Lotus is preparing to open an advanced technology centre in the UK, 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 facility is being established in partnership with WMG, a body that aids collaboration between academic research, teaching, training and industry.
The facility includes offices, workshops and laboratory space, with space for expansion. Initially, 130 engineers will move in, complementing the 500-strong engineering team at the home of Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk.
“This is a big step forward for Lotus and our engineering consultancy,” said Matt Windle, executive director of engineering at Lotus Cars. “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 into 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 of Lotus Cars, added: “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.”
Margot James, executive chair of WMG, commented: “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”.
