PASSION - LOTUS - History

GROUP LOTUS

THE COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS

The Lotus that everyone knows makes some of the best and most glamorous sports cars in the world. They're such a dazzling shop window for the talents of the company that the other facets of the Group are sometimes obscured.

But Lotus is just that - a group of automotive-related divisions producing world-leading products and services. Their Engineering division is one of the most comprehensive and well-balanced automotive consultancies anywhere on the planet. It can take a new car project from the initial concept, through every stage of design, development and testing, and even manufacture the finished product.

Lotus Engineering is so well respected that nearly every major car maker in the world has commissioned work from thes; this year 10% of all new cars made in Europe will be powered by a Lotus-developed engine. And through the efforts of our Research division, Lotus Engineering is at the forefront of automotive technology for the future.

When Colin Chapman originally founded the 'Lotus Engineering Company' in 1952, he built road cars as a means to fund his motor racing ambitions, ambitions which took Lotus to 79 grand prix wins and seven F1 Constructors' World Championships. The emphasis of their business is somewhat different these days, but they uphold the great Chapman competitive spirit through Lotus Motorsport. Lotus Motorsport runs an innovative one-make race series for the dynamic Sport Elise, and provides technical support for external customers competing at all levels of national and international motorsport.

Then there's our Cars division, the most visible part of the Group. But while you'll be aware that they produce multi-award-winning sports cars, did you also realise they run Driver Training courses, organise customer track days, and run their own club, the Official Lotus Club?