I visit Lotus factory to see my Emira in build & ask Lotus MD Matt Windle why it's 6 months late

[@piuthemagicman]

Mad respect for the MD of Lotus Matt Windle. Refreshing honesty and openness by him and rest of Lotus crew for showing the whole facility without a hint of sensorship. Great video!

[@FunkyNige]

I normally avoid the KZbin comment section but just had to come down and say the same - almost brutal honesty about where they were and why they weren't where they wanted to be was so refreshing in these days of filtered press releases.

[@jeremymtc]

Absolutely feel the same way - when Matt said something to the effect of, "But it would be disingenuous for me to suggest that all of our problems have been external", and goes on to detail some of the other issues they've faced, only increases the level of respect that he and the company are due.

[@willemp6432]

That is so true Magic man...I Hope for Lotus to be around for ever. As a boy, my first favorite car. The Lotus Esprit...

[@elliotsimpson1148]

I agree. Thought that was very honest and incredibly un corporate MD. Most others in that situation would blame absolutely anything else. I don’t know his background with Lotus but he sounds like a manufacturing person as opposed to a marketing led person.

[@pab3783]

I was about to write the same thing.

[@final_mile_music9713]

I have proudly worked in manufacturing for 32 years. Food, not cars, but similar challenges and we all use similar manufacturing systems and philosophies. Listening to this MD reminds me that we should celebrate pragmatic, down to earth people who actually make things. Not everyone works in services and call centers. Everything is fundamentally supported by people making things. And lots of us carried on throughout Covid (particularly in food) with no lock down, no remote working. We got in there and made products every day when Covid was still scary. Manufacturing environments are full of people like this, from the people cleaning the factories to the people on the lines 24/7 to the MD’s and CEO’s.

[@harrysgarage]

Well said, it's tough out there in manufacturing especially. There are so many components in a modern car, trying to get them there all on time is a logistical nightmare in the current situation as Lotus are finding out

[@thebigpicture2032]

A country that doesn’t make anything is a bankrupt country. Never understood how just a service economy would work long term.

[@madrew2003]

Absolutely. I program and run CNC machines and no remote work is possible for me either. We masked up and soldiered thru.

[@TheChannel1978]

Thanks to everybody doing their physical jobs despite the Covid crap. My job is desk bound and WFH possible, and I was well-aware of how fortunate I was.

[@thomashumber9762]

EXACTLY. The German car industry get billions from the German gov. UK gov. turned it's back on manufacturing years and years ago. Blair backed RBS and the Banks...yep look at that mess we aall bailed out. If it was not for GEELEY there would be no LOTUS now...as with all our other CAR FACTORIES and BRANDS all saved by foreign investment. I think it is brave of the Lotus owners to back the brand and BREXIT makes it very expensive to do this low volume manuf in the UK now. So, we had Tony Blair make a mess and David Cameron who just wanted a another term at No.10 who decided on a ref on BREXIT would be a good idea...and we all got CONNED!!! SO WHERE IS THE DEMOCRACY IN THE UK? Did you vote for Boris or Liz Truss?

[@STANLIZ4]

I feel for Matt Windle! as an ex manufacturer the problems in attempting to achieve quality, delivery, profitability in todays environment is so very difficult.

[@akt4rgtr]

As someone who works in this industry, that statement is so true. If only the general public knew what it takes to achieve high quality fit and finish whilst maintaining high volume.

[@sullacicero2610]

Same applies to most manufacturers unfortunately.

[@thomashumber9762]

I would say almost impossible......but hey the Chinese are throwing sooooooooooo much money at LOTUS

[@ianmontgomery7534]

One of his problems is making sure QA is in place and QC do their job when the second shift comes on line - they need to ensure that both shifts produce the same quality.

[@thomashumber9762]

@@ianmontgomery7534 Take a leaf out of a system used by Toyota or Bentley etc...learn from the best LOTUS !! PLEASE !!

