Proton cars parent company of Group Lotus said its new owners are running the rule over its business plans

More questions have been raised about the future of Norfolk-based car maker Group Lotus after its parent company Proton revealed that its new owners were running the rule over its existing business plans before unveiling what it wanted to do next.

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Last month the Malaysian government’s investment firm Khazanah Nasional sold its controlling stake in Proton to Malaysian car distributor and importer DRB-Hicom in a £276m deal, sparking speculation about the future of Group Lotus, and whether the new owners would sign up to the five-year turnaround for the loss making company to move from a specialist niche car company to a profitable sports car brand.

The vision has secured the support of the British government which has pledged £10m from its regional growth fund to pay for an engineering research centre at Hethel.

However, much could depend on whether DRB-Hicom keeps faith with Lotus or looks to sell it off, and reports this week also suggested that Group Lotus chief executive Dany Bahar is looking for backers to help him buy the company.

In a statement yesterday Proton said its focus remained the same while the future of the business is decided.

“We are aware of the many concerns of the different parties related to Proton – especially our business partners, with regards to the current plans and future direction of the Group and all its subsidiaries, including its UK-based Lotus Group International Limited,” it said.

“Our new incoming owner is in discussions with the current management of Proton to get a clear understanding and assessment of the group’s current business plans, before any strategic future plans can be mapped out, including the plans for our Lotus subsidiary.

“Our focus remains the same for all our current business plans and this includes Lotus’ commitment in realising its current five-year business transformation plan, of which we are happy to report, is right on track.

“As such, business is as usual for us and all our subsidiaries and we thank them for their professionalism and patience during this time.”