Group Lotus confirmed this evening that chief executive Dany Bahar has been dismissed with immediate effect.

Mr Bahar was temporarily removed from his �1.2m post a fortnight ago following a meeting with the bosses of DRB-Hicom in Malaysia, and a complaint into his conduct made by the conglomerate.

The company said in a statement tonight: 'The decision was made by the board of Group Lotus plc following the results of an investigation into a complaint made against him by the company's penultimate holding company, DRB-HICOM Berhad.'

The Company has also announced the appointment of Aslam Farikullah as the company's chief operating officer with immediate effect.

Mr Aslam has more than 26 years experience in the automotive industry.

For the full story, see Friday's EDP.