LOTUS, one of the most evocative names in British motoring, passed into Malaysian ownership this week when carmaker Proton purchased a controlling interest in the business from Italian entrepreneur Mr Romano Artioli. Proton paid £51 million sterling for 80 per cent of the luxury sports car and engineering group. Mr Artioli, who bought Lotus from General Motors three years ago, will retain the remaining equity.

Lotus, which produced 800 cars and an £8.5 million profit last year, has high hopes for its Elise and Esprit V8 models in North America and the Far East. The company was founded in the early 1950s, quickly developed into a power in Grand Prix motor racing, winning four Formula 1 world championships. The sleek Lotus Esprit sports car once featured in James Bond films, with the equally sleek British secret agent, played by Mr Roger Moore, behind the wheel.