Lotus targeting 5700 per cent sales increase by 2028, Eletre SUV due here in 2024
The brand known for fibreglass compact sports cars is set to become a mass producer of electric vehicles – including Chinese-built two-tonne SUVs.
Lotus claims it will boost its global sales by 5700 per cent by 2028 – with electric cars and Chinese SUVs to make up the bulk of production.
Last year Lotus produced just 1710 cars globally, however says within five years that figure will climb to 100,000.
Speaking to Drive, Managing Director of Lotus Cars Matt Windle clarified the key drivers behind its ambition plans.
"Globally, the 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV (above) will kick things off, but it won't arrive in Australia until 2024 however," the executive said.
"We then have our four-door Panamera-fighter [Type 134] coming shortly after, another [Type 135 medium] SUV by 2025, and then finally our dedicated and exciting sports car [Type 136] in 2026."
When asked if Australia will be a key market for the upcoming Lotus Eletre SUV, Windle simply said "no".
"The energy transition is well underway in places like England, where around 60 per cent of new cars sold are hybrid or electric."
"However, Australia is far behind in this regard.
"We see early adopters buying the product in other regions first, and Australia picking up later."