My thoughts on the new Lotus plan... SUV and Sedan

I read that Proton and Lotus Management have met to discuss the way forward.
The plan may be to design and build an SUV and a Sedan car.
OK.
The last time Lotus designed a new car, the Evora, it competed with Porsche. Porsche did not notice any impact on its sales. I assume the R&D plus tooling costs for the Evora have not been effectively amortised in the sales.

So, is this the same thing, design an SUV which competes against Porsche?

The money for all this R&D will probably come from Malaysia. Certainly not from any profit Lotus makes.

So who is paying for this?

The Malaysian Government. Proton will ask for a grant.
Or
Petronas (Malaysian Government owned).

These two bodies will ask... "Whats in this for us?"

Convincing them that this will give long term employment to "Malaysian" engineers and will be highly profitable raising their profile internationally, and locally will be difficult. IMO.

Both DRB Hicom and Petronas have bona fide Universities, as standalone businesses.

Petronas has a large Motorsport budget/prescence... You can see where I am going with this!

If Lotus Styles and designs and new platform or two. Use this R&D work to produce saleable educational modules.

When the business case is made and successfully implemented, produce saleable "Entreprenuer" educational modules.

Package the homologation process into saleable educational modules.

Marketing the products can be modulised and sold as educational products.

I won't go on. I'm sure you can see where I am going.

This would be a Unique selling point.

University students are normally government funded (cheap loans or free) and often spend enough per year of study to pay for a small car.

So if we said a three or four year spend per pupil would equate to a car sale we wouldn't be to far away.

In America, Phoenix University has about 1/2 million students.

If we (yes I want to be part of this) target 1 million clients globally, lets say this would be like selling 250,000 cars per year.

This global exposure would give Lotus/Proton/Petronas a positive exposure.

It is potentially, financially sustainable. It is ethical. However, it requires a little bit of "Outside the box" thinking.

I'm sure the Proton/Lotus board would be more than capable of selling it to "Potential Investors".

Proton looking for RM 3 billion funding (about 1/2 billion pounds)

The Malaysian paper The Star has a couple af articles about Proton asking the Malaysian Government and the Malaysian national oil company Petronas for funding to develop new products.
http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2014/03/05/Up-to-RM3bil-needed-to-develop-new-models-including-electric-car/
It makes interesting reading.

I have on many occasions approached both companies Proton (owned by DRB Hicom) and Petronas for help in making my proposal a reality.

Up until now it has not materialised.

I think that now DRB Hicom have publicly stated that they intend to make 'Education' (ICAM) a core business, Petronas already has a fully fledge University under its ownership, and both have multiple Motorsport divisions and in the case of Petronas sponsorship of Mercedes F1 team. the official title of Mercedes is Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Lotus, the car company based in the UK are owned by DRB Hicom. Westfield cars have a development and sales agreement with DRB Hicom. Proton has a Motorsport team R3 and Proton also support an international Rally team.

Whilst Petronas may feel that funding for product development should come directly from the Government, it may be open to an educational partnership based around Motorsports.

Proton (DRB Hicom) obviously talks to Petronas.

How about looking at my proposal? I'm sure both parties would have much to gain!

Both are looking having a global presence. Both are looking to make 'Education' one of their core businesses. Both have Motorsport as part of their businesses.

On a personal note... It would be nice if they could find a position for me in their business plan.

Lotus not attending the Geneva show.

Lotus will not be at the Geneva Motor show as far as I know...
Shame, but as the Management has stated it will be producing new models in the year 2015, it has nothing to show...
http://paultan.org/2013/01/15/lotus-five-concept-cars-canned-brand-wont-be-sold/

EDAG a design house has a stand. Last time I attended they had a Bentley or a Rolls Royce on their stand. They used it to demonstrate their Engineering input.

Lotus Engineering could do something similar. Companies like Tesla might even appreciate the publicity.

My last trip there was at the request of a former Lotus CEO. He never turned up. He was called to a board meeting in Malaysia. Group Lotus are Malaysian owned.

It was still interesting. Richard Rackham talked me through the low revving range extender engine Lotus had produced for use with electric motors. He felt this technology could be a saviour for Lotus.

I hope they licence it to some multi national OEM's.

However, the true game changer for Lotus would undoubtedly, (in my opinion) be the Motorsport University concept. I realise that Lotus are broke, however they could certainly play a part in this.

