Given that Caterham was basically a Lotus dealer that bought the rights to the Seven nearly 50 years ago, this seems completely appropriate. I think they're in good hands.
Caterham, the maker of the spiritual successor of the original Lotus 7, announced last week that it was under new management: VT Holdings, a Japanese-based retailer group that has functioned as the official Caterham importer for Japan since 2009. (The company also handles the importation of Lotus, Royal Enfield and “a collection of two and four-wheeled British brands.”)
The press release further explains that Kazuho Takahashi, Chief Executive of VT Holdings, shares similar passions to Caterham’s motorsport roots, “having raced competitively in JGTC, Super GT and Super Taikyu championships for the past 20 years.”
Commenting on the future of the Caterham 7, Takahashi notes that “we will protect and develop the Seven to meet the legislative challenges that lie ahead.”
Read the full press release below:
On Wednesday 31st March 2021, Caterham Cars Ltd was acquired by leading, Japan-headquartered automotive group, VT Holdings, from businessmen Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun.
This marks an exciting moment in Caterham’s history as VT Holdings, who has assumed custodianship of our legendary British brand, already has close connections to Caterham Cars. Since 2009, they’ve operated as the official Japanese importer for the Seven, where it currently sells over 120 cars annually.
As one of Japan’s largest retailer groups - with over 200 showrooms nationwide and investments in UK, Spain, Thailand and South Africa - VT Holdings is also the importer for a collection of two and four-wheeled British brands, including Royal Enfield and Lotus in its home market.
Motorsport, and the global track-day communities, have always played a central role in Caterham’s commercial success and has shaped the development of our road-orientated vehicles. The brand now joins a group led by Chief Executive Kazuho Takahashi, who shares the same passions, having raced competitively in JGTC, Super GT and Super Taikyu championships for the past 20 years.
Commenting on the acquisition, Takahashi-san said: “VT Holdings is proud to welcome Caterham to the group. We have not only purchased a globally renowned performance car manufacturer but become custodians of a motoring legend. We will protect and develop the Seven to meet the legislative challenges that lie ahead.”
Graham Macdonald, chief executive of Caterham Cars, added: “Takahashi-san and the team truly understand the DNA of the Caterham brand, our heritage, our customers and our passions. As a team, we’re all excited about starting to write the next chapter for this very special brand.”
Given that Caterham was basically a Lotus dealer that bought the rights to the Seven nearly 50 years ago, this seems completely appropriate. I think they're in good hands.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
Now that the elise is dead, would be amazing if they build Elise kit cars
Fugaku said:In reply to Keith Tanner :
Now that the elise is dead, would be amazing if they build Elise kit cars
The Seven was intended to be sold as a kit (as well as complete cars) from the start. The Elise took advantage of some pretty advanced production techniques. I'm not sure it would be suitable. Someone prove me wrong!
"where it currently sells over 120 cars annually."
lol.
Good news though really.
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