Dany Bahar has been suspended from his role as chief executive officer at Group Lotus, pending an investigation into his conduct.
The current owners, Malaysian-based DRB Hicom, have issed a statement confirming that Bahar has been suspended following an “operational review”. Reports over the weekend suggest that the dispute concerns expenses.
The statement says: “As a result of a number of media inquiries, Group Lotus plc (“Lotus”) can today confirm that, following an operational review, chief executive Dany Bahar has been temporarily suspended from his role to facilitate an investigation into a complaint about his conduct made by Lotus’ penultimate parent company, DRB Hicom.”
A spokesman for DRB Hicom has told Norwich Evening News: “The penultimate holding company would like to stress it is business as usual at Lotus. We fully support the company and will continue to support Lotus in its business endeavours and development.”
Day-to-day management of the company will be led by representatives of Lotus’ parent companies Dato’ Lukman Ibrahim, Mr Mohd Khalid Yusof and Mr Aslam Farikullah.
The announcement follows the sale of Proton, and resulting questions over the company's ownership. There are rumours that Lotus could be sold to the Chinese.
Bahar joined the company in 2009 folling a stint at Ferrari. He announced ambitious plans for the future of Lotus at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, which included the launch up to six new models and the development of new engines in-house.
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Suspending Dany Bahar is smaller news than selling Lotus to the Chinese. Not a big fan of Dany for his aggressive introduction of dozen of new models a year or so ago. Not sure how he is going to pull that off but now the point is mooted. On the other hand, selling Lotus to the Chinese? That is going to take longer to comprehend.
not too bothered about this suspension but its sad to see such an iconic car maker being swapped around like a yo yo. The chinese will only exploit its designs and technology to make their own. i hope current owners keep Lotus and carry on with the big task of making those engines and cars. btw the new Esprit concept must have pop up headlights!!