Lotus CEO officially dismissed

Group Lotus has confirmed that Dany Bahar has been permanently dismissed from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Lotus.

The Board of Group Lotus made the decision to remove Bahar after the results of an investigation into a complaint made against him by Lotus' penultimate holding company, DRB-HICOM Berhad.

Group Lotus also announced that Aslam Farikullah would replace Bahar as Lotus chief "with immediate effect". Farikullah, 51, is an engineering graduate from the University of Bath and has "over 26 years working experience, most of which was in the automotive sector".

Lotus Chairman Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Jamil said: "I would like to assure you that we remain committed to ensure the ongoing and future business operations of the Lotus Group as we take the Lotus Group to the next level to remain relevant in the global automotive industry.

"I look forward to bringing mutual benefits to not only DRB-HICOM and Proton Holdings Berhad but also the Lotus Group and its employees as well as contribute to the growth of the British automotive industry."

Bahar's dismissal comes just weeks after he told TopGear.com about his strategy for the future, saying: "The vision for Lotus has nothing to do with any other car company. It has to do with my admiration for a British brand with strength, individuality and a history that's second to none.

"I believe that every car manufacturer should have its own strategy, its own unique identity, built on heritage and on the potential to grow."