Lotus' European partners check out the "For Me" model in WEDZ. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
Lotus welcomed 35 dealership groups and 58 investors and dealership representatives from across Europe to its state-of-the-art Wuhan smart factory in Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) on Feb 27.
The visit featured the unveiling of the new Lotus "For Me" model, underscoring WEDZ's advanced manufacturing prowess.
The "For Me" boasts a robust 952-horsepower engine and a 900V high-voltage platform, complemented by Lotus's signature porous body structure and an active rear wing. The vehicle's engineering includes a six-dimensional dynamic chassis, a 48V active stabilizer bar, and custom tires and braking systems, ensuring optimal stability, comfort, and efficiency.
The model's high-performance hyper-hybrid SUV variant is scheduled for release in March.
Visitors were impressed by the precision in the stamping workshop, where machines roared to life, and in the welding workshop, where robotic arms assembled rear wheel covers, bodies, and chassis, all integrated into the final assembly line. "The factory is smart, modern, and futuristic," said Bram Vanhengel, a dealership representative from Belgium.
The assembly workshop showcased the impressive production of the Lotus Eletre and Lotus Emeya models, with both models rolling off the line in a display of engineering excellence. Vanhengel commended the elegant design and outstanding performance of Lotus sports cars, expressing strong confidence in their potential success in the European market.
Zhao Xingwang, executive deputy general manager of the factory, highlighted the visit as a demonstration of China's advanced smart manufacturing capabilities and the growing role of Chinese automotive companies in reshaping the global value chain.
The Lotus smart factory is the world's first to be planned and constructed using 3D digital twin technology. It produces both family SUVs and sports coupe models, with virtual and real production lines operating in harmony.
This setup enables the simultaneous production of four different models and facilitates seamless transitions between hundreds of product configurations in just two minutes.
The interior of the Lotus smart factory in WEDZ. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