[@ToyKingWonder]

I am glad I am not the only person impressed not only by Harry's digging into things, but Lotus allowing him to come in, film, and comment. I don't think I have seen this anywhere else except for maybe Morgan. Let's face it, this is just a ton of fun.

[@skierpage]

You somehow missed all the KZbinrs walking the Koenigsegg production line with owner Christian von K. or the Rimac production line with Maté. At least as impressive.

[@Wolf-1211]

Working in this very factory myself, you’d be amazed how many tours come through and how often I am working a tour comes along. Which I’ve been told by colleagues that have worked at others never happened in other places. So you hit the nail on the head with the openness

[@jimschrick8415]

Nice touch with all the production staff signing the floor pan . Making it very unique.

[@robinparkes988]

A fascinating insight into the Lotus factory Harry. It is so refreshing to listen to Matt Windle’s honest down to earth explaination of the issues affecting their launch and production of the Emira. With his honest down to earth manner, Lotus deserve to prosper. Thanks again Harry sharing this with us.

[@Boric78]

The fact Lotus still exsists to this day is a source of happiness for me.

[@medler2110]

For many of who live near the factory, and have seen the many ups that then crashed into massive downs, the fact the factory is still there making cars, is nothing short of amazing. I'm still holding my breath hoping this time the ups outweigh the downs, even though I work for a rival, well maybe not direct rival, but another British based sports car manufacturer.

[@kevindimauro9689]

The Lotus brand still exists which is gratifying, but with Toyota engines and gearboxes I’m not sure if it’s a true Lotus.

[@xissburg]

@@kevindimauro9689 it’s more reliable that way…

[@TheAslakVind]

Geely is a safe haven for them, just look at Volvo

[@Coxy002605]

@@kevindimauro9689 Lotus has used outsourced engines and gearboxes since the very start.

[@SornGeorge]

As a long term petrolhead I’m really happy for Lotus being promoted in this channel, and I wish them all the success in the world. I hope their SUVs prove so successful, that they’ll be able to continue building amazing sports cars for many years to come

[@hanswurst5426]

You are a typical British optimist and you have a great sense of humour 😂

[@RichardHartley65]

Very brave of Lotus to give Harry freedom to wander the shop floor like that. And even more so to allow him to film that giant dashboard showing the production stats!

[@piuthemagicman]

MD Matt Windle alone was a very brave man. Lots of respect for him and Lotus.

[@peterbest5938]

Yes agree done their reputation no harm at all

[@tkmaxism]

Good on Lotus

[@han5k2]

Plan vs Actual stats... helping to preserve Harry's investment!

[@travelling_stephen]

Show's they have complete confidence in their products and pride in their workforce.

[@aDaWaN]

Very refreshing to see how open Lotus is about their production facility. Shows how confident they are about their product!

[@gadjules7334]

What a fantastically candid interview. The boss seems like a great pair of hands and tells it like it is rather than some who hide behind corporate BS. This is the first Lotus I'd actually want to buy (although obviously I'd love to own a submersible Esprit in white.... :D )

[@jeremymtc]

Technically, all Lotus' are submersible. Once, at least.

[@chrismingay6005]

exactly what I came into the comments to say. it was so refreshing to hear someone speak openly about a process that isn't quite going as well as they hoped (for obvious reasons)

[@Fundaddy5000]

I had that exact white Lotus in the late 70s…..well, the Matchbox version

[@s8aan]

Late post / comment - my Emira is in the Quality Control area in the back of Harry's video here, I picked it up on 11th November (the first ever Hethel collection). Absolutely love it! Anyone here that is waiting for their one, it's great, hold out, it's worth it. Harry, your going to love yours, it was sitting ready when I picked up mine :)

[@davidparry1982]

Respect to Lotus taking ownership and not blaming external circumstances for their challenges - just describing it as it is.

[@petefletcher5380]

If only our politicians acted likewise, such refreshing honesty from Matt.