Petronas, as a fortune 500 and owner of a Private University famously designed by Foster and partners are heavily involved in Motorsport and may be interested in investing if approached.

http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/petronas-university-of-technology/

 

I have visited the campus and presented my ideas. I feel that should a Senior Adviser to DRB-Hicom express his approval for the proposal it might be adopted. Success is never guaranteed. I would be amazed if this didn't work out.

I feel that Petronas will move on this sooner rather than later.

DRB-Hicom, owner of Lotus and Proton have their own University and are looking at turnaround business plans. This should dovetail nicely with their globalisation wishes.

No new Models for Group Lotus? Why did the banks lend them all that money?

I have just been checking online for Lotus News. Paul Tan in Malaysia report that all the models shown by Lotus in Paris were in fact cancelled prior to them becoming the new owners. The bank loan to pay for the models had been spent, and the money is still owed to the banks!
Apparently, there will be a new model(s) in 2015/16.
Wow.
What a mess.

Never mind. I assume the new model will use the Petronas designed engine. The Elise would be a good car for this product.
As Proton have now hired the Petronas Powertrain employees.
Meanwhile, together with the technologies, Proton has also acquired a
Petronas facility in Bangi and technological equipment from the national oil
giant.

"Two personnel From Petronas have joined us. Talks are being held with
Petronas to secure the remaining manpower of 60," he said. Bernama
Read more: Petronas engines to power Proton cars

 I suppose they could also help in development of the unfinished Lotus 8 cylinder engine.

The car side of Lotus has been a drain, while the Engineering side pays for itself.
Nothing new there.

I didn't buy the Sunday Times this week. I had relatives over from Ireland and was busy. However, the paper ran an article on Lotus.
I got the link via this article on Truth about Cars.
I assume they can't understand how so few employees can run up so much debt with no end product.

Supposedly, KPMG decided the 5 car plan was not viable. They? cancelled the the plan. DRB-Hicom just rubber stamped their decision.

Seriously, I think DRB-Hicom should give me a call! I'm not an accountant. I can get a lot of people to vouch for my character, both positive and negative... depending who you ask.
Honestly, I do have a modicum of common sense, and I'm not a Know all big mouth. And I do have the skeleton of a workable viable plan. Historically this would mean that Group Lotus will have no interest in executing it.

Historically, Group Lotus have been in permanent crisis. Lets seriously look at a different approach. I'm different. My plan is different. Maybe doing something different is what Lotus needs!!

Hopefully, DRB-Hicom and Proton/Lotus can see that my educational proposal would compliment what they have got, and be profitable.

I am hoping that some people on the inside of Lotus look at my proposal with fresh eyes.

I can't be the only one who sees the potential.

Thanks Tilo. No endorsement for MUM. DRB-Hicom sign technology agreement.

I received a very nice letter from Sir Jackie Stewart.

 

 

Sir Jackie was heavily involved with Cranfield when I first made this proposal to Lotus as part of my 5 year plan for training.
He wished me luck. However, no endorsement was forthcoming.
You may or may not know that Sir Jackie is an Ambassador for the Lotus F1 team.
The Lotus F1 team is owned GENII and is seperate from Group Lotus/Proton/DRB-Hicom.

Many of the Malaysian papers ran stories on the Petronas DRB-Hicom signing ceremony.
DRB-Hicom/Proton bought the engine technology and intellectual rights to all Petronas developed powertrains.
This picture was run by the Malay Mail.

There are 3 people in this picture whom I have contacted about MUM.
The central figure, Dr Mahathir is adviser to both Petronas and Proton. I have met him personally, albeit only for a moment.

I wrote to him 2 days ago asking him to advise both Petronas and DRB-Hicom to support me in making MUM a reality.
Sadly, no reply as yet.

I'm looking forward to having my old Proton friend Jimmy and his wife visit me in the UK over Christmas. Then a quick trip to Leipzig to wish my Friend Tilo and his new Wife Curtney all the best at their Hochzeit.

Curtney and Tilo are on the left. The hostel Red Palm gave them an unofficial Hochzeit shortly after they got wed.
Very nice people.
I get to wear my shiny green turquoise suit. Turquoise, black and white are to be the theme colours.
Tilo, who once played in Leipzigs top punk band 50/50 (thats what his Mum told me...) is working on an acoustic piece for the occasion. I look forward to hearing it!
Currently, 50/50 have a record company. This I assume will be run from the lead singer's (Sash) home.
I'm only in Leipzig for two days. So I'm not sure if I'll get to see it. Good luck in the venture in any event.
I must say Tilo has been very helpful with my webpage, and any IT problems I have had, and continue to have!
Tilo and his Dad did the cover and graphics for my Charity book.

