Lotus Engineering, KACST Cooperate to Establish Technology Base for Automotive Industry in Saudi Arabia

16/01/2008 - Lotus, via its engineering division, has entered into a joint cooperation programme with KACST, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology with the intention to promote the establishment of an ecologically driven automotive technology capability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Lotus, with support from its parent company PROTON, has been commissioned to assist with the long term strategy of KACST to create an automotive research, development and test centre to support the manufacturing infrastructure within the Kingdom to help build its industrial capabilities and potentially utilise its vast natural resources. Lotus has already been involved in the first stage of this objective with the installation of a new engine and test cell facility in the Kingdom. This programme, which started in 2006, was commissioned with Lotus Engineering and uses the highly sophisticated Lotus Optical Research Engine.

His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Al Suwaiyel said, “The comprehensive strategy of KACST is to achieve automotive design, development and testing capability for Saudi Arabia within a ten-year period, commencing in 2008. A newly established team of highly skilled automotive engineers from KACST, Lotus and PROTON will also enable the partners to develop a technology base for the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said, “Lotus and PROTON are committed to assisting KACST in achieving its objectives. The engine and test cell programme was the start of a successful relationship and the conclusion of this joint cooperative study will drive the total automotive industry strategy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

PROTON Managing Director, Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the combined wealth of experience that Lotus and PROTON have will be beneficial for Saudi Arabia to develop its automotive development and manufacturing capability.

“PROTON has had the distinction of technology transfer from established automotive manufacturers as well as its own developed home-grown capabilities. Together with Lotus’ engineering expertise, Saudi Arabia will have access to a greater depth of knowledge for the launch of its automotive industry,” he added.

Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammad Al Saud, The Vice President for Research Institutes at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology said, “Lotus Engineering will take a lead role in the partnership supported by PROTON with continued expertise throughout the project. Lotus is a world leader in automotive technology and has extensive experience in engineering, manufacturing and testing facilities globally including many of the proving grounds in Europe and around the world. An Automotive Research Development Centre will be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with full testing facilities that can be used by other vehicle manufacturers.”

To enhance the engineering and manufacturing skill base in Saudi Arabia, Lotus and PROTON will be providing training in all aspects of automotive engineering to KACST employees utilising facilities at the Lotus headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, as well as PROTON’s facilities in Malaysia.

Mike Kimberley said, “Lotus is ideally placed to support KACST as we have extensive experience in both niche and high volume vehicle and engine development and manufacture. Lotus Engineering continues to provide high technology engineering consultancy for the world’s automotive industry and our world class research and development is unprecedented. We are pleased to be working closely with KACST and PROTON on this exciting challenge to initiate a technology base for the automotive industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to develop an infrastructure to increase the ecological capabilities of the industry.”

Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammad Al Saud said, “The cooperation is consistent with the national industrial strategy and the mission of the industrial cluster programmes that emphasise the creation of an automotive industry in the Kingdom.” He added; “We need to develop environment friendly technologies in order to sustain the utilisation of oil with less harmful effects to the environment.”

Notes:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Its global facilities include those in Michigan, USA and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and offices in Germany, China and Japan and is growing quickly in new territories such as South East Asia and the Gulf States in the Middle East.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party 'niche vehicle' engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds and sells Lotus world class, prestige, high performance sports cars globally. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, and the Lotus Exige and Europa. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into areas such as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

Source: Group Lotus plc.

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