Dany Bahar has been dismissed as Group Lotus chief executive by new owners DRB-Hicom following an audit into the running of the company and an unspecified complaint against him.

DRB-Hicom had suspended Bahar “temporarily” on May 28 but will not comment on the reasons behind the suspension and now dismissal.

Aslam Farikullah has been appointed as the new Lotus CEO with immediate effect.

Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, group managing director of DRB-HICOM Berhad and also chairman of Lotus said: “I would like to assure you that we remain committed to ensure the ongoing and future business operations of the Lotus Group as we take the Lotus Group to the next level to remain relevant in the global automotive industry.

“I look forward to bringing mutual benefits to not only DRB-HICOM and PROTON Holdings Berhad but also the Lotus Group and its employees as well as contribute to the growth of the British automotive industry.”

Bahar has previously hit out at the media speculation in April that he had left Lotus and the sports car marker was heading for administration.

Lotus launched a bold five-year plan in autumn 2010, spelling out plans for a five-strong range to turn the Norfolk-based company into a Ferrari rival. Model plans were delayed following DRB-HICOM’s due diligence process.