Caterham Expanding Operations, Adding Models to Lineup
Thanks to new owner Tony Fernandes and a joint venture with Renault, Caterham is set to expand its operations and add additional models to its lineup including conventional sedans and coupes.
The British automaker specializes in racing and technology, but hopes to build tens of thousands of new cars by 2020 according to its CEO, Mike Gascoyne. Currently Caterham and Renault are working on a new sports car which will share nearly identical bodies but each will create its own design for styling. According to Gascoyne, the new sports car will draw inspiration from the current Seven model and will be designed using in-house designers along with a “well known U.K. design house.”
SEE ALSO: Caterham Considering Supercar, Eyes Asian Market
More importantly though, the automaker is already looking ahead to the future and plans to add several models to its lineup over the next decade. Some of these will not be sports cars, but rather conventional automobiles (including SUVs) to help expand its portfolio and capture additional market share. Caterham’s ultimate goal is to build a profitable model that can help fund its F1 team.
“We’re not fools,” Gascoyne said. “Anyone can see that a company making nothing but two-seaters can’t hope to be very successful at present. Our cars will have other body styles. Our plan is to use Tony Fernandes’ contacts in Asia to sell cars into a specialist market that is expanding fast.”
[Source: Autocar UK]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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