Lotus Engineering Opens US Office
7 March 2000
LOTUS ENGINEERING For Immediate Release March 06 2000 Lotus Expands into the USA Lotus Engineering Opens new Testing Facility and Announces new US Engineering Center Lotus Engineering, the world leading automotive engineering consultancy and Tier 1 supplier, is embarking on a US expansion program, by acquiring a new Testing Facility business in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. This world recognized testing facility (formerly Michigan Automotive Research Corporation - M.A.R.C.O.) includes: 27 engine and transmission test beds, emissions certification testing, engine build workshops rolling roads and other leading automotive testing facilities together with over 50 skilled engineers, technicians and administrators. To accompany this acquisition, Lotus Engineering will be opening brand new USA Headquarters in Southfield, Michigan USA in July of this year. The Southfield and Ann Arbor facilities, on the doorstep of the most important automotive manufacturing region in the world, will be known as Lotus Engineering Inc. and will be an extension of Lotus Engineering's hi-tech UK operations. This will enable Lotus to run all types of automotive engineering programs in the US, from initial concept and project design through development to full production prototype build, including whole vehicle projects. The favorable and fast moving US economy has prompted Lotus have a greater presence in the US, while also intensifying its focus on the needs of OEM and Tier 1 customers. As a "corporate neighbor", Lotus expects improved communications with its clients and the ability to stay in tune with the fluid US market. Lotus Engineering Inc. will honor and develop all the client relationships of the former company, M.A.R.C.O., as well as generating new business. As part of its expansion plans Lotus, will be embarking on a recruitment and training program over the next few months for new and existing staff. >> Notes 1: Lotus Engineering has evolved over the past 50 years from a small consultancy of talented engineers and designers working on Lotus' own products, to become a leading automotive engineering consultancy. Its approach is unique in the industry. Today Lotus Engineering offers a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development to full production prototype build, providing one of the most comprehensive and versatile consultancy services in the world. Lotus can undertake projects, from a single prototype component to developing an entire vehicle from concept to production. Current facilities at Lotus include: * Body and Prototype Engineering Center in Coventry, UK. Recent examples of this facility's work include the Opel Speedster Concept Car and the Lotus M250 Concept Car. * Lotus Design, one of the largest independent styling houses in Europe employing 40 specialist designers and modellers. Lotus Design offers unique and innovative design solutions from concept to production not only for Lotus products but also for major manufacturers around the world. Consultancy work for third parties has increased significantly over the past 2 years. * NVH laboratory containing the latest technology and equipment for engine and whole vehicle noise, vibration and harshness analysis, under all conditions of speed, load and temperature. * Emissions laboratory conforming to world-wide standards including Europe, Japan and USA. This facility is one of only three in the UK recognized by world authorities. * 42 computer controlled engine test cells in the UK * 27 engine test beds in the USA · Robotic controlled vehicle mileage accumulation rolls (USA) * Vehicle Semi-Anechoic Chamber * Engine Semi-Anechoic Chamber * Flexible CNC Machining Centers * Kinematic and Compliance Suspension Rig * Rig Test Workshop * 2.2 mile test track - regarded as one of the finest ride and handling circuits in Europe Over 95% of the work undertaken by Lotus for most of the major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers around the world is confidential and will remain so in the future. However, in the past, Lotus has worked for, among others, General Motors USA and Europe, Chrysler, Volvo, Isuzu, and Honda. Indeed, in the year 2000, over 10% of all new cars sold in Europe will have a Lotus designed or developed engine. Lotus Engineering is a division of Group Lotus Ltd. that includes Lotus Cars, the world renowned sportscar manufacturer; Lotus Cars USA Inc., the importer for Lotus cars into the USA; Lotus Motorsport, the race team which builds race versions of current Lotus Cars product and operates an innovative one make race series for the Lotus Sport Elise in Europe. >> Notes 2: The first Lotus car was built in 1948 by Colin Chapman, one of the greatest engineers and innovators of the 20th century. As well as building some if the finest sportscars in the world such as the Lotus Elite, Elan, Europa, Esprit - as driven by James Bond, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct - and the award winning Elise, Lotus has won over 80 grand prix and 7 Formula One Constructor Championships and the Indy 500. Further information: Karen Angus / Alastair Florance, PR Department Lotus Engineering, Group Lotus Ltd., Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk NR14 8EZ England (UK) Tel: + 44-(0)-1953-608428 Fax : + 44-(0)-1953-608111 Email: pr@lotuscars.co.uk www.lotuscars.co.uk