Industry: Meet the Maker: Caterham Cars

In the first of a new series called Meet the Maker, we speak to the boss of Caterham Cars.

Who: Ansar Ali
Position: Managing Director, Caterham Cars

What was your first car?
A Mini Metro.

What's the car that makes you most proud and why?
The new R500; the result of the combined energy and vision of Caterham's marketing and engineering departments working in unison.

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What's the highest point in Caterham's history?
There have been many. The fact that the Seven was probably the first UK production car to be featured in a serial TV programme [The Prisoner]; the R500 Evo holding the world record for both 0-100-0mph and the fastest 0-60mph and in its latest incarnation, being awarded Top Gear TV Car of the Year 2008.

The lowest point?
I can't speak for before 2005 but since then, having to re-configure the business towards the end of 2008 to ensure Caterham remains strong and nimble during the global recession.

Which automotive development do you wish you'd thought of?
The carburettor. Simple principle and yet highly sophisticated technically and also such an intergral part of a car's persona visually and acoustically.

Which other car manufacturer do you respect and why?
Morgan Cars: sticking to what you know and just keep doing it better; not being swayed by fads or trends but at the same time allowing the product philosophy to evolve through technology and design.

What's the key automotive trend for the future?
Lightweight, so Caterham is at the forefront!


The car you would most want to own?
Aston Martin DB4 Series II.

The car you would least want to own?
Mini Metro.

What car do you own and why did you choose it?
Golf GTi and Ford Galaxy. As an ex-Blue Oval I had to get the latter as the family car so the GTi is my indulgence for a bit of fun.