[@paddymuppy]

@@petefletcher5380 If only Brexiteers would accept responsibility for their votes

[@sresto7943]

@@paddymuppy brexit gave us opportunities that didnt restrict us to just buy over priced solar crap from germany, theirs a big wide world out there and your on a little tinny spot.

[@Beechgoose1]

Er...did you watch the vid? Matey used pretty much EVERY hot topic, as a reason! Maybe you were using sarcasm, it was difficult to tell. This comments section was awash with arselickers, as usual!

[@paul_k_7351]

Exactly!

[@aeiouxs]

Aside from their incredible production efforts, the transparency and openness from Lotus has to be commended - there's a hugely optimistic feeling here regardless of the external challenges. Amazing stuff! (ps - I love the yellow Emira's, I had an Elise in Grey and it just didn't feel as fun as it should have been!)

[@hanswurst5426]

It’s a pity Lotus can only be profitable once it starts selling in the range of 10000 units per year😂 Until then, only confidence remains 😂

[@zch2439]

An MD shows how leadership and management ability can offset the uncertainty of the car market. Brilliant.

[@phillipcollins1103]

Well they sold the company to the regime in China and when they go full electric they will have little to no part in production of the cars as parts will all be “high quality” Chinese tech

[@TheChannel1978]

@@phillipcollins1103 I had to goggle that and it looks like you are correct. What a shame for the UK and Lotus.

[@geraint8989]

Given that he singled out the rise of fuel prices as having put them so far out of budget that they are refusing to tell customers the price of their cars, I suggest he asks his FD to google ‘hedging’.

[@carmadme]

Sports car production will remain here only the "lifestyle vechels" will be made in China They're designed here too though

[@phillipcollins1103]

@@carmadme even if that were true..which it isn’t…who the hell wants an ev lotus? They are known for handling and manual style engagement..Chinese e-motors with shoddy auto transmission? I don’t see where their future niche is ..the regime has similar plans for Volvo. Anyway each to their own

[@knightsofn1]

The internals of that supercharger is about the coolest thing I think I've seen in years. I want to see more about that because that's some stunning engineering in there.

[@bokkenrijder172]

It would have been even better if Harry would have put the cover back on! 😂

[@UnderTheRadars]

Really like his honesty, if I could afford one I’d be placing my order now

[@peterknight7880]

Totally agree. I'm sure other MD's would spin a load of BS, but he seemed really candid. It gives me lots of confidence in the company. If I could afford a Lotus, I'd get one.

[@robinparkes988]

@@peterknight7880 I totally agree Peter, I’ve just posted a similar comment but you have summed it up far more succinctly than me.

[@travelling_stephen]

I was thinking the same thing I'd certainly buy one off the back of this interview. Extra lottery tickets this week.

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Nice touch Harry, getting the construction team to take pride of their work and sign your car. Really impressed by what I saw here both in the build process and also the determination shown by all at Lotus to bring out a quality product against adversity and flourish in difficult global and economic times.

[@powaktm.]

I have my sign on his Car, he’s a lovely guy 🥰

[@Faust64]

Well done Lotus, and well done MD, what a refreshing and honest interview, huge respect for the freedom's given to Harry and talking abotu the genuine challenges. Lotus have gone even higher in my estimation-- and that from a lofty start point!

[@richardpill8322]

Just amazing that we can watch Harry looking at his own car being built on the production line at Lotus, thanks so much Harry!

[@andyjones8448]

They look fantastic and the modernity of the factory gives me a warm feeling about the quality of construction. Epic car for the money.

[@lezzgp]

Am I the only one who loves Mr. M’s delivery? He’s like a trusted uncle who is worldly and knows enough to explain it in simple language. Thanks H

[@jose-Maki]

Hearing the guy giving an insight into the business gives me even more confidence

[@kramnam4716]

Fascinating. How refreshing to hear a down to earth candid MD, who actually thanked all the lucky people who have ordered! Supply chain /logistics nightmare. I’m going to place an order soon as I can

[@TheAslakVind]

Such a nice gesture of respect, to get the guys to sign your car!

