- Lotus Cars will establish a new advanced technology centre in
Wellesbourne, UK
- Lotus Engineering – the consultancy division of Group Lotus – will also
base its HQ at the new site
- The facility represents a new partnership between Lotus and WMG (formerly
Warwick Manufacturing Group) at the University of Warwick
- An initial 130 engineers will move in, with capacity for many new jobs
as the facility is further established in the Midlands
Today, Lotus announces a dedicated and specialist advanced technology centre,
which will also be home to a new headquarters for the company’s engineering
consultancy.
Located on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus, the new facility is
established in partnership with WMG at the University of Warwick. WMG is an
international leader in successful collaboration between academic research,
teaching, training, and industry. The substantial facility consists of offices,
workshops and laboratory space with ample opportunity for expansion.
Initially, 130 engineers will move in, complementing the 500-strong engineering
team at the home of Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk.
Matt Windle, Executive Director, Engineering, Lotus Cars, said:
“This is a big step forward for Lotus and our engineering consultancy. The new
space, facilities and job opportunities at Wellesbourne will be in great demand
as we rapidly build our portfolio of external projects. Our team and specialist
skills have grown significantly in the last two years as renewed impetus has
been put in to the business with new shareholders and management. The
all-electric Evija hypercar is the first new Lotus Cars product for us to
deliver, with significant focus on this at Wellesbourne as we complete the
project and continue to advance its technologies for our future programmes.”
Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars, added:
“Wellesbourne offers an excellent facility, with plenty of expansion potential,
and will be the perfect home for our new advanced technology centre. Our
engineering and R&D strategy around advanced propulsion systems is lock-in-step
with the Government’s vision and broader global ambitions for a low-carbon
automotive future. We look forward to working in collaboration with Government
and with our new campus neighbours on this future. Having research partners at
the University and WMG will bring significant benefits, as will the Midlands
location, which is both very accessible and home to a rich pool of automotive
talent.”
Nadhim Zahawi MP, the UK Government’s Business and Industry Minister, said:
“The West Midlands has long been the beating heart of the UK’s automotive and
engineering industries, and this announcement is further evidence that this
proud history will continue. Lotus’ new advanced technology centre will secure
over 100 highly-skilled jobs in Warwickshire, support a strong economic recovery
across the region and drive forward the low carbon, electric technologies of the
future.”
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, said:
“We are delighted to welcome this key part of such a significant and legendary
technology based company to the University and our Wellesbourne campus. This is
just the beginning of a partnership. I know that it will grow, thrive, and bring
prosperity and new opportunities to both Warwickshire and the West Midlands, and
will call on and benefit from the significant automotive and technology skills
and talents of many people in our region.”
Margot James, Executive Chair, WMG, comments:
“This is wonderful news not only for WMG, the University of Warwick and the
region, but also for the UK automotive sector. The UK needs to retain R&D
capability in our manufacturing sector, and at WMG we are working with partners
on many R&D programmes which are focused on innovation and future growth towards
net zero. We look forward to collaborating with Lotus on projects which seek to
create a greener, more connected future”.
Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said:
“This is really good news for the Wellesbourne campus, Stratford-on-Avon
District and the region as a whole. We are totally committed to supporting the
development of the Wellesbourne campus. We see it as a major asset for both
Stratford-on-Avon District and the region and we welcome the addition of 130
skilled roles to the District. We look forward to the future development of the
campus.”
Lotus Engineering, which celebrates 40 years since its incorporation in 1980,
works with customers all over the world. The confidentiality of its work is
paramount with strict firewalls in place between project teams. Some of the more
widely acknowledged Lotus Engineering programmes from the past include the Lotus
Carlton, Tesla Roadster, multiple Formula 1 campaigns, and a host of products
outside of the auto industry from Olympics track bikes to boats and light
aircraft. Today, Lotus Engineering’s specialisms include vehicle dynamics and
advanced propulsion systems, encompassing lightweight structures, ride, handling
and performance.
Images and text copyright Group Lotus PLC
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