Lotus, the renowned sports car manufacturer, has announced a strategic shift towards Hyper Hybrid PHEVs, with plans to electrify their sports cars in the near future. The first plug-in hybrid model, named Eletre, is set to hit the market in the first quarter of next year, with initial sales targeted in China.
The decision to pivot towards hybrid technology comes after the company faced challenges in the market for fully electric sports cars. Lotus Europe CEO, Windle, expressed uncertainty about the market readiness for electric sports cars, leading to the indefinite postponement of a planned electric model following the production of Emira.
Windle had been advocating for the production of more models at the Hethel plant, which currently has the capacity to assemble 10,000 cars but only produced around 5000 Emiras last year. There were discussions about potentially manufacturing the Polestar 6 electric roadster at the facility, signaling a shift towards electrification.
Geely, the parent company of Lotus, may have decided against further investment in Hethel due to the impending legislation that would phase out combustion engine cars. This decision aligns with the global trend towards electrification, with the US being one of the last major markets for combustion engine vehicles.
Lotus CEO, Feng, has hinted at the possibility of introducing a V8 option for the Emira, showcasing the brand’s commitment to offering high-performance variants. The company’s reset follows ambitious growth projections that were not met, leading to a reassessment of their production strategy.
The potential closure of the Hethel plant would have significant implications, especially in light of the government’s industrial strategy to increase vehicle production in the coming years. Lotus has been a staple in Norfolk since 1966, with Geely investing heavily in the site to modernize production facilities.
Despite the challenges faced by the company, the legacy of Lotus and its commitment to innovation remain strong. The proposed closure of the Hethel plant has been met with criticism, highlighting the importance of preserving the brand’s heritage and contribution to the automotive industry.
