Lotus — the Norfolk-based car maker owned by Malaysian group Proton — has announced that global sales are up 54% in the first nine months of its 2014-15 financial year (compared to 2013-14). The company, which has its headquarters in Hethel, sold 1,565 cars (compared to 1,014 previously).
By region, the biggest gains have been in France (up 143%), China (130%) and Japan (125%). In the UK, Lotus sold 88% more cars. These figures have been boosted by the introduction of more Lotus dealerships, with the total now standing at 163 and 50 more scheduled by the end of 2015.
CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: “Our sales growth is going to plan and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in Lotus. The positive reception that all our new cars are receiving in both new and established markets shows that our product development strategy is heading in the right direction.”
He added that Lotus will reveal an “exciting new car” at the Geneva International Motor Show in early March. “The product will remain true to our core pillars of lightness, performance and driving purity.”