The Geely Design Studio, based in Warwickshire, UK, is now the Lotus Tech Creative Centre Limited. The British carmaker, which is under the wings of Geely, is being transformed, with the design studio becoming a key element. Lotus Design will continue to operate out of Hethel, UK.
China’s Geely has big plans for Lotus, as it wants to build the once low-volume sportscar maker into a “global performance car business and brand.” The LTCC is the latest cog in the bigger picture that includes an all-new factory in Wuhan, China, and the Lotus Tech Innovation Centre in Raunheim, Germany.
The design center will continue to be led by Ben Payne, who has previously headed the exterior design divisions of Bugatti and Aston Martin. “More than just a traditional automotive design studio, the LTCC philosophy is inspired by the mindset of start-ups and creative agencies – open, progressive, and pioneering,” said Payne.
Read Also: Lotus Teases Four New EVs And New Wuhan Plant
Lotus Design Heads, Ben Payne, Peter Horbury, and Russell Carr
Overseeing the work will be Peter Horbury. With stints at Volvo, Ford, and Geely, Horbury was appointed Senior Vice President, Executive Advisor, Design at Lotus last September. “LTCC and Lotus Design at Hethel are now aligned as creative centers of excellence to develop and deliver the Lotus design vision. They are already collaborating closely with the other Lotus facilities around the world, such as Lotus Tech HQ in Wuhan, China, and Lotus Tech Innovation Centre in Raunheim, Germany.”
The LTCC is running point on the upcoming Type 132 EV, which will debut in the spring. The Type 132, which has been teased, is a hugely important model for the brand, being Lotus’ first-ever SUV.
Following the 132 will be the Type 133, a four-door sports coupe to rival the Porsche Taycan, and a second, smaller SUV too —the Type 134. However, the Type 135, billed as the first EV sports car (the Evija is classed as a hypercar of course) from the brand is being spearheaded by the original design team, led by Russell Carr.
