Lotus’s design operations “must remain” in the UK, its creative chief has told Autocar, following recent reports that the brand could end production at its historic Hethel factory.
Two weeks ago, sources told Autocar and several business publications that Lotus owner Geely had made the order to prepare the plant in Norfolk for closure, threatening 1300 jobs. Lotus rebuffed the reports, issuing a statement that said “there are no plans to close the factory”.
The current generation of Lotus sports cars was designed at Hethel, but upcoming models are being worked on at a new studio in Warwickshire.
Speaking to Autocar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ben Payne, vice-president of design for the Lotus Group, said: “We are based in the UK, from a creative perspective – beyond design, creative, the brand – everything is based here in its home of the company. The statement made is that will continue, and I absolutely believe it should.”
Pressed on the matter, Payne added: “From my perspective, being responsible for the creative side of a company like this, it must remain in the UK. It’s the home of the company and it’s part of the spirit and nationality. It’s very important to me: it’s a British brand and it needs to remain so.
“Whatever would happen, certain aspects, critically, need to be here. You have to look at it from an expertise point of view. There's a reason why so many design and technical sides of automotive are still placed here. We have the talent in this country still. I don't think people should be worried about that. The talent’s here, the resonance, all from a brand perspective, is here, which it always will be for Lotus. I don’t see it changing at all.”
Payne explained that brand-building is among his top priorities for Lotus, and that more explicitly drawing a link between its current cars and its history – both in motorsport and as a British powerhouse – is key to that ambition.
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