Lotus To Take Relationship With Toyota To New Level

Lotus commemorated their successful relationship with Toyota today (17th

September) at a celebration at the British Embassy in Tokyo where Lotus

CEO Dany Bahar presented Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio

Toyoda with a specially equipped Lotus Elise powered by the last ever

Toyota 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine. The occasion marked the end of an era and

the start of an even stronger relationship between the two companies.

As part of the celebration, Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: "The presentation of

Toyota's last 2ZZ engine in the Elise is a symbolic gesture of our continued

respect and deep appreciation for our partner not only acknowledging our

past but also looking forward to our future together."

Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda responded: "A Toyota

engine in a Lotus car creates a completely unique drive feeling – a special

blend featuring the best of Lotus and Toyota that we hope many car lovers

continue to experience and enjoy."

Based on the successful cooperation with Toyota so far, Lotus has decided to

take the relationship with Toyota to a new level that will enable Lotus to

create tailor-made powertrain solutions for future Lotus cars.

For more details on exactly how Lotus will be partnering with Toyota in the

future, simply look to the Lotus global unveiling at the Paris Motor Show on

September 30th where Lotus will showcase their new line up to the world's

media. The eagerly anticipated event marks the dawn of a new era for Lotus

and will highlight exactly why both companies are so proud of their

relationship.