LONDON: To acknowledge the forthcoming family of performance cars, Lotus has released an image that hints at the new generation that will replace the Elise, Exige and Evora.
The three models will have their final production run this year.
The new series of sports cars with prototype production of the Lotus Type 131 will start this year from its plant in Hethel, Norfolk.
The new manufacturing investment is part of Lotus’ Vision80 strategy, which will also see the relocation of two Lotus sub-assembly facilities into one efficient central operation in Norwich city to support higher volumes.
Lotus will be recruiting some 250 new employees to accompany the £100-million-plus investment into Hethel’s facilities.
This is in addition to the 670 to have joined Lotus since September 2017, when shareholders Geely and Etika took ownership of the company.
New recruits are required for roles in engineering and manufacturing for both Lotus Cars and the world-renowned engineering consultancy, Lotus Engineering – which opens its Advanced Technology Centre in Warwick later this year.
Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham said despite the continuing global challenges, Lotus had emerged from 2020 strong and on track in the delivery of the company's Vision80 business plan.
"This year will be hugely significant for Lotus with new facilities coming on stream, a new sports car entering production and new levels of efficiency and quality that only a new car design and factory can deliver."
He said Lotus was all about looking forward, and its future is full of continuous innovation.
"In 2021, however, we will be reflecting on the legacy of our current range, starting with the Elise, a sports car that genuinely revolutionised the automotive industry, not only because it is a legend-in-its-own-lifetime but also for its impact on car design and technology,” he added.
The Elise, Exige and Evora have contributed greatly to the Lotus business over the years, and by the time the last of these models leaves the assembly line, they will have sold a combined circa 55,000 units.
