EliseInfo.com

Lotus just issued a press release talking about the record sales they had last year in the US. From July 2005 through July 2006, they delivered 2385 Elises, pretty much on track with expectations. The Elise, a car that started out with such low expectations back in the 90′s, has since grown to be the most successful model in Lotus’ history (as measured by number of units shipped). Read the rest of this post for the entire press release.

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Subject: LOTUS Celebrates Record Year in U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOTUS CELEBRATES RECORD YEAR IN U.S.

Strong demand for Elise roadster and dealer expansion confirm North American resurgence

DULUTH, GA (August 26, 2005) Lotus Cars USA, North American distributor of Lotus sports cars, has set a new one-year sales record with the Elise roadster, firmly re-establishing the British car maker as the pure sports car brand in the U.S. market.

The first U.S. Elise was delivered in July of last year and through July of this year 2385 cars have been delivered. After being introduced at the 2004 Los Angeles Auto Show, orders for the lightweight, 190-horsepower sports car quickly exceeded expectations and remained strong throughout the first year of sales, establishing the Elise as the most successful model in Lotus’ 57-year history.

To meet demand, and to prepare for future models, the company has been expanding its dealer network in new markets around the country. There are currently 45 U.S. Lotus dealers with new locations recently added in Cleveland, OH; Richmond, VA; and Raleigh, NC. Locations are also planned for Las Vegas, NV and Sacramento, CA.

“Lotus is back” said John English, president and CEO of Lotus Cars USA. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our dealers and the enthusiasm of our customers, and we owe them great thanks.” English added, “The Elise is true to the Lotus philosophy of ‘performance through light weight’ and our sales show that American enthusiasts appreciate its pure sports car character. We look forward to expanding our model line-up in the coming years and continuing the momentum that the Elise has established.”

About Lotus Cars USA

Lotus is one of the world’s best-known British performance brands with a reputation for innovation through a steady stream of winning racing cars and memorable sports cars. The first Lotus car was built in 1948 by founder Colin Chapman (1928-1982). The Lotus Engineering Company has pioneered automotive systems and components still in use today.

Lotus Cars and its sister company Lotus Engineering are owned by Group Lotus, plc, headquartered in Norfolk, England. The location is home to design, manufacturing, research and development and sales facilities. While Lotus Cars continues to design and build sports cars revered for their performance, handling, style and innovation, Lotus Engineering develops advanced automotive systems and components for many of the world’s leading automakers. Together, these two enterprises are a powerful team, committed to changing the rules that define automotive excellence.

Lotus Cars USA is the North American distributor of Lotus Sports Cars based in Duluth, Georgia just outside of Atlanta.