Tilo has a link to the book on his Media webpage SAMASAMA. All royalty payments go directly to charity. Tilo and his father worked totally for free on this project.
Many thanks to Tilo and Claus for all their help.

DRB-Hicom LotusF1 rumours

I read in Skiddmark that there is a rumour that DRB-Hicom are interested in buying LotusF1.
http://skiddmark.com/2012/10/genii-set-to-off-load-the-lotus-f1-team/

Taken from article:

Rumours emerged in the past few days that Gerard Lopez’s Genii Capital, owners of Lotus F1, may be in talks to sell the team.
It’s merely a rumour at the moment, but Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle confirmed it during a broadcast from the Indian GP this morning, suggesting that DRB-Hicom owned Proton might be in the running.

As I have set up my proposal around Lotus this of interest to me. I see synergies here between education and Motorsport.

If DRB-Hicom are thinking along the same lines as me... Good, very good!

 

I have just watched the SKY re-run of qualifying and during qualification 1 between 19 and 18 minutes Mark Brundle did talk about this strong rumour going around the paddock.

Things appear to be falling into place. Or maybe just wishful thinking on my part.

Thinking out aloud

In Malaysia Petronas are the year on year cash cow. They have been shareholders in Proton, are  in negotiations with Proton to use their E01e (Yamaha based) engine in their cars.
Petronas are sponsors of MercedesF1 and Yamaha MotoGP. They used to own Foggy Petronas.

Whether they want to be both owners and sponsors of an F1 team I don't know. They could afford it. They have a working relationship with Group Lotus through DRB-Hicom.

I just made this up... so its only conjecture! I'm not an insider.

Time will tell...

Petronas and Group Lotus educational partners.

I was browsing the web. I found an old Lotus Engineering article.
http://www.autoworld.com.my/v2/news/nb_details.asp?awReviewID=551&awCatID=RT.ATC.CAR.NW

The article was written in 2001. At this time the University of Petronas had an agreement with Lotus.

UTP and LotusIn a related developed Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Lotus have joined forces in an industrial partnership that will spearhead a new technology transfer relationship between the two organisations.

The partnership between UTP (one of the leading academic and technology institutions in the ASEAN region) and Lotus, will include the following:

- Joint research programmes such as Advanced combustion, Optical diagnostics and Active valvetrain;
- Industrial placements at Lotus for UTP students and staff;
- Technical papers, presentations and journal publications;
- Advanced engineering lecture programme by Lotus;

"By pooling resources from Lotus and UTP, we have a great opportunity to stretch the boundaries of research for the car of the future. I can see the scope within these two skilled teams to research into safer, more efficient and more advanced vehicles to take the car not just 5 years ahead but well into the next decade and beyond," said Mr Wood.

Mr Wood is in Malaysia as part of a team visiting local universities and presenting the ‘Lotus Engineering Roadshow’. The event was also presented at Proton’s premises in Shah Alam today and attended by Lord Sainsbury, the British Minister of Science & Technology, who also took the opportunity to visit the factory.

Picture copied from article: autoworld.com.my
Simon Wood on left, Lord Sainsbury and Tengku Mahaleel (Proton CEO at the time).



I visited UTP some years ago and met with it's CEO. I didn't know that there was official co-operation between Lotus and Petronas.

Petronas and DRB-Hicom both have private Universities. Petronas have a huge Motorsport budget.

They could make my vision a reality.  I hope they do!

Group Lotus need a miracle...Thursday is Proton Day.

I read an article today:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/397054

No Lotus for Sarah

Posted on 4 June 2012 - 05:37am

COMMENT
by Tony Pereira

The accounts of Lotus Group International on March 31, 2011 show an accumulated loss of £94 million. The loss for the year that ended March 2011 widened from £8.7 million in 2010 to £21.3 million in 2011...

Considering that the group has been making losses consistently, it is difficult to make sense of these figures. More importantly, it is difficult to understand what could be Proton's plan to address these ongoing losses. If successive previous parent companies could not turn the company around, how are the new owners going to do so?

A well written article. Tony suggests a miracle is needed.

Thursday apparently is Proton Day (Today is Monday). Dr Mahathir, the Proton advisor is going to Shah Alam (Proton HQ)  to speak to the different Proton management groups.

