Future of Lotus

[DaveC72]

On 31/08/2021 at 20:23, C8RKH said:

Good job Lotus cars have always had a number, will fit right in - "I'll have a Type 140 please, and can you add numbers 1,4,7,9, 13 and 32 from the extra's please". At least having MSG on the order will be a pleasure for once.

I read that as Motor Sport Green...

[C8RKH]

Sure it wasn't Monsodium Glutamate? 

 

[Bibs]

Up to 200 engineers develop new technology for electric mobility

(Raunheim, Germany – 31 August 2021) –  As of today, a new development centre in Raunheim is working on the future of mobility. Under the name of Lotus Tech Innovation Centre (LTIC), around 150 engineers from more than 15 nations are already working on new drive concepts and environmentally friendly mobility. By the end of the year, this number is expected to increase to 200.

LTIC is part of the global R&D network of the Geely Holding Group with locations in China, England and Sweden. A new building was erected especially for LTIC at the entrance to Raunheim. The centre is the successor to GATD – the Geely Auto Technical Centre – which has been in Raunheim for more than two years and has now been transformed into LTIC.

LTIC is led by Maximilian Szwaj, who most recently worked for the sports car manufacturer Aston Martin. He emphasised the support of the city of Raunheim and the State of Hesse: Thanks to the convenient transport connections and the airport, an international centre of excellence for electromobility is built up here, which will be connected worldwide. At the same time, further top automotive engineering jobs would be created in the region, an important signal for this location. In addition, the proximity to the Nürburgring in the Eifel or the test centre Dudenhofen in Rodgau counts for the engineers as well.

The mayor of Raunheim, Thomas Jühe, welcomed this commitment in Raunheim: “We have been creating a business-friendly and cosmopolitan environment here for years, which makes our location act as a bridge to and from China. We offer not only eligible space and outstanding infrastructure, but also a partnership that will also support Lotus and its mother company Geely in achieving ambitious goals promptly and successfully.”

The new building itself was constructed on an area of 5400 square metres by local companies and was completed with specific consideration of energy-efficient and ecological solutions.

[phil flash]

Won't be many British Engineers there.  After Brexshit British Engineering Qualifications are no longer recognised in EU so getting a Work Permit when you have 'no special skill' will be difficult. Glad I've retired but empathize with those who haven't.

[Barrykearley]

Absolutely fantastic - we are short of uk engineers 😃 - so let’s keep them in the uk

[Francisco Franco]

2 hours ago, phil flash said:

Won't be many British Engineers there.  After Brexshit British Engineering Qualifications are no longer recognised in EU so getting a Work Permit when you have 'no special skill' will be difficult. Glad I've retired but empathize with those who haven't.

Personally I think they will have who they want there regardless of Quali’s, they will soon find ways around that if it suits them.

I can’t help thinking all the IP is going east and the European governments are falling over themselves to give out all sorts of incentives to help them do it. Not  looking good long term for the likes of Ford, GM, BMW etc. I don’t have any sympathy for the large car makers but they employ many hundreds of thousands of people and these jobs will end up lost

[thebartman]

I got my G-car as a result of Britishness, eccentrcity, aesthetics and the aspirational desire and pride of engineering done (initially) from home and creating a motorsport marque from nothing , some 45 years of (wanting) loving the car, from Bond films through "Essex" livery - stunning.

The future (of all sorts of things) will be different, however, Lotus being SUV; Coupe; E-Cat D-Cat - "wtf- cat" class vehicles - really ? Where is the spitituality of Lotus gone? (Rhetorical question)

What will appeal to the 12-14 year old boy( oh! and girl) of the future when Geely run out their mass produced, non-differential shite. Will they reminisce and "desire" the Type 140, 141 etc?

So looking forward to being an old fart.

Nostalgia is not what it used to be.

 

[Barrykearley]

Ahh the type 140 - a classic - just like the iPhone 4 ❤️

[Mysterae]

On 31/08/2021 at 10:21, Bibs said:

LOTUS TECHNOLOGY GLOBAL HQ ESTABLISHED IN CHINA AS FUTURE LOTUS EV PRODUCT PLAN UNVEILED

 

• Global ‘intelligent technology’ subsidiary of Group Lotus launched
• Will accelerate innovation and oversee manufacture of exciting new Lotus lifestyle models for global markets
• Four new electric models from Lotus in next five years – including all-new electric sports car in 2026
• Lotus SUV – the Type 132 – will be first, launching in 2022
• All-new factory operational in China later this year, Lotus Technology HQ opening in 2024

 

(Wuhan, China – 31 August 2021) – Lotus Technology has officially launched its global headquarters with a ‘breaking-ground’ ceremony in Wuhan, China.

