North America FE V6 2.0 Buyers Thread

[Porter]

Is there anyway for the buyer to know if the dealer has allocated units? I haven't heard anything from my dealer where I placed the deposit.

You'll have to ask them. It's a private contract between the manufacturer and the dealer.

 

[DPB]

I won’t claim to have authoritative information on this, but there is some confusion that maybe I can help clear up regarding allocations, FE 1.0 vs 2.0, etc.

I placed a deposit with Lotus Charlotte in Dec 2021. I missed the FE cut because they received a total allocation of 14 cars out of the total 700 for North America - 13 customer cars and 1 dealer demo. They are a relatively new dealer so had a smaller allocation. I ended up #20 on the list so I was relegated to waiting for the Base Edition.

Now that the second batch of First Editions has been announced (“FE 2.0”) with 600 total for North America, one might surmise that this dealer might get 12 or so in this second batch. If I’m lucky that will mean my #20 spot fall’s within that allocation and I will finally be able to place an FE order. I will be calling them to confirm this logic, but it makes sense to me.

Regarding Cape Fear Lotus in Wilmington, they are one of the newest dealers and pretty much nobody knew they existed. This was a stroke of luck for the few that did, since apparently Lotus set aside a small allocation for them that this fortunate few could get in on - even with much later deposits than most. They also got an FE 2.0 allocation so even a deposit in the last week or so gets someone into an FE. I too was lucky with my choice of Charlotte, given my relatively late deposit. The Cape Fear folks really found an Easter egg.

Anyhow, that’s my take on things. Hopefully it helps.

 

[K_Squared]

I won’t claim to have authoritative information on this, but there is some confusion that maybe I can help clear up regarding allocations, FE 1.0 vs 2.0, etc.

I placed a deposit with Lotus Charlotte in Dec 2021. I missed the FE cut because they received a total allocation of 14 cars out of the total 700 for North America - 13 customer cars and 1 dealer demo. They are a relatively new dealer so had a smaller allocation. I ended up #20 on the list so I was relegated to waiting for the Base Edition.

Now that the second batch of First Editions has been announced (“FE 2.0”) with 600 total for North America, one might surmise that this dealer might get 12 or so in this second batch. If I’m lucky that will mean my #20 spot fall’s within that allocation and I will finally be able to place an FE order. I will be calling them to confirm this logic, but it makes sense to me.

Regarding Cape Fear Lotus in Wilmington, they are one of the newest dealers and pretty much nobody knew they existed. This was a stroke of luck for the few that did, since apparently Lotus set aside a small allocation for them that this fortunate few could get in on - even with much later deposits than most. They also got an FE 2.0 allocation so even a deposit in the last week or so gets someone into an FE. I too was lucky with my choice of Charlotte, given my relatively late deposit. The Cape Fear folks really found an Easter egg.

Anyhow, that’s my take on things. Hopefully it helps.

Yeah I just found them recently by signing up to some Lotus Raleigh Club that doesn't really even exist "yet" but the guys (Shane and Shane) that recently fired up Cape Fear Lotus in Wilmington have intent to open a dealer in Raleigh so they had started it up and contacted me.

@DPB, I think you're spot on in your assessment although I was hesitant to say too much because I really don't know how much of this works apart from what I've read on this forum. It sounds like I just got very lucky. They might still have more FE 2.0 allocations available for those willing to buy in the Eastern NC area.

 

[Concept24]

Does late 2022 deposit mean FE 1.0 or FE 2.0?

She was very clear that FE 1.0 reservations had ended. At the time, I anticipated the base V6 with a projected 18 - 24 months from day of $3000 transfer.

 

[Concept24]

Is there anyway for the buyer to know if the dealer has allocated units? I haven't heard anything from my dealer where I placed the deposit.

My dealership knows they are getting allocations for FE 2.0, just not the actual number at this time.

 

[CarGuy07]

There’s a second batch of FE V6? This was a question a lot of us asked a while back: if Lotus is making V6 now, why can’t they all be FE vs base? Seems like that they’ve realized that they can, hence 2.0. This would probably mean that base V6 will be delayed a little further. Lotus taking their sweet time with delivery. Meanwhile, we are dying of old age.

 

[Concept24]

There’s a second batch of FE V6? This was a question a lot of us asked a while back: if Lotus is making V6 now, why can’t they all be FE vs base? Seems like that they’ve realized that they can, hence 2.0. This would probably mean that base V6 will be delayed a little further. Lotus taking their sweet time with delivery. Meanwhile, we are dying of old age.

Yes, I thought I read that the second batch would be something like 600 in the US. I'd be surprised if I qualify, but also know that the second batch are priced much higher than the first. Hey, they should reward those who act as proof-checkers so the folks paying more are compensated by having fewer issues.

 

[benjh1028]

I won’t claim to have authoritative information on this, but there is some confusion that maybe I can help clear up regarding allocations, FE 1.0 vs 2.0, etc.

I placed a deposit with Lotus Charlotte in Dec 2021. I missed the FE cut because they received a total allocation of 14 cars out of the total 700 for North America - 13 customer cars and 1 dealer demo. They are a relatively new dealer so had a smaller allocation. I ended up #20 on the list so I was relegated to waiting for the Base Edition.

Now that the second batch of First Editions has been announced (“FE 2.0”) with 600 total for North America, one might surmise that this dealer might get 12 or so in this second batch. If I’m lucky that will mean my #20 spot fall’s within that allocation and I will finally be able to place an FE order. I will be calling them to confirm this logic, but it makes sense to me.