I would very much like Tengku Djan Mahaleel, head of Proton Motorsport Engineering to voice his support for an  initiative using Motorsport and education as a way of leveraging Proton/Lotus and maybe Petronas in a joint educational enterprise. DRB-Hicom already have a University.

Proton, Lotus and Petronas spend money on Motorsport. They use it raise their profile.

I haven't seen any Petronas petrol stations in the UK and it's a rare day I see a Proton or a Lotus.

Do Petronas have shares in Mercedes? No.

The Motorsport educational initiative makes sense. As  a private enterprise it can be profitable.

Globally accessible education. Quality approved. Resources used wisely.

What's not to like?


DRB-Hicom has a core Educational business. Proton and Lotus are premium Technology suppliers.


See any synergy there?


Incidentally two Auto executives describe their company business thus:


 Alan Mulally
Ford Motor Company CEO 


 Ford is a technology company, not an automaker.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1202_the_2012_power_list/viewall.html#ixzz1wqjf3UZo

Dieter Zetsche
Daimler AG Chairman 
Mercedes is a technology company? Zetsche was keynote speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show for the first time this year, also marking Mercedes' first appearance there. Zetsche follows in the footsteps of Audi's Rupert Stadler and Ford's Alan Mulally.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1202_the_2012_power_list/viewall.html#ixzz1wqkmQ8Hs

PM Najib meets PM David Cameron in London today

The Sun (Malaysia) has an interesting story today:

Another step towards enhancing British-Malaysian ties

Cameron would be pleased to know that Malaysia had amply demonstrated this friendship as it had acceded to his request that loss-making British sportscar maker Lotus be allowed to continue its production in Norfolk county.

And following Cameron's meeting with Najib at Putrajaya, both leaders agreed to set a new target of doubling bilateral trade to £8 billion (RM39.11 billion by 2016 by forming a joint working group to look into this potential.

They also agreed to strengthen the partnership in education and skills training, including expanding Malaysians' access to British universities and supporting Malaysia's economic transformation with emphasis on vocational skills and research partnerships.

 Interesting story.

I hope that they discuss the educational stuff. It would be nice if Petronas could become involved. They have an educational budget and a Motorsport budget.

DRB-Hicom have a University and own Lotus. Mix that little lot together and you get an entity greater than the sum of its parts.

Here's hoping!

http://www.news.utm.my/2011/12/utm-vc-chaired-proton-technical-advisory-council-at-lotus-group-headquaters/lotus-meeting/

 

Proton Tech Advisory Counci (PTAC)l: From left Azman, Ono (Meiji), Tajul, Ricardo (Imperial College), Zaini, Syed Zainal (MD Proton/Lotus), Nick (Cambridge), Peter (Stanford), Hamdani and Zainal,

 These gents visited Lotus in December 2011. I know both Tajul and Syed Zainal.

I used to work beside Tajul... A very nice man, and have shared a stage with Syed Zainal.

Norwich, 9 December, 2011: UTM Vice Chancellor,  Zaini Ujang chaired the third PTAC meeting at Lotus Group headquarters  in Norwich, England on 8 and 9 December, 2011.
The intense sessions on technology strategy for Proton Group of Companies comprised representatives of Proton Holdings and Lotus Group.
Among those present include Dato Syed Zainal Abidin (Proton Group Managing Director), Prof. Nick Collings (Cambridge University), Prof. Ricardo Botas (Imperial College), Prof Osamu Ono (Meiji) and Peter Marco (SRI, Stanford).
Lotus Group was represented by Danny Bahar (Lotus CEO, former Ferrari Marketing head), Mark James (Lotus, Engineering head, formerly from Ferrari).
A tour to Lotus manufacturing plant was guided by Donato Coco (Design Director, formerly from Ferrari) and Michael Och (Lotus Operations head).
PTAC was established in 2009 and co-funded by Proton and UTM.

 I have spoken to UTM and University Petronas about my project.

Tajul and Syed Zainal are both aware of my proposal.

Dany Bahar and his team have been informed also.

NAZA (Partners in Team Lotus) open Automotive college.

On the weekend, I emailed decision makers in Proton/Petronas and shared the following links:
http://bcove.me/4g0rrpsp  SKYSports News

This video shows several high level people talk of their revolutionary Football College in Burnley.
It is worth viewing. I wish I could get like minded people to work with me.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13730531   BBC Audio Link

Maybe now that someone has actually done this, albeit in Football, some forward thinkers in Proton and Petronas will see the light.


