- Online platform to configure, choose payment method, value part-exchange and place order direct with Lotus
- Process integrated with recently upgraded model configurator
- Delivers consistent and highly personal shopping experience for customers
- Choose to collect car from Hethel and receive unique Lotus factory experience
(Hethel, UK – 2 March 2022) Lotus has launched Lotus Drive, a new e-commerce platform which allows customers to configure a car, choose a payment method, value a part-exchange, and place an order directly with Lotus.
It’s live now on www.lotuscars.com, and has been carefully created to be intuitive and easy to use.
The Lotus Drive purchase process has been integrated with the model configurator, recently upgraded so customers can view their potential purchase from every angle and in multiple lighting environments. They can even see it dynamically, as the advanced technology can place their exact spec of car in a stunning ‘movie’ backdrop on a beautiful Californian mountain road.
The launch of Lotus Drive follows the restructure of the UK showroom network from a retailer to a retail agency model, announced by Lotus in January.
Completing the sale is also direct with Lotus. When their Emira is built and ready for delivery, the customer completes their transaction via Lotus Drive and decides if they want to collect their car from a retail agent or have it delivered to their door. Customers can even pick it up from the newly upgraded Hethel site in Norfolk – the home of Lotus since 1966 – as part of a unique Lotus factory experience.
Lotus Drive is about placing every customer at the heart of every transaction to meet their needs. A recent Capgemini survey found 69% of customers said they expect to purchase their next car online, 74% said they prefer prices being the same online as offline, and 88% said they would prefer buying direct from the manufacturer if it’s a seamless online process.*
Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, Lotus, said: “Lotus Drive gives us the ability to deliver a consistent and highly personal shopping experience to our customers. Additionally, it will allow us to understand what cars customers want and build them to order, as well as gather and use customer data to personalise offers.”
Lotus Drive is currently only available to UK customers, selling UK-homologated versions of the Emira V6 First Edition. The purchase process delivers a logical and intuitive journey for the customer:
- Start by clicking ‘Configure & Reserve’ to access the upgraded configurator, customising the spec with selections on powertrain, paint, wheels, tyres and other elements via the on-screen menu
- Once complete, click ‘Reserve Your Emira’ and indicate whether it’s a Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Cash Purchase
- If it’s HP or PCP, tailor the finance package to suit your budget
- Got a car to trade in? Value your part-exchange vehicle based on its condition
- Check for finance eligibility and complete the credit check
- Choose how you want to take delivery – retail agent, home or Hethel
- The final step is to reserve the vehicle with your personal details
- Once completed, a programme of regular communications from Lotus will follow
Lotus Experts working at Lotus retail agents have been trained on how to help customers complete the process in the showroom. And Lotus Customer Care (0330 0948 047) is on hand to provide further support, answering any questions relating to the order.
*Agency Sales Model: Accelerating the Future of Automotive Sales, Capgemini, 2022
Ends
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact the Lotus Communications team:
James Andrew, Executive Director, PR and Communications
+44 (0) 7384 830903
Rob Borrett, Manager, PR Content and Launch Programmes
+44 (0) 7718 560789
Alastair Florance, Group PR Manager
+ 44 (0) 7802 918662
Richard Yarrow, PR Manager, News and Technology
+44 (0) 7471 994525
Samantha Thomas, PR Officer, Product Press & Digital Media
+44 (0) 7909 813785
The Lotus media site – https://media.lotuscars.com – contains news, images, specifications and full details of current models, as well as heritage cars and engineering technology.
For the latest news and information from the Lotus PR Team please follow:
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About Lotus
Lotus Cars is based in Hethel, Norfolk, UK, and is the global HQ for sports car and hypercar manufacturing operations, the Lotus Advanced Performance Centre and the iconic 2.2-mile test track. Lotus Cars builds world-class high-performance cars, born out of legendary success on the racetrack including 13 FIA Formula 1 world titles and many other championship honours. In July 2021 Lotus unveiled the all-new Lotus Emira, its last petrol-powered sports car and best-of-breed, and in July 2019 it launched the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar. Customer deliveries of both cars will begin during 2022.
Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. It is internationally recognised for its long-standing contribution to ground-breaking engineering and innovative vehicle development. Its expertise extends beyond automotive; in August 2021 a Lotus Engineering-developed track bike helped Team GB’s cyclists win seven medals, including three golds, at the Tokyo Olympics. An international consultancy with offices around the world, Lotus Engineering is headquartered at the Lotus Advanced Technology Centre on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus in the UK.
Lotus Tech is the global ‘intelligent technology’ division based in Wuhan, China. Its role is to accelerate innovation in the fields of batteries and energy management, electric motors, electronic control systems, intelligent driving, intelligent manufacturing and many more. Lotus Tech will oversee the manufacture of a range of premium Lotus lifestyle electric vehicles in Wuhan starting in 2022. European operations are based at Lotus Tech Creative Centre, a state-of-the-art design studio in Coventry, UK, and Lotus Tech Innovation Centre, a world-class engineering facility in Raunheim, Germany.
Lotus Group is either the parent company of or associated with the above subsidiaries and others. Lotus Group is part of Geely Automotive, the fastest-growing automotive group in the world. Geely has a 51% controlling stake, with 49% owned by Etika Automotive, a Malaysian conglomerate.