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Lotus Cars will establish a new advanced
technology centre in Wellesbourne, UK
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Lotus Engineering – the consultancy division
of Group Lotus – will also base its HQ at the new
site
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The facility represents a new partnership
between Lotus and WMG (formerly Warwick Manufacturing Group) at
the University of Warwick
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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.”
, 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.”
, 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.
