V6 Autobox News

[roundincircles]

Oh, and iirc, there was a video posted on this forum, of an Emira auto on track in China. The gear change was fast and smooth.

 

[roundincircles]

Or they aren't type approved which is seeming more and more likely

I did send an email with my approval.

 

[DJS]

Back in July a Lotus senior exec assured me the initial batch of auto V6 boxes were physical at Hethel, thus my order was in a batch that used the onsite boxes. But, as we know, items can get stolen, can be declared unfit for purpose or get lost in the ether. Time will soon tell.

Lotus confirmed that they physically had the auto box parts for the first batch to build them and I guess they had every intention to do so until the Geely visit recently which seems to have changed the strategy.

If Lotus turned around and said there was a new change of direction due to a Geely decision I would sympathise.

 

[Toomanyloti]

I emailed LCC 3 days ago to ask where we were up to as i had an early deposit and I see guys way in front of me in the process. They came back to me yesterday saying i should get a call in the next 2 weeks with an update...
Interesting to see if they really do have an initial crate of auto boxes to use on 'the first batch'.....

 

[Bilbao-Emira]

So I have a confirmed update from the Lotus guys last night at the Eletre launch event at Lotus Sussex.

V6 Auto box
So not good news I’m afraid the V6 Auto box is nowhere near ready and only manual cars will be built for the Uk in 2022. This decision has been made to help Lotus get as many cars out the door as possible in the short term. Although uncomfirmed the V6 Auto will begin production around March/April next year, this also goes for the rest of the world.

I4 Emira
The I4 will not go into production until after that so probably looking at Q3 2023 at best.

FYI Manual V6
308 uk cars will be delivered total before Christmas. Demo cars arrive this morning at Lotus Sussex and Lotus Kent. If you are going to todays or tomorrows Eletre event at Sussex then there should also be an Emira on display.

Rest of the world
Some manual Emira’s are being built in 2022 for Europe/Australia/USA /China
Auto V6 inline with the UK next year.

Eletre
3,000 uk cars expected to sell in the uk next year with a 1,000 deposits taken already.
This car is an absolute beast and really does rival the Urus for half the price. Lotus are confident they will sell 100,000 cars worldwide. If your still on the fence with this car go and have a look at it, just like the Emira so much better in the flesh
A proper statement.

Thanks a lot for asking the question about Auto Box.

Even unconfirmed , at least we have a better estimate than just 2023, which is the last update I got from the dealer in Spain last week.

Now the question to Lotus is:

March is not the same as April.
if they took the decision for whatever reason to delay the whole production at least send a communication to all depositors affected in the UK and through the dealers for ROW, and give as an option if we want to change for the same spec in Manual with original updated timeframe for the latter, or we can decide to stay and wait another extra 6 months, and in this case, be more specific about the manufacturing month, shouldn't be so difficult having six months ahead to plan it, on top of the year and a half that we have already been waiting. Of course, new issues out of control will happen, but if there is clarity we will all understand.

Back in July, when Matt Windle announced as far as I remember, 2+ months extra delays for Auto I asked my dealer whether I should change my spec for manual, and the answer from Lotus was that they expected it would be built in Oct, delivery November, and that's why I stayed with Auto. Now that they know it's going to be at least six months more, why won't they give us the option to change for manual? We are not jumping any queue anyway.

And I think it would also be good for Lotus, they would ease the supply chain if they really have an issue with spare parts specifically related to Auto transmission since a few of us might opt for Manual instead.

Ok, now I go back to my Champagne toast for first UK deliveries and enjoy the show!
have a nice weekend all!

 

[DJS]

Thanks a lot for asking the question about Auto Box.

Even unconfirmed , at least we have a better estimate than just 2023, which is the last update I got from the dealer in Spain last week.

Now the question to Lotus is:

March is not the same as April.
if they took the decision for whatever reason to delay the whole production at least send a communication to all depositors affected in the UK and through the dealers for ROW, and give as an option if we want to change for the same spec in Manual with original updated timeframe for the latter, or we can decide to stay and wait another extra 6 months, and in this case, be more specific about the manufacturing month, shouldn't be so difficult having six months ahead to plan it, on top of the year and a half that we have already been waiting. Of course, new issues out of control will happen, but if there is clarity we will all understand.

Back in July, when Matt Windle announced as far as I remember, 2+ months extra delays for Auto I asked my dealer whether I should change my spec for manual, and the answer from Lotus was that they expected it would be built in Oct, delivery November, and that's why I stayed with Auto. Now that they know it's going to be at least six months more, why won't they give us the option to change for manual? We are not jumping any queue anyway.

And I think it would also be good for Lotus, they would ease the supply chain if they really have an issue with spare parts specifically related to Auto transmission since a few of us might opt for Manual instead.

Ok, now I go back to my Champagne toast for first UK deliveries and enjoy the show!
have a nice weekend all!

No problem at all, but remember take all of this with a pinch of salt as I have been given miss information from Lotus that I have posted a couple of times already.

As far as I'm concerned the latest email confirmation from Lotus says that my car is still being delivered next month so if what I've been told is actually true and I'm notified of a 6 month or more delay then I will be pulling both my Eletre and Emira deposits straight away.

Imagine if I wasn't on this forum or didn't go to the Eletre launch the other night, I would be none the wiser.

 

[roundincircles]

No problem at all, but remember take all of this with a pinch of salt as I have been given miss information from Lotus that I have posted a couple of times already.

As far as I'm concerned the latest email confirmation from Lotus says that my car is still being delivered next month so if what I've been told is actually true and I'm notified of a 6 month or more delay then I will be pulling both my Eletre and Emira deposits straight away.

