Geely Automotive

Lotus is in the process of upgrading its Hethel headquarters and testing facilities, as part of a push to modernise the brand and develop its zero-emission line-up. The most prominent element of the multi-million-dollar investment is a new electric drive unit test cell. According to the Geely-owned manufacturer, this will allow engineers to test EV motors, gearboxes and supporting electronics under simulated real-world conditions.

China’s Geely Auto - perhaps best known in the west as parent of Volvo Cars, Lotus and the London EV Company - has launched a proprietary, contactless online ordering platform that enables customers to buy and take delivery. It is also offering home test drives, booked by a potential buyer who is visited by their closest local dealer in a demo car.

The Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept has set a new lap record at the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife for four-door and front-drive vehicles, also marking a first-time achievement for the new Chinese brand.

Geely Auto has unveiled its 'new energy flagship sedan' – dubbed Bo Rui GE – in Beijing this week, complete with an electrified powertrain from subsidiary Volvo. Power in the Bo Rui GE comes from a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a plug-in hybrid system for claimed combined consumption of just 1.6L/100km.

Lynk & Co has confirmed it will manufacture its new 01 SUV in Belgium for the European market. Speaking with industry journal Automotive News Europe, the Chinese start-up which is owned by Geely – which also owns Volvo – the company's boss, Alan Visser, said the 01 will be produced in Europe, for Europe, from 2019 at a factory in Ghent, Belgium. From launch the 01 will be offered in Europe with exclusively plug-in hybrid powertrain options, intially at least.