Lotus Prepares PHEV Emira, Commitment To Production In UK Strengthened

JAKARTA - After China's automotive manufacturer Geely Holding acquired Lotus's majority stake in 2017, Lotus continued to move forward to invest in technology and develop new models turning to a more electrical future, introducing new models such as Eletre electric SUVs and Emeya electric sedans.

However, Lotus also remain committed to the legacy of their sports cars, with the production of the last fully gasoline-engined model, namely Emira, and plans to switch to hybrid technology.

Most recently, the manufacturer, which first founded in London in 1948, confirmed plans to launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Emira's sports car. In addition, Emira's V6 model will also get an update as part of a facelift scheduled to meet Euro 7 emission regulations by 2027. This move demonstrates the company's strategic adaptation to remain relevant in the changing market.

Autocar reported, quoted Monday, September 1, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng stated that Emira's model will adopt the 'Hyper Hybrid' technology previously scheduled for the Eletre SUV. On the other hand, the four-cylinder Emira Turbo, which uses the Mercedes-AMG machine, appears to be discontinued in line with this update, following Lotus' previous statement that the V6 Toyota engine currently in use cannot be upgraded to comply with the new regulations.

The development of PHEV technology in the Emira is the result of a closer cooperation between China-based Lotus Technology division and Lotus Cars in England. Feng reiterated his commitment to operations in the UK, which was previously rocked by rumors (which was later denied) that Lotus wanted to move production overseas.

Lotus' decision to remain committed to Emira's future was met with relief by the remaining workers at the Hethel factory, Norfolk. They faced an uncertain future after Emira's replacement plan with an electric version was discontinued, mainly because sales in the US plummeted due to higher import rates.

Lotus sales experienced a significant decline in the first half of this year, with shipments falling nearly half to 2,813 units. Emira's exports to the US main market were halted due to an increase in tariffs, leading to Emira's shipment dropping 64 percent to only 891 units. However, exports to the US resumed in July after the UK government successfully negotiated a rate reduction from 27.5 percent to 15 percent.

Lotus' focus on PHEV technology is considered to have been carried out after sales of Eletre's electric SUV and Emeya's electric sedan did not achieve an ambitious target. This indicates the reluctance of luxury car buyers to completely switch to electric vehicles.