The Kolon Mobility Group has signed a new partnership with ‘Lotus’ on the 25th. With this partnership, Kolon Mobility Group will act as the official importer for Lotus, handling exclusive distribution in the South Korean market.
Lotus is considered one of the world’s top three sports car manufacturers alongside Ferrari and Porsche, renowned for its extreme lightweight construction and captivating design, establishing a unique identity as a “super lightweight pure sports car” brand.
Recently, in line with the expansion of the electric vehicle market, Lotus introduced its electric SUV, the ‘Eletre,’ marking a bold transition from a brand synonymous with high-performance internal combustion sports cars to a complete electric vehicle manufacturer. Kolon Mobility Group aims to prepare for future demand through early entry into the electric vehicle market, reflecting the changing paradigm of the automotive market with the exclusive domestic distribution of Lotus.
Lotus decided to formalize its partnership with Kolon Mobility Group due to the rapidly increasing demand for premium imported cars in the South Korean automotive market and the diversification of consumer preferences regarding vehicle types and brands.
Kolon Mobility Group is already an official dealer for several premium brands, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Audi, Volvo, and Jeep, and has been recognized for its lengthy history and expertise in the distribution and sale of imported cars, leading to its selection as Lotus’s exclusive domestic importer.
As part of this partnership, Kolon Mobility Group plans to launch two models domestically: Lotus’s last internal combustion lightweight sports car, the ‘Emira,’ and the brand’s first electric SUV, the ‘Eletre.’ The Lotus Emira and Eletre are expected to be delivered starting in the first and second half of 2024, respectively.
The Lotus showroom is expected to open at the end of September in a key import car commercial area in Gangnam.
The showroom will showcase the ‘Emira’ and ‘Eletre’ models, and pre-orders for the Emira will commence in line with the showroom opening schedule. The interior design of the showroom will incorporate Lotus’s latest brand identity to create an upscale atmosphere, providing customers with a differentiated experience.
The official service center is planned to open in the second half of the year in Ilsan-dong, Goyang. It will operate as a full-service shop, handling everything from vehicle inspections to regular repairs and accident car repairs. The plan includes a one-stop maintenance service for a comprehensive approach to customer aftercare, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
A spokesperson for Kolon Mobility Group stated, “Through this partnership, we have secured core capabilities as a professional distributor of premium to luxury and high-performance automotive models,” adding, “We will spare no effort in collaborating with Lotus, which is actively expanding in the Korean market, to provide customers with a diverse mobility experience.”
Meanwhile, Lotus is a sports car brand founded in 1952 by engineer Colin Chapman. Based on a motorsport philosophy, it has solidified its unique brand identity by focusing on lightweight body construction for enhanced performance rather than just output. The brand has achieved 79 victories in auto racing, and various global brands, including Aston Martin, have consulted Lotus Engineering during their sports car development processes.
Jin Sang Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr