Lotus Exige LF1-06

Group Lotus has announced a 31% rise in global sales for its first financial quarter of 2014. From April 1 to June 30, the Proton-owned sports car manufacturer sold 505 units compared to 386 units in the same term last year. The tally represents Lotus' best first financial quarter for three years, and best June results in four years with sales of 192 units.

Key markets that showed the highest increase in sales were France, Germany, Switzerland and Japan. The improved performance is attributed to increased demand for all three models in the Lotus range - Evora, Exige and Elise.

Lotus' Q1 figures are reflective of the company's plans to further expand its global dealer network with new dealerships expected in the coming months.

Lotus' new CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: "This is excellent news for Group Lotus and our parent companies Proton and DRB-Hicom. This latest performance is indicative of Lotus' commitment to ensuring more drivers have the opportunity to own one of the best sports cars in the world."

Green shoots of recovery or false dawn - what do you think?

Lotus Exige LF1