Lotus started out as a special manufacturer with a unique and very strong vision as to how to tackle the problem of building the best light sports car. Their philosophy was solid and has not really been altered over the years, despite numerous changes in the firm’s management and ownership. Their latest crop of cars still reflects founder Colin Chapman’s original philosophy, as much as that can still be the case, in the context of the overly-globalized modern automotive industry.
Many people like Lotus cars, and while not many would actually buy and own one, car people do understand these vehicles. Now, we’re happy to hear that the Malaysian-owned British brand is back on its feet somewhat, and despite the fact that they binned all plans to launch new models, including a new Esprit (and even a proposed sporty Renault Twingo-sized city car), they are now hiring – that’s always a good sign.
British business news site EDP24 reports that company bosses are to create over 100 new jobs. Of these freshly created posts, 45 will be specialist engineers, 40 will be manufacturing operatives and another 18 will be university leavers – for the latter, they’ll probably get some sort of apprenticeship program going, perhaps like McLaren are doing.
Confidence is on the rise now, with production reaching between 40 to 45 cars per week and sales are on the rise. Still, their range is kind of stale, and they desperately need some new metal (or aluminum plus fiberglass, in this case) in their showrooms (i.e. new models).
Finally, instead of photos, we found this video review of the original Elise, done by Tiff Needell, back in the day, when he worked for Top Gear.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO