LOTUS GROUP AIMS TO UP ANNUAL CAR SALES TO 10,000 UNITS, SAYS CHAIRMAN

PARIS, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Lotus Group aims to up its car sales to 10,000
units a year vis-a-vis 2,000 units currently with the launch of five new models,
says chairman Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

However, the sales target might not be realised at one go as the new models
would be developed and unveiled in stages over the next five years.

"The launch of the new models will widen the range of Lotus cars and this
will contribute to higher sales of Lotus cars," he told Malaysian journalists
after the launch of the new models at the Paris Motorshow 2010.

Mohd Nadzmi said he believed the new models would boost public confidence in
Lotus cars, thus bolstering the group's image and standing in the automotive
industry

The new models are Lotus Elan, Lotus Elite, Lotus Elise, Lotus Esprit and
Lotus Eterne.

Meanwhile, Lotus Group Chief Executive Officer Danny Bahar said there was
big potential for the group to expand its overseas market with the launching of
the new models.

He said the group was looking to strengthen its presence in Asia, Middle
East, South Africa, South America and Eastern Europe going forward.

"There are many countries that we can go and sell our cars. There's big
potential for the new product line," he added.

Currently, the Lotus Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton Holdings
Bhd, is exporting its cars and products to 30 countries.