Lotus Technology is a new division of Group Lotus, a global ‘intelligent technology’ subsidiary which augments the brand’s DNA and technology accumulated over the 73 years that Lotus has existed. Its role is to accelerate innovation in the fields of batteries and energy management, electric motors, electronic control systems, intelligent driving, intelligent manufacturing and more.

The new Lotus Technology headquarters will be completed in 2024.  An all-new Lotus factory, to manufacture Lotus electric vehicles for global markets, will open later this year.

Eric Li, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, and Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Group Lotus, attended the event. They were joined by Li Bin, founder of NIO, who is an investor in Lotus Technology. They revealed top level details of the Lotus product plan for the next five years, developed jointly by Lotus Technology and the highly experienced Lotus team in the UK.

In 2022, Lotus will debut an E-segment SUV codenamed Type 132. It will be followed in 2023 by an E-segment four-door coupe, Type 133, and in 2025 by Type 134, a new D-segment SUV. This trio will be joined in 2026 by an all-new electric sports car, Type 135.

The new models are in addition to the Evija all-electric hypercar and the Emira, the last petrol-powered sports car from Lotus, which will both be built at Hethel, UK.

In the field of intelligent drive, Lotus unveiled the concept of ‘track-level intelligent drive’ as a 10-year technological development target. The new technology’s aim is to assist drivers to perform as well as an F1 driver on track, while increasing driver safety and improving performance on the road through advanced software and hardware. The result is a more rewarding and reassuring experience in any environment.

The development of the brand’s new premium lifestyle vehicles will take place on the Lotus Premium architecture, one of the four new vehicle platforms announced at the Driving Tomorrow global strategy conference in April. The Premium architecture supports a wheelbase range from 2,889mm-3,100mm and could be further expanded in the future. It supports the development of all types of passenger vehicles from C+ to E segments. Using 92-120kWh batteries, it is compatible with the industry’s most advanced 800-volt high-speed EV charging system. Products developed on this platform will be capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in under three seconds.

Vision80 is the ongoing strategic plan which outlines the transformation of Lotus ahead of its 80th birthday in 2028. The establishment of Lotus Technology marks a crucial step on that journey of global expansion, and on the road to an intelligent and electric future. In the era of intelligent electric mobility, Lotus will once again set the standard for performance, redefining the relationship between man and vehicle, and help the global automotive industry in accelerating the pace of its transformation. 

Since being founded by Colin Chapman in 1948, Lotus has led the industry in innovation with its commitment to pure driving, outstanding ride and handling, lightweight technologies and world-class aerodynamic engineering. Today, with the backing and global resources of Geely Holding Group, Lotus benefits from new capabilities in R&D, manufacturing and supply chain management, enabling it to provide global customers with a more innovative and exciting driving experience.

The new Lotus manufacturing plant in Wuhan will open later this year, complementing existing UK sports car manufacturing and performance facilities in Hethel and Norwich. It is being built with the world’s most advanced manufacturing technologies to become a global centre of excellence for Lotus’ premium lifestyle models. Covering an area of over 1 million m2 with an investment of over 8 billion RMB (£900m), the plant has the capacity to ramp up to production of 150,000 vehicles a year.

The new Lotus plant is the first in the world with an integrated intelligent test track. It features an advanced system whereby vehicles can be transported into workshops using autonomous driving technology without any human intervention. It is designed to accommodate vehicles driving at speeds up to 140mph (230km/h) through 16 corners.

Working hand in hand, China-based Lotus Technology and the UK-based Lotus team are at the core of Group Lotus’ future development strategy. Lotus in the UK will be responsible for the development and production of sports cars and the Evija electric hypercar, as well as co-ordinating global sales for the Lotus brand. Lotus Technology in China will be responsible for integrating a new generation of lifestyle products, bringing together China’s EV and manufacturing specialisms, UK’s design and advanced performance centres and Germany-based R&D resources (Lotus Technology Innovation Centre, Raunheim), as well as the global development and production of premium intelligent drive technologies. Together the China and UK teams will empower Group Lotus’ transformation towards an expanded, intelligent and electric future. 

