Lotus model drives up workforce

Demand for the Lotus Evora has seen the Lotus Group increase its manufacturing workforce by 30 per cent over the last six months.

The company has also earmarked £20m for product investment in 2009/10 to fuel continued growth.

According to the Norfolk-based company, planned sales volumes of the Lotus Evora for 2009/10 are in excess of 1,200 with the production rate reaching 10 cars per day by the end of November 2009.

Investment for Lotus Cars will be focused on future variants of all Lotus products including an automatic gearbox version of the Evora for the 2011 model year. Research planned by Lotus Engineering includes range extender engines for series hybrids, lightweight vehicle structures, super-efficient internal combustion engines and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Luke Bennett, director of Lotus Cars, said: ‘We must be one of the few car companies in the world that is increasing production and recruiting staff to support increased demand for its products.