Ongoing issues with Lotus production have slowed the progress of appointing a local distributor.
Last year Driven visited the British manufacturer as Australian Lotus agent Ateco prepared to launch the brand officially for the first time here.
But, when DRB Hicom took a solid stake in Malaysian owner Proton earlier this year, CEO Danny Bahar's vision of "new era Lotus" took a hit while its plans were analysed and production halted.
Bahar had revealed a string of upcoming new models on an ambitious schedule through to 2017. It included an Elise, a stroppy Esprit aimed squarely at Ferrari's 458, an Elan and even a wee city car.
The production line, which includes building Tesla's all-electric Roadster, is again in full swing. Kiwis wanting to get their hands on one will have to wait even longer.
