kbhoz
Emira Fan
Message from Dan Balmer
Following on from our last communication in August, where we informed you about the ongoing delays to Emira production, we wanted to update you a little more on our production outlook.
We’ve since begun to deliver demonstrator and customer cars to our Europe region. I’m happy to say we’ve also completed and started to ship the very first cars for our APAC / MEAI region which are a mix of demonstrator and customer cars
Europe was always planned to be the first region to receive cars, followed by the UK customers – this is down to certification timing which is now separate between the two. The certification process is largely complete for our APAC / MEAI region or will be complete by the time shipments start to arrive in each of the markets.
Despite the progress, the supply & resource challenges still plague us. Compared to our original launch ramp up plan, we have had to slow our output down and significantly flatten the ramp up to full production speed. We are also focusing on achieving the right quality for all Emiras. Keeping this discipline is vital to us, but it doesn’t allow us to catch back time for you. In simple terms, we will not be able to build all planned 2022 Emira V6 First Editions, most of our customer cars will now be delayed into 2023.
We want to ensure our planning is robust, so we can provide more reliable timing to our customers. This applies especially the Automatic gearbox version of V6 First Edition. We will update you on our 2023 planning in the next few weeks, as we seek to firm up our production plans. However, production of the Automatic gearbox variant will likely start in Q2 2023.
Naturally we’ve had many questions of when specific customer orders will be built. Our sequence is still changing based on parts availability, so we cannot always quote reliable build dates. Early depositors will understandably be frustrated that they do not yet know their exact timing. Over the past two weeks we have seen a stronger schedule adherence from our suppliers, which has led to (revised) production targets being achieved.
The global supply problem has seen every car manufacturer affected in one way or another. Those companies launching new products at this time are particularly affected. At the same time, we are encouraged by the very positive reports from new owners and media alike. We are confident we have a strong new sports car which our customers will be delighted with. One such review is the latest episode of ‘Harry’s Garage’ on YouTube where you can see a very detailed account of the new Emira production process along with an interview with our VP & Managing Director, Matt Windle offering his honest and personal perspective on the launch of Emira and the production challenges we’ve seen.
As a result of the latest supply outlook and reduced production rate (vs. plan) we do expect the I4 engine version and the base ‘free spec’ production slots to be mid-2023 production, due to the delays with the V6 First Edition slots. Naturally we are focussing on fulfilling the V6 First Edition orders which will now run well into 2023.
We can only apologise for the ongoing delays and, of course, thank you for your patience once again. We do appreciate the sight of customers in another region receiving their cars has only increased the excitement, but also some frustration at the lack of credible news on your own order.
If you have further specific questions, please ask your official Lotus Retailer – who can confer with us on the specific details. Until you get to drive your Emira, we wish you all well and thank you again for your patience.
Best regards,
Dan Balmer
Regional Director - Asia Pacific & Middle East
Following on from our last communication in August, where we informed you about the ongoing delays to Emira production, we wanted to update you a little more on our production outlook.
We’ve since begun to deliver demonstrator and customer cars to our Europe region. I’m happy to say we’ve also completed and started to ship the very first cars for our APAC / MEAI region which are a mix of demonstrator and customer cars
Europe was always planned to be the first region to receive cars, followed by the UK customers – this is down to certification timing which is now separate between the two. The certification process is largely complete for our APAC / MEAI region or will be complete by the time shipments start to arrive in each of the markets.
Despite the progress, the supply & resource challenges still plague us. Compared to our original launch ramp up plan, we have had to slow our output down and significantly flatten the ramp up to full production speed. We are also focusing on achieving the right quality for all Emiras. Keeping this discipline is vital to us, but it doesn’t allow us to catch back time for you. In simple terms, we will not be able to build all planned 2022 Emira V6 First Editions, most of our customer cars will now be delayed into 2023.
We want to ensure our planning is robust, so we can provide more reliable timing to our customers. This applies especially the Automatic gearbox version of V6 First Edition. We will update you on our 2023 planning in the next few weeks, as we seek to firm up our production plans. However, production of the Automatic gearbox variant will likely start in Q2 2023.
Naturally we’ve had many questions of when specific customer orders will be built. Our sequence is still changing based on parts availability, so we cannot always quote reliable build dates. Early depositors will understandably be frustrated that they do not yet know their exact timing. Over the past two weeks we have seen a stronger schedule adherence from our suppliers, which has led to (revised) production targets being achieved.
The global supply problem has seen every car manufacturer affected in one way or another. Those companies launching new products at this time are particularly affected. At the same time, we are encouraged by the very positive reports from new owners and media alike. We are confident we have a strong new sports car which our customers will be delighted with. One such review is the latest episode of ‘Harry’s Garage’ on YouTube where you can see a very detailed account of the new Emira production process along with an interview with our VP & Managing Director, Matt Windle offering his honest and personal perspective on the launch of Emira and the production challenges we’ve seen.
As a result of the latest supply outlook and reduced production rate (vs. plan) we do expect the I4 engine version and the base ‘free spec’ production slots to be mid-2023 production, due to the delays with the V6 First Edition slots. Naturally we are focussing on fulfilling the V6 First Edition orders which will now run well into 2023.
We can only apologise for the ongoing delays and, of course, thank you for your patience once again. We do appreciate the sight of customers in another region receiving their cars has only increased the excitement, but also some frustration at the lack of credible news on your own order.
If you have further specific questions, please ask your official Lotus Retailer – who can confer with us on the specific details. Until you get to drive your Emira, we wish you all well and thank you again for your patience.
Best regards,
Dan Balmer
Regional Director - Asia Pacific & Middle East
. Still have my V6 Exige Roadster to play with as I wait - so I get one more Summer with roof off. There is always an upside if you look for it.
