The Lotus Position

That’s what I said in the bit you didn’t quote. At the point a formal agreement is made the independent becomes an authorised repairer. I imagine Craig is unlikely to be made an authorised repairer now an agreement t is in place with Parks. Hopefully Parks will become a full dealer rather than just an authorised repairer.

A manufacturer cannot enter into an agreement with an independent to carry out warranty work - the rest of the franchised network would be, quite rightly, up in arms. If Craig and/or Lotus wanted to approach each other and put a formal agreement in place that would be another matter. There are garages out there who are authorised repairers for manufacturers without being full dealers (ie no sales) so it is possible. Having said that, warranty work is a poison chalice for garages - it doesn’t pay as well as private work, there is a danger of not being paid out if the factory finds fault in the repair, and then there are warranty audits that can cost thousands in claw backs for any errors found. How many independent garages would want to take that on? It’s also worth noting that Craig’s departure from Murray’s was far from amicable. Apparently an announcement from Lotus regarding appointing a new Scottish Lotus dealer is imminent. For the sake of Lotus and Scottish Lotus owners I hope this is true. As you say the current situation is far from ideal.

Count us in. 1 Alan & Alex 2 Duggie 3 Steve & Julie

Bo’ness Revival is Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September, not this weekend.

Great day up at Knockhill today. Lots of Lotus in attendance - click here Passenger run in the GT410 - click here Plenty of action out on track - click here

Only just seen this. I’ve just been speaking to Ian at Leven Lotus (aftersales manager). He said this must have been an admin error but if you want to come up as a spectator he’ll look after you. I’ll be heading along in the afternoon to get a closer look at the Caterham and get some photos.

I got a few photos from the breakfast meet. Some nice widescreen car park shots Some more from the car park A couple from the drive to the meet And a little something for Esprit fans

The next breakfast meet is due this Sunday (3rd February) at Mannerstons Farm Shop & Cafe (near Linlithgow) at 10:00. I've not been along to a breakfast meet for a wee while due to other commitments, but we'll be there this time. There are two very photogenic locations nearby that we could go to for some post breakfast photos if the weather is dry and bright.

1 & 2 Brian & Jackie 3 & 4 Richard +1 (Breakfast only) 5 & 6 Steve & Julie

1&2 Brian & Jackie 3&4 Mark and Jane 5 Duggie 6&7 Steve and Julie if the weathers good (we're planning on going to the Thirlestane show, but it's a long way to go if the weather is crap!)

Sorry chaps - we can’t make this one either :-(

1&2 Steve and Julie You do realise that snow has been forecast for that weekend though......

This is great news for Lotus in Scotland. Leven have bought the entire site at Sighthill from John Martin along with all the franchises bar Volvo. Leven have done great things with Aston Martin and Rolls Royce, and their prestige and sports car specialist dealer is very impressive too. Lotus have already moved from a tight corner in one of the showrooms into the old Volvo showroom, so passers by can stare longingly through the window and actually see something. Brandon moved south a few months ago and I believe he is working for Volvo Finance where I’m sure he’ll do well. Free from the shackles of the previous senior management I see a bright future for Lotus under Leven. The move also brings added experience in service - some of you may remember Murray’s previous head tech moved to Leven just over a year ago. Ian Parkin remains as sales specialist and Ian Campbell remains in the workshop, and I’m sure they’ll both flourish under the new ownership.

Sorry chaps, going to have to back out of this one - one of the dogs is unwell and needs looking after. See you all at the next one

1 & 2 David & Jennifer 3 & 4 Steve & Julie