Lotus shows record-breaking success thanks to the new electric SUV and more.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Lotus Group unveiled its remarkable achievements during the first half of 2023, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the automotive industry. The company’s strategic focus on electrification, expansion, and innovation has propelled it to unparalleled heights, setting a precedent for what the future of luxury mobility holds.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Lotus Group’s performance during the first six months of 2023 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Key milestones that underscore its exceptional growth include:
- Explosive Order Book Growth: The order book for the revolutionary Eletre, Lotus’ first electric lifestyle hyper-SUV, and the sporty Emira, a mid-engine sports car, skyrocketed to approximately 17,000 vehicles worldwide. This phenomenal achievement reflects the global demand for Lotus’ cutting-edge vehicles.
- Exponential Emira Production Increase: The company produced over 2,200 Emira vehicles at its UK sportscar manufacturing facility, marking a staggering 381 percent surge compared to the previous fiscal year. Impressively, the order book for the Emira is filled for the next two years, underscoring the model’s resounding success.
- Eletre’s Electrifying Debut: Lotus commenced customer deliveries of its highly anticipated lifestyle hyper-SUV, Eletre, in China at the end of March. With the commencement of deliveries in Europe and the UK scheduled for the upcoming summer, Lotus’ foray into the electric vehicle market has gained substantial traction.
- Global Retail Network Expansion: The company expanded its global retail network to an impressive 193 stores, demonstrating its commitment to providing unparalleled access to its cutting-edge vehicles. Over the first half of 2023, Lotus opened 24 new outlets, establishing a robust presence across multiple markets.
- Strategic Entry into South Korea: Lotus made a strategic move into South Korea, one of the world’s largest luxury markets, through a strategic partnership with Kolon Mobility Group, a leading regional automotive retailer. This move positions Lotus for exponential growth in a key market.
- Acclaim and Recognition: Lotus’ exceptional vehicles garnered nine prestigious awards globally, including the coveted ‘SUV of the Year’ award for Eletre at the GQ Car Awards and the title of ‘Best Performance Car’ for Emira at the UK Car of the Year Awards. These accolades validate Lotus’ commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Leadership Reinforcement: The addition of Mike Johnstone as Chief Commercial Officer brings a wealth of international experience to the company. With over 25 years of expertise in growing automotive brands, he will play a pivotal role in shaping Lotus’ global business strategy and international expansion.
Vision80 Strategy and Future Outlook
Feng Qingfeng, Lotus Group’s visionary CEO, emphasized the company’s transformative journey from a traditional automotive brand to an all-electric luxury mobility provider through its Vision80 strategy. Set in motion in 2018, this ambitious roadmap has enabled Lotus to redefine its identity and aspirations. Qingfeng’s assertion that “Lotus is no longer the same business that it has been in previous years” resounds as a testament to the company’s resolute commitment to progress.
Unveiling the Road Ahead
With a resounding success during the first half of 2023, Lotus is poised to continue its momentum into the second half of the year. The company’s plans to ramp up production and sales in the coming months signal its unwavering determination to set new benchmarks. Lotus’ visionary leadership and groundbreaking innovations position it for a future that surpasses all previous years, affirming its trajectory towards becoming a global performance brand by 2028.
