The arrival of the new year has brought a number of changes for Lotus. The British manufacturer has a new design centre: the Geely Design Studio in Warwickshire (UK) has now changed its name and become the Lotus Tech Creative Centre Limited, dedicated entirely to the sports car brand from the Chinese Geely galaxy.

The new studio continues to be led by Ben Payne: “More than just a traditional automotive design studio, the LTCC philosophy is inspired by the mindset of start-ups and creative agencies – open, progressive, and pioneering. Our vision is to nurture a culture for diverse creative minds to meet and empower each other beyond the classic automotive structures and processes.” Under Ben’s leadership, the LTCC team is creating the new Lotus range – from the Type 132 electric SUV to the Type 133 four-door sports coupe to the small Type 134 – in collaboration with the British manufacturer’s design studio led by Russell Carr.

Overseeing the work of both design studios is Peter Horbury, who has been appointed senior vice-president, executive advisor for Lotus design in September 2021. “LTCC and Lotus Design at Hethel are now aligned as creative centres of excellence to develop and deliver the Lotus design vision. They are already collaborating closely with the other Lotus facilities around the world, such as Lotus Tech HQ in Wuhan, China, and Lotus Tech Innovation Centre in Raunheim, Germany”.