Future of Lotus uncertain after takeover of Proton

DRB-Hicom Bhd's recent takeover of Malaysian car maker, Proton Holdings Bhd. has resulted in an uncertain future for Lotus Group International Ltd.

Khazanah Nasional Bhd. which is the Malaysian Government’s investment arm, sold its 42.7% stake in Proton to DRB-Hicom for RM1.29 billion ($414 million). An additional 7.7 percent stake was bought in the open market which gave DRB-Hicom a majority stake in the company.

Proton bought Lotus Group International Ltd in 1996 but the subsidiary has yet to make a profit. News reports indicate that sales have collapsed in the UK.

The rumours that the new owners of Proton might sale off the company have hit morale at the British HQ though Dato’ Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, head of DRB-Hicom, has dismissed these rumours. Read the full report here.

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The new Volvo V40

Volvo has unveiled the V40 at the Geneva motor show yesterday. It is Volvo's first true five-door hatchback.

Roomy interiors.

Volvo is perceived as having the safest cars and they are.

This time, they are not only thinking about the driver and the passengers but even the pedestrians outside. So in case you hit someone, an airbag pops out from the rear edge of the bonnet to cover the windscreen and the front pillars.

And if there is an obstacle in front the car sensors will detect it and brake automatically.

The V40 comes with the option to have the dynamic spoiler fitted with the extra winglets. It will cost money though.

Regarding the engines, there are several versions and I read that both the 150 and 180bhp petrol engines is the same as Ford Focus 1.6. They also have one version with Volvo's own 2.0L diesel five-cylinder engine.

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New MINI John Cooper Works Countryman

Check out the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman which will debut at Geneva next month.

It not just a new body kit and some bold colours - it comes with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine mated with a six-speed manual gearbox and 4 wheel-drive. It has lowered sports suspension and a top speed of 140mph.

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Honda European CR-V Prototype

In my last post on Honda's lineup for the Geneva Motor Show,I mentioned that they will also début the European CR-V Prototype. Here are some exclusive images of this preview model.

The all-new fourth generation European Honda CR-V has a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia as compared to the previous generation. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics. The new model is set to go on sale in Autumn 2012.

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The Fisker Karma test drive

Fisker calls the Karma the "first true electric luxury vehicle" - actually it is a hybrid and costs more than $100,000.

Watch Dan Neil Test Drive the 2012 Karma.

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BMWi concepts

The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept cars. Visit the BMWi site for more info.

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Honda lineup for the Geneva Motor Show

Honda has revealed two Sports Car Concepts: a prototype of the European CR-V as well as the debut of the all-new 1.6 Diesel engine all appearing on the Honda stand.

Honda's next generation supercar, the NSX Concept features a V6 mid-mounted engine featuring the innovative new technologies including the innovative Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel DriveTM) hybrid system.

The Honda EV-STER is an electric rear wheel drive two-seater open sports car.

Honda will also present the preview model of the European CR-V Prototype, the fourth generation which is set to go on sale in Autumn 2012.

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