Lotus Focus 2030 Strategy Emphasizes Hybrids

Lotus, the British sports car maker owned by China's Geely, announced its Focus 2030 strategy on Tuesday, abandoning plans for an all-electric lineup by 2028 in favor of a multi-powertrain approach that emphasizes hybrids.

The new plan targets a short-term sales mix of approximately 60 percent plug-in hybrids and 40 percent battery-electric vehicles, with hybrid technology playing a central role. Lotus described the strategy as a "significant reset" built on four pillars: brand reinforcement, diverse powertrains including internal combustion engines, closer partner collaboration and financial discipline. The company aims for annual sales of 30,000 units, with China as the primary growth market amid slowing electric vehicle demand and reduced subsidies there.

Headlining the initiative is the Type 135, Lotus's first supercar, set for launch in 2028 with a hybrid V8 powertrain delivering over 1,000 PS, or more than 986 horsepower. A teaser image revealed slim LED taillights above round exhaust pipes and gold "LOTUS" lettering, drawing inspiration from the 2024 Theory 1 concept. Production will occur in Europe, with further details expected later this year. Lotus confirmed the...