The partners of Tony Fernandes are (NAZA) made some educational news too...

NAZA a car assembly and sales company in Malaysia, whose name you see emblazoned on the Team Lotus car are opening an Automotive college.
Here is the Bernama Link to the story.

Help, Naza To Jointly Establish Automotive College

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- Help International Corporation Bhd and Naza Education Sdn Bhd have set up a joint venture company, Symphony Haven Sdn Bhd, to establish and operate a college that specialises in offering courses in automotive and transportation management.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia Friday, Help International Corporation said the focus would initially be in Malaysia with a view to expanding to Asean countries.

"The establishment of this automotive college is part of Help's diversification plans to offer technical and vocational training for the nation," it added.

Tun Mahathir interview on meet the boss TV

Tun Mahathir is both adviser to Petronas and Proton/Group Lotus. As such his views are of interest to me.

Here are a few quotes from the interview.

Tun Mahathir:             Well I used to say that when you are short to be noticed you stand on a soap box.  So for me the Petronas Twin Towers is my soap box, so to speak because then I can be tall and be seen.  So you have to do something that is out of the ordinary so that people will notice you.  When I started as Prime Minister, Malaysia was quite unknown.  People keep on asking, “Where is that?  Where is that?”  So in order to be noticed we have to do certain things that will strike people as something radical and unexpected and because of that they notice

Tun Mahathir: Well one of the things that people must learn is that when going into business the cost you sold much more than what you pretty because there will be pillars. There’ll be a lot of shortcomings and you have to overcome them. It takes a long time before you can really get things running smoothly. So unless you have deep pockets you shouldn’t try to go into things that you really do not have enough knowledge about. But this is a government entity and it’s the government’s policy to introduce industries, heaving industries. We know we took a risk. There have been failures among the projects but there have also been successes.



Tun Mahathir: You have to know where you are going. You have to set a target for yourself and you have to know the environment. You have to have knowledge and you have to learn the skills, the technology or the way of doing things, of managing as it are. There are lots of knowledge input inside a business.


Me (John Mansfield): I have to think that this OU proposal would meet with Tun Mahathir's approval.

It is out of the ordinary. The world will take notice.

There are achieveable targets. Phoenix University has a half a million students on one continent. Why cant we target one million globally?

The project needs deep pockets. Petronas could help here on many levels. They have a private University. They have a huge Motorsport related budget... Why not marry the two?

Proton and Lotus produce design and manufacture cars. They both have motorsport divisions.
If Petronas can pump money into Mercedes and Yamaha projects, why not into this?

Tun, your adviser to both companies. Do the right thing.

Lotus looking for motorsport manager. Petrobas sponsor lotus F1. FederationD defunct?

DjanFor those interested Group Lotus are advertising for a ...
65 - Manager Motorsport Engineering

If this position were on offer at LotusF1 I think there would thousands of applicants!

This position would I assume entail working for Claudio Berra, the motorsport director.

I have been in contact with Claudio about my 'Proposal'. I have got to think he can see some synergy between what I want to achieve, and his motorsport vision. Maybe not.

Incidentally, I notice the FederationD website appears to be defunct. Tengku Djan, a Malaysian drifter and head of Proton (Group Lotus owner) motorsports was a contributer and official driver. Djan was under Riad Asmat at Proton before his move to Lotus Formula one, based in Sepang. perhaps he will have a part to play in Riad's Centre of Excellence.

Petrobras not Petronas look to be the new OIL and GAS industry sponsors for Lotus F1.

They, Like Petronas have a big sports budget. Maybe I should have sent them my proposal!

Here is a link to my Quick and dirty business plan.

Below is the slideshare version of my webpage.

Motorsport University Malaysia

View more documents from johnsean.

Tony Fernandes and Paul Fletcher... great minds think alike!

I read Tony Fernanades interview in Autosport today.
In it he states that his F1 project is receiving funding from Proton car company...
Q. Proton is putting money into the project now?

TF: Yes they are. And obviously they will have some technological spin-offs and hopefully they can use our platform to show the world... obviously they have had some maybe not so positive experiences on some television programmes, and I think they could possibly use being in F1 to show they make world class cars as well. So it's a technological collaboration, there is money behind it as well, but the main drive will be to improve Lotus.

Wow!

