Lotus to open technology centre at university

CARMAKER Lotus is to establish a base in the West Midlands to support its engineering work with customers across the world.

Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the sports car manufacturer, has struck a deal with the University of Warwick to open an advanced technology centre and head office on its Wellesbourne campus.

The hub will be housed in a vacant building and contain offices, workshops and laboratories with space for expansion.

It will initially have 130 engineers on site, who are due to start moving in over the next few weeks, with future recruitment expected to bolster the team.

Lotus Engineering, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, works with customers all over the world including Tesla, Formula 1 companies and even track cycle manufacturers as well as for its parent company Lotus Cars.

Its specialisms include vehicle dynamics and advanced propulsion systems.

The partnership has been struck with the university’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) which specialises in collaboration between academic research, teaching, training and industry.

Matt Windle, executive director of engineering at 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 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.”

Margot James, executive chairwoman of WMG, added: “This is wonderful news, not only for WMG, the university 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 programmes which are focused on innovation and future growth.

“We look forward to collaborating with Lotus on projects which seek to create a greener, more connected future.”