Iconic car brand launches new 'best of British' HQ to continue its 'engineering excellence'

Lotus has officially opened its Hethel Performance Hub as the iconic British brand praises the UK for being a "top investment destination".

The Hethel Performance Hub was opened by Industry Minister Chris McDonald as Lotus aims to transform the centre in Norfolk to create new opportunities for the brand and its partners.

At a ceremony earlier this week, Lotus showcased the activities that are already underway at the Performance Hub.

This included active engineering and manufacturing programmes, in addition to a growing number of partners operating within the Hethel environment.

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The Minister and guests at the event were welcomed with a display of Lotus vehicles and past collaborative programmes.

Among the impressive vehicles on display were the Lotus 100T Formula 1 car, the Limited Edition "Clark Edition" Emira, the new Emira 420 Sport, the Lotus Evija all-electric hypercar, and even a Tesla Roadster and Vauxhall VX220.

Mr McDonald toured the facility alongside Lotus deputy managing director Matt Nice to highlight "the integration of engineering, manufacturing and testing capability".

He was even able to get behind the wheel of the new Lotus Evija, which is handbuilt at the company's headquarters in Hethel.

Commenting on the visit, the Minister said: "The UK is a top investment destination, and the new Hethel Performance Hub underlines our global edge in innovative, high-value manufacturing across the automotive and motorsport sector.

"This facility showcases the best of British industry, will drive stronger supply chains, create highly skilled jobs and help make the UK the best place in the world to design, build and export vehicles."

As part of the development of the Hethel Performance Hub, Lotus has worked closely with South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council.

Works included unlocking significant development land and making "substantial" road infrastructure improvements.

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Matt Nice, deputy managing director of Lotus Cars, added: "It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to the Hethel Performance Hub and on behalf of Lotus, I would like to thank the Government for their support, interest and future commitment to helping us grow the advanced engineering capability in the region.

"In addition, the growth potential of the Hethel Performance Hub is directly linked to the improvements in the road infrastructure from South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council which sets the foundations for ensuring Hethel remains one of the most iconic and innovation-led places in the automotive world."

Lotus is already working with partners to develop operations at Hethel, including Charge Holdings, which will relocate its full operations to the site.

Paul Abercrombie, CEO of Charge Holdings, said the company was "delighted" to be one of the first companies to move to the Hub.

"This is a defining moment for Charge Holdings as Hethel offers something genuinely unique: a live, integrated environment where engineering, manufacturing and motorsport capability sit side by side," Mr Abercrombie said.

Zenos Cars also signed a "Heads of Terms" with Lotus, with a view to using the Hub as a centre for production of vehicles in the future.

Councillor Daniel Elmer, Leader of South Norfolk Council and Chair of the Greater Norwich Growth Board, said: "Hethel has long been synonymous with engineering excellence.

"This next phase of development will cement its role as a cornerstone of regional growth, attracting investment, supporting local communities and creating opportunities for the next generation of skilled engineers, technicians and manufacturing operatives."

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