He goes on to say...

Q. This team obviously grew out of the Litespeed Formula 3 team that was considering building it's own chassis. Could we see a Lotus F3 chassis in the coming years?

TF: We had two or three developmental teams and it shows again our seriousness about this that we had put money behind Fairuz in the Renault series and we will assist Litespeed as well. Both of those teams will be development teams for us...
We have put a substantial budget behind that because it is very important to not only develop future drivers but to develop engineers and know-how, and commercial-world know-how in running a Formula 1 team.

I would like to say that this mirrors the opinion of Paul Fletcher MBE Founder and Managing Partner StadiArena.
Paul and Tony think alike... Smart Guys!


"We want to open a football university — the first ever in this country. There are plenty of places where you can study football itself but nowhere where you can learn about the financial, commercial and social aspects of the game, from advertising and pitch technology to the business side.

(Please read my previous entry)

He (Tony) finishes this answer by saying...

My experience at Air Asia, one of the first things I did when we made some money, was to build an academy and we trained our own pilots and engineers etc and we invested a lot of money. When I looked at West Ham the thing I liked about them most was the academy. So we are putting a lot of effort into the development side of the team.

Driver development for Lotus F1 is under Alex Yoong. Proton Head of Racing is Tengku Djan. They have both worked for A1 Team Malaysia. Djan has raced for Proton and Petronas, and is currently involved in 'Drifting'.

My advice is read my proposal. Talk to Petronas about the synergies between your wants and needs and theirs.
I don't think Paul or Tony are stupid!
Below is a slideshare version of my proposal.

Motorsport University Malaysia

View more documents from johnsean.

Petronas contributes 45% of Malaysian Government revenue and has new CEO

Just to carry on with the Petronas influenced blogs of late. Petronas has a new CEO as of 10 February 2010.

Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas- New Petronas CEO (pic borrowed from the Star)


I found the Star article interesting for two reasons.

Datuk Shamsul has not received an email from me giving him an overview of Motorsport University Malaysia.

It would be really nice if he reviewed one of my slideshare presentations!
This is a slideshare version of my webpage. On the webpage the video is password protected. Should Datuk Shamsul require it, I would be happy to help him!

Motorsport University Malaysia

View more documents from johnsean.

Secondly, the Star article states:
It (Petronas) contributes 45% of government revenue. Last year, Petronas reported RM52.5bil in profit on revenue of RM264.2bil, making it Malaysia’s most profitable company.

“And it is something of an irony that Petronas’ international debt ratings are slightly higher than the Malaysian sovereign,’’ the report said.


No wonder Alex Yoong of LotusF1 was so upset when Petronas decided that MercedesGP would get their F1 sponsorship budget!

Motorsport University Malaysia in my view represents a project that has long term sustainability, and would be happy to partner both teams,plus others in research, development, driver training... It ticks all the boxes, and should the long term goal of ONE MILLION virtual students be attained should and could rank in the same league as any International acclaimed University.
Datuk Shamsul has the opportunity to make his mark upon Petronas almost immediately! Datuk, please check out the Motorsport University Malaysia proposal!
Should you wish to donate the 150 FP1 motorbikes sitting in Basildon,Essex I'm sure they would be very welcome as part of your Motorsport University Malaysia funding package... A win win for everyone!
When you think of Oxford do you think Morris Minor or University?

Basildon Essex is home to FP1 (Foggy Petronas) production bikes!

This weeks Motorcycle news (UK) has a double paged article on the Petronas production motorbike, the FP1.
Foggy Petronas FP1

It was designed and manufactured by MSXI based in Basildon,Essex. This is actually very close to where I live in the UK.
MSXI set up initially in Pitsea, also near my home over a Barclays bank branch. Shelley Jackson, a recruiter now based in Norfolk, was an early representative.
I quote from the article:
'The business that produced the first batch has since changed hands,but the bikes are still there, now in the possession Arrk R&D, which also retains key MSXI staff who worked on the FPI.'
The article goes on to say...
In fact, the FP1 did go on sale in 2005- but only one dealership, in Malaysia called Naza Bikers Dream- where a pair were still for sale in 2009 for £31,433 each ...
Auction House, Bonhams values them at about £15-25,000 as they are so rare. In January 2003 75 road bikes were built by MSXI in July 2003 a second batch passes homologation (Doesn't say how many). The article quotes a former MSXI employee,Tony White as saying ' It was a great project to work onthat culminated in the build of 150 great bikes-'The final paragraph goes on to state:
So keen are they (Petronas) to distance themselves from the abortive project do they appear to be, even the rights to the intellectual property in the bikes have been assigned to an apparently unrelated firm- the mysterious Isle of Man- registered Brumby Corporation.
I found this article interesting. I would have loved to get these bikes for Motorsport University Malaysia. The Math data would have been interesting to use. The whole history could be used as a lesson in risk management and the Motorsport business.