Regarding Cape Fear Lotus in Wilmington, they are one of the newest dealers and pretty much nobody knew they existed. This was a stroke of luck for the few that did, since apparently Lotus set aside a small allocation for them that this fortunate few could get in on - even with much later deposits than most. They also got an FE 2.0 allocation so even a deposit in the last week or so gets someone into an FE. I too was lucky with my choice of Charlotte, given my relatively late deposit. The Cape Fear folks really found an Easter egg.

Anyhow, that’s my take on things. Hopefully it helps.

I was #23 at Charlotte so hoping I make the cut as well.

 

[Aero]

Talked to my dealer briefly yesterday. He said they won't officially know how many additional FE allocations they get for several weeks or a month.
I would hope they would look at how many total deposits each dealer has, how long those just outside of the FE cut have been waiting, and base the new allocations based on that but who knows.
If one can put down a deposit this year (or even last) and get a FE that seems unfair to those of who've been waiting since just after debut. (and still miss the FE2.0)

 

[vdr]

It seems to be the luck of the draw with the US Dealers. I put my $ down in July of '21 and purportedly "just missed the cut" for an FE with a deposit spot in the mid 20's. I was also told that I should be in the first batch of orders for a BE. When I went to test drive the car, this past October, I ran into a few people at the dealership that were offered up an FE but passed on it for one reason or another. I suspect that these people will now be offered up a 2.0 and if they accept that will likely push me down the list a bit more and out of the queue for this new batch of FE's.

It's s very likely that I won't take delivery of my Emira until 3 years after I entered my deposit.

 

[T6061]

Traded emails with my dealer (Eurocar in Orange County, CA) and confirmed I am #32 on the list (deposit placed July 15, 2022) with 12 cars already allocated and ordered for the original FE allocation. They do not have their allocation number for the 600 2.0 FE cars yet but there are 19 on the list in front of me. If enough cars are allocated I will definitely move forward with a 2.0 if offered. If not, happy to spec a base car as soon as I can. I don't expect delivery until 2qtr 2024 at the earliest but I can take delivery pretty much anytime and I can wait as long is it takes...

 

[Concept24]

Traded emails with my dealer (Eurocar in Orange County, CA) and confirmed I am #32 on the list (deposit placed July 15, 2022) with 12 cars already allocated and ordered for the original FE allocation. They do not have their allocation number for the 600 2.0 FE cars yet but there are 19 on the list in front of me. If enough cars are allocated I will definitely move forward with a 2.0 if offered. If not, happy to spec a base car as soon as I can. I don't expect delivery until 2qtr 2024 at the earliest but I can take delivery pretty much anytime and I can wait as long is it takes...

I asked your dealership if $10,000 would push someone from the list and they said, "certainly, but off the record".
Seriously though, I'm good either way (FE 2.0 or Base), also.

 

[Lotustoronto]

I asked your dealership if $10,000 would push someone from the list and they said, "certainly, but off the record".
Seriously though, I'm good either way (FE 2.0 or Base), also.

Let's be honest. Most dealers will operate the same way and this type of thing happens in every industry not just the auto industry.

Is what it is.

 

[Hell4Leather]

This is correct. I honestly hadn't really known about the Emira until just a couple months ago so I was way late on all of that. This was my first deposit ever with Lotus and the dealer confirmed me a spot for the FE 2.0 by placing a deposit last Friday. I believe EVERYONE who gets an FE 2.0 will be subject to the price increase. I think only those that were CONFIRMED FE 1.0 allocations will get the original MSRP ~95K USD price but that's just my understanding thus far and not any sort of authoritative statement.

You’ll forgive me if I’m somewhat skeptical of your dealership’s statement. Are they a brand new dealership and therefore never took any deposits before? I ask because as you scroll through you’ll see that all the first 1.0 were sold out over a year ago and there have been a couple thousand depositors in the interim.

 

[Finbarqs]

I just thought of something: is it even worth keeping my deposit at the dealer if it’s for a base edition? I’ve had my deposit with them in oct 21’ (with 0% interest) and if, it’s just any ol’ emira that gets to the dealer…. Why leave my money with the dealer? I mean, I’m guessing it’s pointless to keep money at the dealer when it doesn’t secure anything….

 

[action_turtle]

I just thought of something: is it even worth keeping my deposit at the dealer if it’s for a base edition? I’ve had my deposit with them in oct 21’ (with 0% interest) and if, it’s just any ol’ emira that gets to the dealer…. Why leave my money with the dealer? I mean, I’m guessing it’s pointless to keep money at the dealer when it doesn’t secure anything….

You will still be in line if you keep the deposit placed. Lotus are not going to flood the US with base cars , i would assume.

 

[Finbarqs]

You will still be in line if you keep the deposit placed. Lotus are not going to flood the US with base cars , i would assume.

They might, depending on the sales figures... if it sells well enough, they will definitely amp up supply and meet demand.

 

[action_turtle]

They might, depending on the sales figures... if it sells well enough, they will definitely amp up supply and meet demand.

Maybe. But they are going to try and build that electric car soon, plus the i4's and bases, all under one roof. The output is not big enough to flood the US imo. I would be surprised if they put 500+ cars out to the US over 2 years once the initial run has been done. They have a lot of interest across the world for this car.

 

[TomE]

They might, depending on the sales figures... if it sells well enough, they will definitely amp up supply and meet demand.

They can only build 7,500 cars per year with current factory and workforce. They’re not operating at that level of productivity yet.

Another chunk of investment would get them to 10,000 with similar staffing. Then they need another shift, which would get it to 15,000. After that they’d need to build a new factory, which won’t happen.

So with the global demand I doubt there will ever be more than 3,000ish per year for the whole US.

 

[Concept24]

I'd be willing to spend a month helping them out, just as long as I get a discount on my Emira. Who's with me?