Lotus Cars sets up R&D center in Ningbo, said to roll out NEV models in China

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Lotus Cars sets up an engineering unit in Hangzhou and a R&D center in Ningbo of China's Zhejiang Province to support the global development of new Lotus models by utilizing Geely's abundant resources, according to local media.

Lotus China engineering team and R&D center are located within the Geely Research Institute in Hangzhou and Geely's R&D center in Ningbo respectively. The Ningbo-based R&D center is recruiting specialists and engineers working on car door system, light system, bumper, air conditioning system, interior lights, suspension structural parts, suspension active/passive damper, steering system, vehicle electronics and anti-theft system, etc. 

It is speculated that Lotus Cars may launch new energy vehicle models in China in light of the recruitment for battery system and electronic control system designing engineers.

Founded in 1951, Lotus Cars is an automotive company that manufactures sports cars and racing cars in the United Kingdom. The automaker includes the Esprit, Elan, Europa, Elise, Exige and Evora sports cars and it had motor racing success with Team Lotus in Formula One. In September, 2017, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group announced that it had taken a 51% controlling stake in Lotus and thus became the owner of the automobile manufacturer.