Lotus Cars, the iconic British automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, has seen several changes in ownership throughout its history. Currently, Lotus is owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational company, and Etika Automotive.
Lotus Cars was founded by Colin Chapman in 1952 and remained under his ownership until his death in 1982. Chapman was known for his innovative engineering designs and his focus on lightweight construction, which led to the development of some of the most successful racing cars of their time.
After Chapman’s passing, Lotus faced financial instability and underwent several ownership changes. In 1986, General Motors acquired a majority stake in the company, hoping to capitalize on Lotus’ engineering expertise. However, GM’s ownership of Lotus was short-lived, as the company was sold to Italian businessman Romano Artioli in 1993.
Under Artioli’s ownership, Lotus introduced the Elise, a small, lightweight sports car that became a critical success. However, financial difficulties ultimately led to the company’s bankruptcy in 1996. Following this, Lotus was acquired by Malaysian conglomerate DRB-HICOM through its subsidiary Proton in 1996.
Proton’s ownership of Lotus lasted for over 20 years, during which the company invested in new models and technologies. However, Lotus continued to face challenges, and in 2017, Proton sold a majority stake (51%) of Lotus to Geely, a Chinese multinational conglomerate.
Geely’s acquisition of Lotus marked a significant turning point for the brand. With Geely’s financial resources and global reach, Lotus now had the opportunity to expand its presence in the international market and invest in new technologies. Geely also aimed to leverage Lotus’ engineering expertise to enhance its own automotive capabilities.
In addition to Geely, Etika Automotive, a Malaysian company, holds a minority stake in Lotus. This partnership allows for collaboration between the two companies and further support for Lotus’ growth and development.
Today, Lotus Cars exists as a segment of Group Lotus, which also includes Lotus Engineering and Lotus Tech. The entire group is majority owned by Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd., with Geely’s influence shaping the direction of the brand.
Lotus continues to produce high-performance sports cars renowned for their lightweight design and exceptional handling. With the backing of Geely and ongoing investments, Lotus is poised to make further advancements in automotive technology and solidify its position as a leader in the sports car market.
The ownership of Lotus Cars has undergone several changes throughout its history. Currently, the company is majority owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational company, with Etika Automotive holding a minority stake. This ownership structure provides Lotus with the resources and support needed to propel the brand forward in the highly competitive automotive industry.
Who Are Lotus Owned By?
Lotus, the renowned British automotive manufacturer, is currently owned by two entities, namely Geely and Etika Automotive. Geely, a Chinese multinational company, holds a majority stake in Lotus. Geely is known for its ownership of various automotive brands, including Volvo, Proton, and Lynk & Co. Etika Automotive, on the other hand, is a Malaysian conglomerate that also has a share in Lotus. Together, Geely and Etika Automotive possess the ownership rights and control over Lotus. This collaboration has allowed Lotus to benefit from the financial resources, technological advancements, and global reach of its parent companies.
Does GM Still Own Lotus?
General Motors (GM) does not currently own Lotus. After Colin Chapman’s death and a period of financial instability, Lotus went through several ownership changes. GM acquired Lotus in 1986 but sold it in 1993 to businessman Romano Artioli, who owned Bugatti at the time. However, Artioli’s ownership was short-lived, and Lotus was subsequently purchased by DRB-HICOM, a Malaysian conglomerate, through its subsidiary Proton in 1996. Proton owned Lotus until 2017 when it was sold to Chinese multinational Geely. Therefore, as of now, Lotus is owned by Geely, and GM is no longer involved with the company.
Is Lotus Owned By Ferrari?
Lotus is not owned by Ferrari. As of now, Lotus is majority owned by the Chinese multinational company Geely, with Etika Automotive holding a minority stake. Ferrari is a separate and independent luxury sports car manufacturer based in Italy. The ownership structure of Lotus has undergone changes over the years, but currently, it is not associated with Ferrari in terms of ownership.
Is Lotus Owned By A Chinese Company?
Lotus Cars is owned by a Chinese company. In 2017, Chinese multinational conglomerate Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. acquired a majority ownership stake (51%) in Group Lotus, which encompasses Lotus Cars, Lotus Engineering, and Lotus Tech. Geely’s acquisition has made it the majority owner of Lotus, effectively making the British automotive brand a part of the Chinese company’s portfolio.
Conclusion
Lotus Cars is currently owned by Geely, a prominent Chinese multinational conglomerate. Geely acquired majority ownership of the Lotus Group in 2017, holding a 51% stake in the company. Alongside Geely, Etika Automotive also has a minority share in Lotus Cars. This Chinese ownership marks a significant shift for Lotus, which has previously changed hands multiple times over the years. Originally founded and owned by Colin Chapman, Lotus experienced financial instability after his passing and was subsequently bought by General Motors, then businessman Romano Artioli, and later DRB-HICOM through its subsidiary Proton. However, it is under the ownership of Geely that Lotus Cars currently operates as a segment within Group Lotus, which also includes Lotus Engineering and Lotus Tech. This ownership structure allows Lotus to benefit from the resources and expertise of Geely, positioning the company for future growth and innovation in the automotive industry.