Feng Qingfeng, CEO, Group Lotus, commented: “This is an important day in the transformation of the Lotus business and brand. Lotus Technology will accelerate the innovation which has always been at the heart of the business. Together the China and UK teams will empower our journey towards an expanded, intelligent and electric future, achieving the ambitions and goals that have been in the making for 73 years of the Lotus brand.”

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “Transforming Lotus from a UK sports car company to a truly global performance car company has always been at the core of Vision80. The launch of Lotus Technology is a major milestone on the road to making that a reality, while adhering to the unwavering Lotus principles of pure performance, efficiency, motorsport success and, above all, being ‘For the Drivers’.”

Li Bin, the founder of NIO, has become an investor in Lotus Technology. Lotus and NIO share many common interests in the field of intelligent electric mobility. In the future, both parties may explore opportunities for mutually beneficial industrial cooperation.

The global automotive industry is undergoing profound changes today. As the world’s largest and fastest-growing electric vehicle market, China plays an important role in the transformation of the global automotive industry. With its brand mission of always being ‘For The Drivers,’ Lotus will be centre stage, redefining the standards for an intelligent and electric future. 

I'm a bit confused (not hard these days) about the investment in China when this kind of thing is going on:

Is there an internal power struggle going on in China? If they hate the west so much why all the investment and trade?

This is probably not the best thread for it but it is connected. Sort of.

[jonwat]

Lotus Has A Secret Plan To Steal Sales From Porsche 

[NedaSay]

How is that a secret plan? I thought it was the business plan🤔

Edited September 8, 2021 by NedaSay

[KusaKusa]

The secret part is just click bait, but it is okay insight. Lotus is aiming hard at China for its EVs, which is obvious but shows the US and EU are probably not the main demographics. Second is that the small SUV won't be competing in the Tesla Model Y / Mustang Mach-E space and will be pushing more upmarket, which makes sense for Lotus. We don't know much about the EV Macan, but whatever we can find out will probably be competitively similar from Lotus.

[Barrykearley]

On 08/09/2021 at 16:07, jonwat said:

Lotus Has A Secret Plan To Steal Sales From Porsche 

they’ve even got the no win no fee brigade giving them a helping hand

https://help.classaction.org/porsche-leaking-sunroof/?fbclid=IwAR2_IJsIRLTQTVwYAAPrTpBSbgZz2B6IkTOjPtyHx6h4lJQeWfdtPEFZcQI

[jimichanga]

Damian from the car guys just posted a video on his experience of buying his first Lotus. Not good sadly. Many here are used to how Lotus operate and usually the way the car drives forgives all. But this is how those new to Lotus perceive the experience.

TVR took major sales from Porsche in the 90’s. It was their shot at the big time when the 911 became undesirable due to its yuppie associations. They sold a ton of Chimaeras and Griffs, enough to fund their own engines but they didn’t win many repeat customers and of course shut down some years ago. You don’t get many chances to really put a dent in the major players. Lotus really need to bring their A game, they can’t blame lack of resources anymore and they won’t get another chance.

[Escape]

I stopped watching after 5 minutes of his whining. He's unhappy with the color HE picked, but never bothered to go and see an actual car in that color. Then had Colins signature added but didn't really think about the size he wanted or where to put. How is this the fault of Lotus? Seems like a cheap shot to me, just to be able to complain and get views.
And as for being old news, when you get a final edition and there are rumors about the new car all over the web, you know it will soon be old news. But you buy it just because you like the previous model and because the last of the Elise/Exige is by all accounts a special car.

Having to wait a couple of months doesn't sound too bad either, especially with current delivery times of up to 2 years for some models/brands.

[jimichanga]

None of which excuses poor customer communication. He is 100% right about the importance of going the extra mile to make buying a Lotus a good experience if they are to stand any chance of upscaling the business. Lotus don’t have the excuse of not having the resources any more.

Anyone easily angered by a car video would most likely be enraged by taking delivery of a brand new convertible only to be told that they can’t take the roof off because the tool kit hasn’t been delivered yet. Yes you can get the tool from Halfords but seriously, after paying £50+k on a new car this is inexcusable and should cause great embarrassment to Lotus and dealer alike (they should have pulled a tool kit from a stock car or gone to Halfords themselves). Really disgusted to see the collective mob nastiness that has come out on Seloc about this really hoped Lotus people were better than that. Hate to see anything like that here.

