New From Caterham: A SUV, And A Subcompact

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

We may have one of those really rare cases where Formula 1 racing leads to honest, provable new car sales. The UK boutique builder Caterham “is developing a crossover SUV and a subcompact car with Renault, Chairman Tony Fernandes” told Reuters. The cars should be launched “soon after the first sports cars due in 2016 under the Caterham and Renault Alpine brands,” the wire says.

AirAsia founder Fernandes bought Caterham in 2011. The F1 team by the same name uses Renault engines. Renault also supplies engines to Red Bull and Toro Rosso. Its alliance partner Infiniti is Red Bull’s title sponsor.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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 4 comments
  • CJinSD CJinSD on Jul 05, 2013

    I see the future. The Lotus 7 lineage will end, and with it so will Caterham.

  • Mike1dog Mike1dog on Jul 05, 2013

    I'm beginning to wonder if Caterham will outlive Lotus.

  • Fred Fred on Jul 05, 2013

    I'm sure it will be a Renault made with help from Caterham. I also hear Caterham is leaving F1 for sport cars.

    • Battles Battles on Jul 05, 2013

      Sports cars, even ALMS/WEC is a better place for Caterham than F1.

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