Lotus is back! British sports car company confirmed for NZ

Few car manufacturers in the performance space have embraced electrification as emphatically as Lotus. It’s recently unveiled Emira is set to be the brand’s final pure internal combustion engine car, with a slew of plug-in models set to come down the pipe next.

Amid the brand’s rebirth as an electric car powerhouse, a relaunch in New Zealand has been announced. Lotus is set to join Giltrap Group’s illustrious list of manufacturers, placing it alongside the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin.

The news sees the Lotus Exige Final Edition and Lotus Elise Final Edition confirmed for our shores as the brand’s first two new models. The Emira has also been confirmed, set to head our way in due course.

It’s not just sports cars in the brand’s pipeline, either. Earlier this month, Lotus confirmed that it’s working on two fully electric SUVs, as well as a four-door coupe that’s likely to be pitched as a rival for the Tesla Model S.

Announcing the news overnight, Giltrap Group confirmed that a dedicated Lotus Auckland showroom is currently under construction, and will function as the country’s exclusive retailer of Lotus cars.

“We are thrilled to represent Lotus in New Zealand. It’s a brand with strong motor racing and sports car heritage that has an exciting future ahead with high-performance pure electric vehicles,” says Giltrap Group joint managing director Michael Giltrap.

“Lotus is the pinnacle driver’s car; light, fast, and exhilarating to be in the company of,” adds Lotus Auckland brand specialist Chris Parker.

“It is summed up perfectly by the Lotus ‘For The Drivers’ philosophy. The company has won the hearts of sports car fans around the world for more than 70 years, and with an exciting new range coming, we know the brand has a bright future ahead.”

There have been numerous attempts at launching Lotus in New Zealand in previous years. In 2013 the brand was confirmed under the Ateco umbrella. There were talks in 2016 that the brand would switch over to being a Winger property, but those talks faded and Lotus disappeared from our market. Given New Zealand’s thirst for performance cars, it makes sense that it’s returned.

“New Zealand is a key market for us as we continue the transformation of the Lotus business and brand. We’re delighted to be working with Giltrap Group. It has a proud history in the automotive world and a genuine passion for motorsport, making it the perfect partner for Lotus Cars,” says Lotus Cars sales and aftersales executive director, Geoff Dowding.