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Does Toyota still own Lotus?


Lotus, the iconic British sports car manufacturer, has a storied history of ownership changes over the years. Many car enthusiasts wonder whether Toyota, a company known for its reliable and innovative vehicles, still owns Lotus. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between Toyota and Lotus, and clarify the current ownership status of the brand.


The History of Toyota and Lotus


While Toyota has never fully owned Lotus, the two companies have had a close relationship in the past. Toyota supplied engines and other components for several Lotus models, including the Lotus Elise and Exige. This collaboration allowed Lotus to benefit from Toyota's engineering expertise and reliable powertrains, while Toyota gained valuable insights into sports car design and performance.


Despite this partnership, Toyota has never held a controlling stake in Lotus. Instead, Lotus has been owned by various entities over the years, including General Motors and Malaysian carmaker Proton.


Who Owns Lotus Today?


As of today, Lotus is owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational automotive company. Geely acquired a majority stake in Lotus in 2017, purchasing 51% of the company from Proton. The remaining 49% is owned by Etika Automotive, a Malaysian company. Under Geely's ownership, Lotus has seen significant investment and development, including the launch of new models like the all-electric Lotus Evija hypercar.


Why the Confusion About Toyota's Ownership?


The confusion about Toyota owning Lotus likely stems from their long-standing technical partnership. Toyota's engines have powered some of Lotus's most popular models, and the collaboration between the two companies has been highly publicized. However, this partnership does not equate to ownership.


Key Takeaways



  • Toyota has never owned Lotus but has collaborated with the company by supplying engines and components.

  • Lotus is currently owned by Geely (51%) and Etika Automotive (49%).

  • The partnership between Toyota and Lotus has contributed to the success of several Lotus models but does not imply ownership.


In conclusion, while Toyota and Lotus share a history of collaboration, Toyota does not own Lotus. The brand is thriving under Geely's ownership, with exciting developments and innovations on the horizon for sports car enthusiasts.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Lotus now?


Lotus Group is the parent company of the above subsidiaries and others. It 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.



Does GM still own Lotus?


On 27 August 1993, GM sold the company to Bugatti Automobili SpA owned by businessman Romano Artioli. In 1996, a majority share in Lotus was sold to Proton, a Malaysian car company. On 24 May 2017, Chinese multinational Geely announced that was taking a 51% controlling stake in Lotus.



What 4 brands of GM are left?


Our Brands

  • CHEVROLET.COM.
  • BUICK.COM.
  • GMC.COM.
  • CADILLAC.COM.



Who are the new owners of Lotus?


After his death and a period of financial instability, it was bought by General Motors, then Romano Artioli and then DRB-HICOM through its subsidiary Proton, which owned Lotus from 1996 to 2017. Lotus is currently majority-owned by Chinese multinational Geely.



Does Ford still own Lotus?


Lotus is currently majority-owned by Chinese multinational Geely.



Is Lotus owned by Toyota?


Any driver who owns Lotus cars can tell you what an incredible driving experience these precision-engineered sports cars provide. But who makes Lotus cars? Currently, Lotus is owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational company, and Etika Automotive.



Which Lotus has a Camry engine?


Evora
The Evora is equipped with a mid-mounted, transverse, Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre 24-valve 2GR-FE V6 engine.



Who bought over Lotus?


Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
Lotus Cars is an iconic British producer of sports and racing cars. The first Lotus car was born in 1948 and in June 2017, Lotus Cars became majority owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The original founder of Lotus, Colin Chapman, believed that lightness was key to the development of great sports cars.



Who is the owner of Lotus brand?


Mr. Kamal Passi, our founder has always endeavoured to provide our consumers with the purest and the most potent beauty and wellness solutions. His passion bore fruit with the creation of Lotus Organics.



Does Lotus still use Toyota engines?


Lotus Evora (2009-Present)
The experimental infusion of Toyota engines into Elise models was so successful that Lotus Cars copied the concept with other high-end models like the Lotus Evora. This time around, Lotus decided to go all out with the Toyota GR Series, which can also be found in select Lexus models.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.