Team Lotus Boss Tony Fernandes Confirms Purchase Of Caterham Cars

Caterham Cars has been bought over by Tony Fernandes, the owner of Airasia and Team Lotus, who confirmed the purchase in an exclusive interview with Autocar UK. The changing of ownership from current owner venture capitalist Corven group to Fernandes will not affect the current management, helmed by Ansar Ali, who led Caterham to record profits in 2010.

In the interview, Fernandes revealed plans to evolve rather than revolutionise Caterham, which include the launch of new models, the enhancement of distribution channels, the introduction of the British brand to new markets, and a tie-up between Caterham and Team Lotus in the future. Team Lotus, with its Formula One exposure, will serve as a platform to promote Caterham, which will become the commercial arm of the F1 team if all goes to plan.

Fernandes' full plans for Caterham will only be unveiled at the British Grand Prix in July, but the flamboyant Malaysian assured that any future plans will not compromise Caterham's heritage and that “the Seven will remain at the heart of everything”. A 25-unit-only special-edition Seven, dressed in Team Lotus livery, will be launched to mark this milestone takeover event.

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.