Lotus rebirths GT-inspired two-seater Europa

The project and testing programme

The Lotus Europa S went from concept to production in just 28 months. This rapid development was down to the capabilities of the Lotus Engineering and Lotus Manufacturing divisions.

Extensive testing was conducted around the world in hot and cold climates, high humidity, city and urban environments as well as on the freeways and autobahns around Europe. Also used was the demanding 4 km (2.25 mile) Lotus test track and the roads around the Hethel headquarters - regarded by many as some of the world's most demanding with an almost unique variety of surfaces and conditions.

However, engineering a vehicle is only one of the challenges to developing a successful product. The Europa S was developed for manufacture by the team responsible for what is regarded by many as the finest niche vehicle and low volume manufacturing facility in the world. This manufacturing facility, based at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, England currently produces 4000 to 4500 cars per year (with the Elise and the Exige). The Europa S will reach maximum volume rate in late Summer 2006 after a steady volume ramp up starting in late Spring 2006. Volumes are expected to be in the order of 500 cars per year but this figure is flexible and volumes can be rapidly altered to meet demand when required.

Lotus Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Lotus uses a worldwide network of high quality suppliers who not only have excellent products, but are also willing to work with Lotus to produce components specifically designed and developed to meet the exacting requirements of a Lotus vehicle. With the Europa S programme, special attention has been paid to broadening this supplier network in South East Asia, resulting in the body panels for example, being produced in Malaysia through a new partnership between Lotus and a leading local aerospace manufacturer.

Such activity has been strongly supported by Proton, the parent company to Lotus, who continue to provide assistance in this region. Lotus remains committed to using environmentally friendly high solids water based paints, and each car is carefully inspected to ensure an "A1" class finish.

Each car goes through a number of quality checking stages before being delivered to the customer - these quality standards are world class - Lotus was the first vehicle manufacturer and engineering consultancy in the world to be awarded the prestigious QS9000 which is linked to ISO9001/2000.

...continued