[@EleanorPeterson]

It's Britain - land of the knob-gag - so you just KNOW that there'll be a few cheeky additions to the signatures under the trim...🤭

[@jamesrobert4106]

@@EleanorPeterson No doubt whatsoever. It was almost mandatory with TVR 😄

[@red9zero]

I have just recovered the seats in my 1987 Land Rover and found some very fruity comments written by someone at Solihull 😃

[@trevorbonnage5794]

Chap even mentions the big D in the closing seconds!

[@Zepherian]

This video will do more for lotus marketing than actual lotus marketing. Very honest and likeable and also professional MD. The company is being setup right in challenging times, all this will pass and they will be fine. Plus seems like a top notch product, I would rock one if I were in a position to do so.

[@brianiswrong]

Nice the hear an MD being honest and open,and not just glossing over the problems. By the sound of it a first edition ordered now at the original selling price,assuming your not in a rush is a good buy👍

[@obsidian....]

I really love the transparency. Thank you Lotus (and Harry for giving them the platform). . This actually gives me much more confidence in the team (and company as a whole) 👍

[@RickCT2000]

Wow…captivating inside look. Lotus really gave you the run of the factory floor!

[@hensh911]

Bravo Harry and bravo Lotus for allowing such a candid look at the factory! I just found the level of access incredible and refreshing. The MD Matt Windle did a great job of communicating the myriad challenges that manufactures are currently facing. Here's wishing Lotus a prosperous 2023!

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

Love how Harry runs through the place like he owns it...

[@TheChannel1978]

Perks of being a 'vip'

[@xissburg]

Harry is the OG

[@SnakeyUk08]

Indeed almost looks like hes just a ghost just wondering around where he likes 😄

[@benbirch2393]

Typical old gentry money!

[@2Bunphettered788]

😄😄👍

[@johnmiller2290]

I worked there from 1997 to 2010 and loved it. I wish them all the best (wouldn't mind going back either)

[@Steve-rv1ql]

I could talk for hours about the content in this vid, fascinating discussion with Matt and huge challenges which he has and is facing, no bull, tell it as is conversation that anyone in manufacturing can relate to. Ace content as usual, love the diversity, old school Lancia last week, cutting edge Lotus this week, just wish UK rather than Chinese money was behind it. UK politicians of all shades should be holding there heads in shame, dim as ditch water the lot of them.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks for kind comments. I really like the fact Lotus Emira are built in Norfolk by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts. I also like how Geely have given Lotus the financial muscle to produce the cars they really want to . Emira looked fantastic on the production line and on Friday, Lotus launched the Fittipaldi Evija to the world. That would never have happened pre Geely.

[@TheNorville2]

@@harrysgarage Let's hope Geely can do the same with Aston Martin...

[@charlie1832]

@@harrysgarage who owns Geely or is Geely a standalone company ?

[@Kelveron]

@@harrysgarage You are quite right. This probably would've never happened without Geely behind it. But the Chinese play the long game, and in time will likely take much more out of Lotus and its technical expertise than they put in. Also, just as Geely money is behind Lotus, one does wonder if the Chinese government backing is behind the likes of Geely (and other Chinese car makers) who have so much financial muscle that has enabled them to own the likes of Lotus, Volvo, MG and a good chunk of Daimler Benz.

[@2Bunphettered788]

​@@Kelveron Good point. I guess that means western governments have to be nice and tolerant with Beijing, or else.....🤨

[@HANNON1066]

Get in there Lotus.. cars look amazing and will drive amazing as well.. nobody really cares if there car is delayed by 6 months we just want a solid car and Lotus to succeed.. 👍👍

[@iandavies9576]

This was an excellent video and I find myself inspired to be a fan of Lotus and bowled over with the Emira, which looks truly dynamic. Matt Windle’s frank assessment of where they are (and where they intend to be) adds so much gravitas. Well done, Harry, and best wishes for much motoring satisfaction with your new vehicle when it arrives with you. As someone has already said, your action in getting the team responsible for the car to add their signatures was a thoughtful and nice touch!