Petronas are hugely successful in Oil and Gas. They are however heavily involved in both education and Motorsport. Whilst we all love to brag about our successes, it is often from our failure that we learn the most!

Limkokwing sign MOU with Maxis. Proton sign with Petronas

I see today that Limkokwing University has signed an MOU with Maxis, a major player in the Mobile communications industry.
Here is a quote from the Edge article:
Under the MoU, Maxis will provide LUCT students and lecturers with Apple iPhone 3Gs bundled with special prepaid and postpaid plans to facilitate learning on the go.

"With the growth in uptake of advanced mobile devices and data services — the way we change and connect is being rapidly transformed.
This video is one of CNBC's it deals with 'Apps'. I feel sure, it has many educational possibilities...

I have used Limkokwing as my benchmark for the ONE MILLION virtual students figure I have quoted on my website below.
See page 5 on the slideshare presentation.

Motorsport University Malaysia

View more documents from johnsean.

I have previously mentioned that I am invited to participate at the ASLI Automotive conference (Asian Strategic Leadership Institute)planned to coincide with Kuala Lumpurs Auto Show.3-12 December 2010
Auto Show to conicide with ASLI auto conference

Last year Alex Yoong was my guest. I am hoping that this year that some Lotus high flyers will make an appearance. Motorsport is a specialised aspect of the complete Automotive industry however, given the new Group CEO at Lotus and the newly formed LotusF1 I think Malaysia would enjoy hearing from the new kids on the block!

This week Proton, owners of Group Lotus met with Petronas, Sponsors of Mercedes F1 and Yamaha MotoGP to sign an MOU for lubricant useage.Petronas are major shareholders in Proton and by default Group Lotus.
The videos below show the event.
Several people in the videos have received copies of my Slideshare/webpage presentations.

Asean Strategic Leadership Institute 2010 Automotive Conference

l will be helping ASLI promote their future Automotive Conference:




It will coincide with the Kuala lumpur Auto Show.
Official Auto Show logo


Proton, the Malaysian car company that owns Group Lotus intend to show their cars in the Geneva Auto show for the first time this year.
Presently, the Detroit Auto show is on. I have been many times. Not this year though!
Here is a link to the Detroit News. It is an interactive flash demo allowing you to design your own concept car! The Detroit News and Freep both give the show good coverage. Incidently, China has just become the largest buyer of automobiles in the world overtaking America. So I imagine the Shanghai show is gaining relevance.

I went to last years ASLI promoted Automotive conference with Alex Yoong as my guest. The conference did not revolve around Motorsport, and as such Alex probably wondered why he was there! We did have several chats with the Bufori representatives. Alex has done some 'Motorsport' work for them since.

It did give me some credibility and it was nice to know that Alex is sympathetic towards my project. (Motorsport University Malaysia).

If Michael Schumacher is reading this please feel free to contact me and I'll see if I can get you in this year...

I do think if ASLI want Motorsport specific people to attend they might want to organise the topics for discussion to reflect that.

I have been invited to paticipate this year. As such I will be expected to present a slideshow for discussion.

As Motorsport University Malaysia is still in the proposal stage I may use the one below for discussion purposes.

Motorsport University Malaysia

View more presentations from johnsean.

You will see some project figures for potential students on page 36. These figures add up to ten thousand virtual students. You must remember that I felt these figures made sense at the time (3+ years ago).

On my webpage, I have revised these figures to reflect the expectations of Malaysia's most successful private University, Limkokwing.
The CEO of this University is setting the bar at One Million virtual students in the next ten years.

In corporate circles we benchmark against the best, or our perceived competition, so my more recent webpage reflects the Limkokwing goal...

My benchmark for virtual students Limkokwing





“I hope that within 10 years, we will reach one million students. You can’t have one million on campus but you can have one million students if you have a lot of them doing online courses,” he adds (taken from an interview with the Limkokwing CEO published on the 28th May 2009 in the Star)

I might add that in the initial slideshare presentation, I mention my history with group Lotus, and their apparent ambivalence (uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow; - wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn) towards the project.

