To close out our 2012 Australian International Motor Show coverage we bring you the highlights and lowlights from the rest of the manufacturers on show.

Our top three highlights:

• Ford Evos concept—stunning lines
• Kia Track’ster—actually very, very cool
• Subaru BRZ by Possum Bourne Motorsport—track cred for the BRZ

Our top three lowlights

• Holden Malibu—return to sender
• Ford Focus ST—they must be taking the piss with that central dash
• Isuzu D Max advertising—someone signed that off

And a special mention to the Nissan Pulsar SSS. My first new car was an Australian built N14 SSS, it was awesome and is still better to look at than this comeback horror story. AUSmotive’s assistant on the day described it as the ugliest car he’d ever seen. I put forward the new Honda CR-V as an alternate suggestion, but he wouldn’t be swayed.

Ford

Holden

Hyundai

Isuzu

Kia

Nissan

Peugeot

Proton

Range Rover

Skoda

Subaru

Toyota

Following the Malaysian Government’s move to offload its stake in Proton to DRB-Hicom the car maker is denying the inevitable rumours that it wants to sell iconic sports car maker Lotus.

Proton has released an official statement, which reads in part: “We are aware of the many concerns of the different parties related to Proton—especially our business partners, with regards to the current plans and future direction of the Group and all its subsidiaries, including its UK-based Lotus Group International Limited (LGIL).

“Our new incoming owner is in discussions with the current management of Proton to get a clear understanding and assessment of the Group’s current business plans, before any strategic future plans can be mapped out, including the plans for our Lotus subsidiary.”

You may recall Lotus grabbed the headlines at the 2010 Paris Motor Show with audacious plans to effectively relaunch the brand with five all-new models: Elan, Elise, Elite, Esprit and Eterne. Lotus said all models, except the Eterne, would be in production by 2015, with the Elan and Esprit due for release next year.

Despite their recent ownership changes Proton say their transformation plan is on schedule: “Our focus remains the same for all our current business plans and this includes Lotus’ commitment in realising its current five-year business transformation plan, of which we are happy to report, is right on track,” the official statement continued.

“As such, business is as usual for us and all our subsidiaries and we thank them for their professionalism and patience during this time.”

Sales in the UK, Lotus’ largest market, dropped by 41% last year and tallied a meagre 329 sales. That drop in cash flow and persistent annual losses must weigh heavily on Proton’s upper management.

[Source: Car]

News reports tell us the Malaysian Government has sold its stake in Proton for a reported AU$401m. An announcement on the implications for Lotus, owned by Proton, is expected in the next 24 hours or so.

Khazanah Nasional, the state owned investment company, sold its 42.7% share in Proton Holdings to DRB-Hicom, which has also agreed to submit an offer to buy Proton’s remaining shares. The total deal could be around AU$933m.

DRB-Hicom has links to European car makers Mercedes and Volkswagen as well as Honda. It is hoped the cash-injection and renewed impetus from Proton’s new owners will help revive its recent flagging fortunes.

[Source: Autocar & Business Spectator]