[@hellotheregeneralkenobi365]

It's great to see an MD who is humble, hands-on, and forthright with the situation on the ground. Like night and day over the previous management who promised the moon and ended up not delivery anything. Definitely bodes well for Lotus as a company.

[@jsnadrian]

I love this car company -- so glad they're still producing cars

[@hanswurst5426]

Surprising, isn’t it?😂

[@simonlewis26]

The honesty and openness of this MD is something to be admired. The Book has firmly been kept within his own hands as apposed to passing it onto the numerous avenues available to him.

[@duncanajpv8]

This really is as good as motoring content gets on YT. Thank you as always Harry 👍

[@harrysgarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davealtabird1]

Kudos to Lotus and Matt Windle for focusing on what matters most - quality. In the end a six or nine month delay on the delivery side is a trade-off any customer should welcome if it ensures their Emira is *perfect* when it finally arrives. As a former Esprit, Elise and Exige owner here in the U.S., I wish Lotus had embraced that same philosophy in the early-to-mid 2000s. Cheers and thanks for the great video.

[@hockeymann88]

Great access! I think all of us enthusiasts are pulling for Lotus. It's great to see these things coming together.

[@Miata822]

It is wonderful that you asked the workers to sign your car. Nice touch. People take pride in their work. Showing a bit of appreciation like that, it means something.

[@JaviAbarth]

Great video. The whole factory is a mix of new deep-pocketed investor influence (self guided chassis dollies) and old school Lotus hand assembly line (handwritten cardboard box parts bins). Can't wait for my Emira!

[@lezzgp]

I love this show. Keep it up Harry. You’re a true Mensch.

[@allwheeldrive]

Awesome video, Harry! A privilege to be with you as you see your own rig being built! The levels of concern, awareness, pride, planning, and execution (specially in this business environment!) are very impressive...and really unprecedented for Lotus. All around, an incredible, drool-worthy product!

[@kempez]

As many have said: a great video. Lotus massively generous in letting you wander around the factory in such as open way and the interview with Matt was absolutely excellent. Very refreshing to see a company be so transparent with its customer's and to hear honesty and heartfelt discussion around the state of play at the moment. If only other manufacturer's were so open with their issues and gave honest updates to customers (I'm looking at your Porsche).

[@2Bunphettered788]

Somewhat of a PR move for customers waiting on deliveries and Lotus hoping they won't cancel. It was a good tour.👍

[@kempez]

@@2Bunphettered788 of course it is but I’ve seen that at the very least Lotus are giving reasonable updates and estimates to their customers, unlike other marques

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fabulous video as ever Harry - as a Norfolk lad Lotus has a special place in my heart.....maybe an Emira is in my future....looking forward to seeing how you get on with yours...

[@hjkk.4681]

Fantastic video of the Emira assembly process. Love the candidness of all the Lotus employees. Very impressed to see the amount of hands-on processes and care in assembling the cars.

[@bicyclist2]

I've been a big fan of Lotus since I was a kid in the 80's. I'm so very glad to see the workings of this high tech factory. I really hope to own one some day. Thank you.

[@calahal]

Much credit to Matt for his honesty. It's so refreshing to hear a company being honest about reality and not blaming everything on external issues. It's been a mad couple of years across the world, but the habit of hiding under the headlines is far too common! Well done Lotus and good luck for the future!

[@robertedwards5456]

What a refreshingly honest and informative video. You can’t help but feel for the incredible challenges small companies like lotus have been faced with the last few years mainly thanks to china (Covid), Russia (war) and Brexit. This video gives us a great feel for what it takes to produce a high quality low volume automobile. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few people who may have been on the fence before decided to press the “Order now” button on the Lotus web site after watching this.

[@TheChannel1978]

Since 2017 the Lotus group is majority owned by a Chinese multi-national. I can't help but feel that this is a shame.

[@sresto7943]

@@TheChannel1978 I think you will find all large companies are internationally owned on the stock exchange so makes no difference to a production line.

