications. Again, still too many unknowns and I have no idea what’s going to happen. I just hope for fairness, and I’m struggling to see how fairness aligns with distinct processes at different dealers, unless Lotus exerts some centralized control. Time will tell.

Not asking for a second deposit may a help the dealer. They have an order to fill and if the buyer backs out...oh darn, they have an unclaimed Emira to sell.