Edited September 19, 2021 by jimichanga

[Barrykearley]

So - I’ve bought new - VW, Hyundai and Vauxhall - and sadly not once have I received a welcome hamper or Christmas card from the CEOs of any of them.

I'm sure this chap purchased the car from a dealer - and that is who he should be directing his “not feeling special” towards. I have to say I think this chap is “special” but that’s not in a complimentary way. The dealer is utterly responsible for PDI of the car - and by the sounds has completely failed in that duty - no wonder Lotus wish to shitcan some of the dealerships.

Yes you’ve bought a new car - you’ve made many mistakes in the process by adding halfords accessories and stuff off ebay - again - nowt to do with lotus themselves. The video is frankly a damning indictment on the expectations of folks these days.

 

[C8RKH]

On 02/09/2021 at 13:41, phil flash said:

Won't be many British Engineers there.  After Brexshit British Engineering Qualifications are no longer recognised in EU so getting a Work Permit when you have 'no special skill' will be difficult. Glad I've retired but empathize with those who haven't.

Yeah, so engineers from anywhere outside the EU cannot work there as their qualifications will not be recognised?  Croc of shite in my very humble opinion...  

But as @Barrykearley says we were constantly short of engineers here so all should end well as we have some of the best trained engineers in the world. The EU's loss is our gain.

[DarrylV8]

We were supposed to retire May 2021, but COVID put paid to that, as the employer couldn’t get a suitable replacement. I retired January this year.

In February local trust asked Sue if I would consider returning to work with major infrastructure/energy scheme, in the last 7 months I will have been asked half a dozen times by recruiters if I would be interested in working on continent; so my conclusion Europe are possibly in need of British engineers as much if not more than UK 

[Mark030358]

On 02/09/2021 at 10:29, KusaKusa said:

believe Lotus mentioned in an article recently that they want to move to a sales boutique and vehicle delivery sales model, similar to Tesla. Honestly, with their current positioning and future focus on EVs, this is probably the most cost effective strategy for them. At least in the US but not sure about the UK.

Which is why I cancelled my Emira order… it’s a JOKE

Ditching dealers who have been with them for years to sell out of a shopping centre allegedly. Chapman would be turning in his grave.

I won’t ever buy a new one again.

[Mark030358]

On 02/09/2021 at 17:41, phil flash said:

Won't be many British Engineers there.  After Brexshit British Engineering Qualifications are no longer recognised in EU so getting a Work Permit when you have 'no special skill' will be difficult. Glad I've retired but empathize with those who haven't.

Errrrmmmm no. I’m a chartered engineer and I think you will find they are. You my need them notarising, but hey… the bright side is no more EU $ hite…

[ramjet]

10 hours ago, Barrykearley said:

So - I’ve bought new - VW, Hyundai and Vauxhall - and sadly not once have I received a welcome hamper or Christmas card from the CEOs of any of them.

I'm sure this chap purchased the car from a dealer - and that is who he should be directing his “not feeling special” towards. I have to say I think this chap is “special” but that’s not in a complimentary way. The dealer is utterly responsible for PDI of the car - and by the sounds has completely failed in that duty - no wonder Lotus wish to shitcan some of the dealerships.

Yes you’ve bought a new car - you’ve made many mistakes in the process by adding halfords accessories and stuff off ebay - again - nowt to do with lotus themselves. The video is frankly a damning indictment on the expectations of folks these days.

 

I just asked him on YT whether it was directly from Lotus or via a dealer. Will wait and see what he says.

[jimichanga]

We already know it was from a dealer. But it is ultimately Lotus responsibility to ensure dealers are making the experience of buying a car a positive one. If Lotus don’t communicate with dealers about a customer’s car that makes it very difficult for them. But Lotus need to build and protect the brand by dumping dealers that don’t perform to the necessary standard.

[ramjet]

Well he replied.

"From a dealer, but the issues stem from Lotus itself."

So that is from the owner. Where did he get this information? The dealer or Lotus?

It is just too easy for a dealer to say Lotus is the issue. Without a lot more information and proof, I'm not about to say who is at fault.

[jimichanga]

It’s a team game. If customers are being let down both Lotus and the dealer need to take steps to deal with it. It’s not about who is to blame it’s about everyone taking responsibility. I would say that the experience of buying a car is generally awful across most brands but that just makes it easier for the ones who do it well to shine.