Imagine if I wasn't on this forum or didn't go to the Eletre launch the other night, I would be none the wiser.

There is a point where you wonder why are you bothering.

Just some basic, no nonsense, communication is all that's needed. I think most can cope with the reality of supply chain or rescheduling but all we can do is speculate and view the company as incompetent or non caring of potential customers.

Most other auto companies are in the same boat but have franchised dealers who communicate.....in Porsches case the dealers say we don't know when your car will arrive but when it's scheduled we will let you know....what's the difference? Lotus keep promising but don't deliver so maybe Porsche have got it right, ie they promise nothing ?

 

[DJS]

There is a point where you wonder why are you bothering.

Just some basic, no nonsense, communication is all that's needed. I think most can cope with the reality of supply chain or rescheduling but all we can do is speculate and view the company as incompetent or non caring of potential customers.

Most other auto companies are in the same boat but have franchised dealers who communicate.....in Porsches case the dealers say we don't know when your car will arrive but when it's scheduled we will let you know....what's the difference? Lotus keep promising but don't deliver so maybe Porsche have got it right, ie they promise nothing ?

Completely agree, I’m talking to Porsche at the moment and they’ve been straight saying they have no build slots for 2023 as yet and giving a 6 to 12 month lead time on some 911s.
If Lotus told me at the start of October that my car was moved to mid 2023 due to a geely decision or anther acceptable excuse I would have dusted myself off and got on with it. But as I mentioned in a previous thread I moved my 992 GTS slot to the end of next year as I was certain Lotus wouldn’t let me down again. I’ve now pulled that deposit back and put it in on a carrera T for April May next year. Yep a complete car buying mess.

Let’s hope the factory at Hethal has other plans and my car come early 2023.

 

[DJS]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've now been told that my V6 Auto box is now locked in for build in January with a February delivery.

Do you know what I'll take that :-D it's the last chance saloon

 

[Guest142]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've now been told that my V6 Auto box is now locked in for build in January with a February delivery.

Do you know what I'll take that :-D it's the last chance saloon

 

[emiraspain]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've now been told that my V6 Auto box is now locked in for build in January with a February delivery.

Do you know what I'll take that :-D it's the last chance saloon

I think we should take the names of the CS people we speak to and what they say, dates and all.
I firmly believe a pattern will evolve...... There are one or maximum two there I generally trust when they tell me something, the rest are just scripted and none sensical much of the time and you are better off guesstimating yourself....
I'd also say I want it in writing..... makes them take it a bit more seriously perhaps.

 

[Lego Man]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've now been told that my V6 Auto box is now locked in for build in January with a February delivery.

Do you know what I'll take that :-D it's the last chance saloon

Hi, Ohh when did you place your order ? I seem to be in the same position as may others my original order was am of the 7/7/21 for an Auto and am currently still in the first batch of October build / November delivery, but like so many CS still can't tell me when my car is due and to wait for an updated email. so frustrating.

 

[DJS]

Hi, Ohh when did you place your order ? I seem to be in the same position as may others my original order was am of the 7/7/21 for an Auto and am currently still in the first batch of October build / November delivery, but like so many CS still can't tell me when my car is due and to wait for an updated email. so frustrating.

I was the 10th of July 21 so probably in the first batch of autos with you.

 

[Bilbao-Emira]

I was the 10th of July 21 so probably in the first batch of autos with you.

I trust more what my dealer says Spain in this respect than CC for UK.
i was October build/Nov delivery and the dealer got un update from LOTUS HQ in written saying all Auto box postponed to 2023.
We'll see.

 

[Toomanyloti]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I've now been told that my V6 Auto box is now locked in for build in January with a February delivery.

Do you know what I'll take that :-D it's the last chance saloon

I am chuffed for you fella I'm still waiting for news. I was told oct nov for an auto and that was a early may 21 deposit slightly f*cking annoying isnt it?

 

[DJS]

I am chuffed for you fella I'm still waiting for news. I was told oct nov for an auto and that was an early may 21 deposit slightly f*cking annoying isnt it?

It sure is, I don’t know what to believe to be honest, I’m not sure they really know still sounds like guess work.

Anyway it will be good to see any cars coming out of the factory as it will keep us all mentally busy on this forum

 

[Toomanyloti]

It sure is, I don’t know what to believe to be honest, I’m not sure they really know still sounds like guess work.

Anyway it will be good to see any cars coming out of the factory as it will keep us all mentally busy on this forum

 

[Bradw]

I was the 10th of July 21 so probably in the first batch of autos with you.

I was the 9th and nothing yet

 

[JohnHoward]

Just had the e.mail to say my V6 auto is scheduled for production in March 2023 and there will be further monthly updates. It also mentions the test drive e.mail and that will be sent next week.
Here is the full text for anyone interested:
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 result your Emira order has been delayed further, and I apologise for the frustration and disappointment I am sure you are feeling.
I can confirm your Emira is scheduled for production in March 2023. Moving forward, you will receive monthly updates on your Emira order including more detailed production timings. As your Emira completes the production process we will contact you directly to arrange and confirm your delivery date, provide more information regarding financial services, trade-in and insurance products that you may be interested in, as well as arranging the final handover with you.
We are pleased to confirm that you will be invited to get behind the wheel at the Emira test drive event, You will receive a separate invitation with more details about this next week. The Lotus team look forward to seeing you there.
Lastly, I want to finish by thanking you for being a valued Lotus customer and for your patience. Our dedicated Lotus Customer Care centre is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can contact them by responding to this email, calling 03300 948 047.
Sincerely,
Geoff Dowding
Executive Director of Sales & Aftersales
Lotus Cars
ENDS

 

[roundincircles]

Mine delayed to April. From July. September. November. Wot to do?