Lotus is a name synonymous with performance sports cars. From a rich heritage in Formula 1 to appearances on the ‘big screen’, Lotus has been at the cutting edge of vehicle innovation for 75 years.
The business is now transforming itself as part of its Vision80 plan, which will not only see it become one of the first all-electric vehicle (EV) performance car manufacturers, but also offering luxury tech-focused lifestyle vehicles and increasing its global presence.
Here, we catch up with Steve Plunkett, Lotus Cars’ Global Bodyshop Programme Manager, to find out how the business is getting set to satisfy insurer and customer requirements across the world.
Seven Formula 1 constructor’s titles and six driver’s titles, starring roles in movies including James Bond – The Spy Who Loved Me, Basic Instinct and Pretty Woman, and development of an Olympic gold medal-winning bike is quite a list of achievements. But in 2017 when Geely Holding Group acquired a 51% stake in Group Lotus it was clear there were many more developments ahead.
Since 2019, the business has introduced four award-winning vehicles: the Evija – its first, all-electric British hypercar; followed in 2020 by the Emira – its last petrol engine car; and a year later by the Eletre – not only the company’s first hyper-SUV but also electric powered too. And in 2023 came the world premiere of the electric Emeya – the company’s first, four door hyper-GT.
Intelligent
It’s clear the move from internal combustion engine (ICE) to intelligent battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is well underway but so too is the global footprint, with China now a key market alongside the well-established UK, EU and US. And with that comes the move from niche sports cars to luxury lifestyle vehicles. Over the next few years a smaller SUV and an EV sports car are pencilled in for launch.
Steve explained, “Lotus’ plans are hugely ambitious, combining our world-renowned success from the racetrack with performance-oriented lifestyle EVs that are desired by customers today, featuring innovative and cutting edge technologies and outstanding design.”
He continued, “We’ve already invested over £100m here in Hethel, UK [Lotus Cars Limited headquarters] and we’re going beyond the UK, EU and US where we’ve been strong in the past to now having a global market presence including Asia Pacific region – where we are too investing heavily.
“It truly is an exciting time to be involved with the brand.”
Engineering
The engineering processes of the latest models, specifically the Eletre and Emeya, have also moved on significantly, now incorporating aluminium, High Strength Steel (HSS) and, most notably, Boron steel – effectively providing a safety cage for occupants. Aluminium makes up the majority of the exterior body panels. In repair this requires new repair processes including advanced bonding and joining techniques.
All of this change is a clear indicator of the need for Lotus to turn its attentions to its bodyshop network and ensure the standards of manufacture and brand customer experience are met within the aftermarket. This translates into a 120-line standards programme across 11 categories – a stringent process, requiring some serious investment that is not for the masses.
“These cars need to be repaired in the approved network because they are very complex vehicles,” explained Steve. “We’re a unique brand so we need to ensure our customers, people and vehicles are treated in the Lotus way.”
Network
Those network bodyshops are focused on providing Lotus customers with the ‘brand experience’. “We all know that when a customer has an accident they are distressed, and the network gives us the greatest possible chance to make it right,” said Steve.
“With the volume of models and sales planned in the coming years, the Lotus bodyshop programme is destined to go from strength to strength. I’m delighted to have made such progress already and secured some of the UK’s leading repairers in to the network who also share our vision.”
Today, the UK network comprises of 12 Lotus agent-nominated bodyshops and two factory centres. These are supported by a host of exclusive benefits including the Lotus Total Loss Avoidance (TLA) programme which promises to optimise opportunities where possible and provide speedy, same day response. Meanwhile, the First Notification Of Loss (FNOL) process is getting ready for launch via Lotus Cars Car Insurance and Lotus Cars Accident Assistance.
Within the network to date are the likes of Steer Prestige, Farnham (South); Coventry-based repairer XL Motors; and Individual Specialist Cars based in Birmingham.
Darren Doubtfire, Divisional Director at Steer Prestige, said, “We are really proud to be able to continue our long association with Lotus, we have been working with the team at Lotus Surrey for a long time and have developed a very good working relationship. It’s a very exciting time to be working with the brand and we are delighted to be one of the 14 Lotus approved bodyshops on the new Lotus bodyshop programme – 2024 promises to be a very exciting year for us all.”
Rob Ally, Managing Director of XL Motors said, “We are delighted to receive Lotus approval. Receiving this approval is testament to the team’s dynamic commitment to a prestigious brand vision. I’d like to thank Steve for his support throughout the approval process.”
Development
With all eyes from across Lotus territories on the UK’s network development, Steve will be putting his global sector knowledge to the test in the future by replicating the model around the world, but first off his priority list is to ensure that the UK market is ready.
“The plan from the outset was to launch the programme in the UK first. What is very clear is that Lotus is really backing and investing in this project, globally evidenced by the fact this is the first time the business has directly employed a Global Bodyshop Programme Manager,” said Steve, “It really is a great opportunity to create something very special.”
Key drivers behind the network:
- Technology complexities
- Right first-time repairs
- High levels of competence and expertise
- Brand trained technicians
- Methods/systems
- Genuine parts
- Duty of care
- Brand experience
- CSI
- Customer retention
- Guarantees
