Lotus opens new Chapman Production Centre in England

Lotus has officially commenced production at its new Chapman Production Centre in Hethel, England.

Named in honour of its founder, Colin Chapman, the manufacturing facility assembles the Emira sportscar, which rolled off the production line for the first time in March 2022.

The commencement of Emira production will be short-lived, however, with the two-door becoming the final internal-combustion Lotus vehicle before the marque shifts to an all-electric future.

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Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle (right) and Clive Chapman (left)

Lotus will produce electric vehicles at the state-of-the-art facility, although the recently-revealed Eletre crossover will be manufactured in China at a factory managed by parent company Geely.

Hethel has been the home of Lotus since 1966, with the revitalised factory forming a major part of the brand’s £100 million (AU$172m) investment at its facilities in the United Kingdom.

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The official opening ceremony was attended by Matt Windle, managing director of Lotus Cars, and Clive Chapman, the son of co-founders Colin and Hazel Chapman.

“Lotus is transforming from a UK sports car company to a truly global performance car business and brand, and the new Chapman Production Centre is a symbol of us delivering on that ambition,” said Windle.

“We are proud of our past successes and excited about our all-electric future, which was started all those years ago by our founder Colin Chapman, and I am honoured that Clive and Jane [Clive’s sister] could join us to mark this occasion.”

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Lotus plans to build around 5000 vehicles per year, with existing factories surrounding its Hethel base converted into sub-assembly plants to complement the Chapman Production Centre.

“I am honoured to have been part of this significant day in the history of Lotus,” said Chapman.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to wish every success to all those who will be working in the Chapman Production Centre, and to thank Geely and Lotus for honouring Hazel and Colin in such a splendid manner,” he added.