Well, we have a whole raft of new management at Group Lotus, and a new entity in LotusF1 so I hope this will be reflected in their attitude to Motorsport University Malaysia.

Additionally, Petronas are a many faceted organisation. They are a major shareholder in Proton and group Lotus, as well as sponsors of Mercedes F1 among many other Motorsport teams. Perhaps they will give this project the consideration it deserves.

Petronas sponsor Mercedes F1 team... Not LotusF1

The news today. Petronas sponsor Mercedes F1. Interesting!
Brawn plus Schumacher = Petronas sponsorship of the Mercedes F1 project. LotusF1 must look elsewhere.

Petronas obviously see the Ross Brawn outfit with Michael Shumacher as a better marketing tool globally than LotusF1 the 'Local Malaysian team'.
I'm sure Tony, Alex and Riad will not view this as a positive.
Petronas have obviously made a business decision, which they are entitled to do. Petronas are Malaysian government owned.
For those who are not aware, Petronas sponsors the Malaysian (SepangF1) GP has input into the Shanghai GP and sponsors Valentino and the Yamaha MotoGP team.
This development does not affect the MUM project.
Petronas have an educational arm. They are not tied to one partner. I have had talks with their educational people, among others. As I have said many times, all the Universities I have approached were keen on Motorsport University Malaysia.
As LotusF1 have been given priority for resources at Sepang, and UTP (Petronas) and UTM (University Technlogy Malaysia) are already partners, they obviously have Petronas involvement of sorts.
UTM have recently signed a preliminary agreement with Proton for Engineering courses... Taken from the Malaysian SUN newspaper.
Speaking after the signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Business Advance Technology Centre and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia last Tuesday, Proton’s managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin said the programme is important to upgrade technical skills of its staff.
I was interested to see Tengku Djan won the recent Drift competition in Malaysia. I hope his brother and friends enjoyed it. I would hope Djan can see the educational benefits of MUM.
I borrowed this pic form Paul Tan
Tengku Djan wins the Malaysian Drift competition

I am talking to my colleagues in Malaysia, and I am contemplating a return in the new year.
It has been close to eight years since I started on the MUM project. Sadly all of it has been spent promoting the project!
Next year, I hope some of the big players see the potential and actually make a commitment!
A slight aside... The UK newspapers are full of Simon Cowells reaction to a Facebook campaign to support a No1 spot for group named Rage against the Machine.
The Internet is a powerful tool!
Once again I have added my journey via slideshare.
A prosperous and healthy new year to you all!

Motorsport University Malaysia

View more presentations from johnsean.

Yesterday, I read an article. The Proton Saga (chedet)

I read the ex Malaysian PM's blog yesterday. It was a post titled The Proton Saga.
Here is a quote:
3. Since Proton acquired a new chairman in the person of Datuk Nadzmi Salleh, I find it easier to perform the work of Proton adviser. The Prime Minister has also indicated that Proton affairs should be referred to me. Accordingly I have been busy on a plan to resuscitate the company. I have been talking to potential technology partners for Proton.
Banner from Dr Mahathir's blog


For those of you who do not know, Dr. Mahathir is adviser to both Proton (owner of Group Lotus) and Petronas, the Malaysian national oil and gas company.
I have sent my proposal to both of these entities seperately.
In order to get a person who talks to both companies, I have sent a letter to Dr.M's PA.
I hope the good Doctor sees the synergy between Petronas and Proton in regard to Motorsport, and it's potential as an educational driver.
I feel Dr.M would be a good man to have in my corner.

Daily Mail (UK) confirms Lotus entry into F1

One of Britain's fabled motor racing names Lotus to return to Formula One for 2010 season >
This is the heading in todays Daily Mail (UK)
As previously mentioned this fits in well with the MUM proposal.
Local Malaysian politicians seem to think the government will make an announcement after the Singapore GP.
Alex Yoong should be working for ESPN in Asia that weekend. As Alex has been kind enough to visibly support MUM I would love to hear his appraisal of the latest developments.
I'm in the UK right now, so I'll be listening to Eddie Jordan and the BBC team.
I sincerely hope some of the young guns, particularly, Alex and Tengku Djan lend their support to the MUM proposal if asked. They are both in ideal positions to be a positive influence.

I've put my old Bernama TV interview here for those of you who have not seen it...