Lotus U-turns on agency
24 June 2024
As exclusively revealed by Auto Retail Agenda last November, Lotus has switched back to the franchise model for its UK retail network after two years under an agency agreement, according to its retailers.
Lotus joins a growing number of brands that have backed away from agency or delayed its introduction – including the Stellantis brands, Ford, JLR and Audi.
Lotus started talking to retailers about a return to a wholesale system in November 2023. At the time, Auto Retail Agenda sources said this was due to systems disruption leading to longer delivery times, and customer dissatisfaction.
The switch back to franchised happened on 1 June. Auto Retail Agenda has contacted Lotus to ask why it has performed a U-turn on agency, but has yet to hear back.
* For a full rundown of the latest manufacturer network plans, see our brand-by-brand guide to agency here
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