[@sh-hg4eg]

@@sresto7943 He never mentioned the production line. He lamented that yet another British company now has majority foreign interests.

[@samueldowney2806]

@@sh-hg4eg Lotus has been foreign owned since 1986. Seems odd to be lamenting this in 2022.

[@garyprince2867]

Really authentic interview with Matt Windle. Recognise issues, own them and correct them. All too rare and no double speak or jargon. Great car, looking forward to your first impressions Harry!

[@AmbiAnts589]

Getting all the guys to sign the car at the end was a great touch.

[@GaryB007]

Good to hear an MD who really knows his stuff and says it how it is, rather than the corporate nonsense you get from so many of them. With his knowledge of the whole production process, he sounds like someone who has worked his way up through the ranks, rather than just joining at the top.

[@SharpblueCreative]

So want to see an Amira in Lotus yellow & green. A great video to inspire trust in U.K. manufacturing. I hope all customers waiting watch this to instil confidence. If anything this video tells me is that we need to manufacture a lot more in the U.K. rather than depend on imports. Like we did in the old days.

[@EleanorPeterson]

Hi, Mark! Yep. I'm surprised those very smart yellow and green seats/ benches in the office area [15:17] weren't fitted with little wheels, springs, dampers and a handbrake...🤭

[@eugenux]

don't transform uk in a bigot land. Just because something is manufactured somewhere elese, doesn't make it worse.. or better. If all the things you own woud be manufactured locally, you'll have a lot less things, trust me on that.

[@philippebeinaerts]

Lotus deserves full credit for being so open about issues other (much larger) manufacturers struggle with as well. If the Emira proves to be as good to drive and own as it is to look at, you' re in for a treat!

[@kcryptouk8124]

Fairplay to Lotus in providing the tour. Very humble car company.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Having worked in factories myself, the general hubub of background noise is great to hear, its a sign that everybody is happy expressing themselves and not working in silent desperation, great place to work and what a great product. Although I was once offered a go in my boss's Lotus Esprit Turbo but could not get my left foot onto the clutch to select reverse and get out of the car park, seat all the way back, I'm 6'2"

[@guntersuchen4656]

What a great interview, refreshingly honest. This is truly going to be the making of Lotus and I for one will be ordering one

[@julian4548]

Like a kid in a sweet shop 😅my car, my car, my car. Total enthusiasm. And a plain speaking CEO. Real people, really refreshing.

[@andrewgurney6019]

Brilliant video and wonderful to see that Lotus has a genuine chance of a great future.

[@Rob-zx8lm]

Such an honest & heart felt from the MD, Mat. He seriously feels the pressures & it shows. Well done Lotus team.

[@davidruddick3346]

This video shows the regard Harry is held in within the car world,the MD of Lotus inviting him to visit and video the production line including the build of his own car,top bloke Harry👍

[@bokkenrijder172]

Plus its of course nice free advertising. 😉

[@bobgruner]

What a beautiful thing! Everyone at Lotus must be so proud to be involved in making these exquisite, practical, functional machines..

[@frankhall401]

A refreshingly honest MD. I hope he isn't punished for it.

[@summerforever6736]

Exactly I hope tol

[@TheHesK9]

He won't be. Geely have been very understanding with the difficulties they've faced, I've heard

[@witton6475]

Totally refreshing listening to Matt Windle regarding the production and logistical issues Lotus have had, they are not alone! The current labour shortage issue in the UK is having a massive impact across manufacturing. I hope he stays on at Lotus and has the confidence of the owners. Good luck with the Emira, it looks a stunning car.

[@ilovecds9606]

Good luck Lotus the line looks great and the cars look fantastic. I hope your supply lines and production rates get to the levels you are aiming for.

[@benjamindavies5872]

Great openness from the MD. Challenging times but a great product and every success to Lotus.

[@Billydevito]

A fascinating insight into how a mainly hand built car goes together . I’m amazed that Lotus allowed a film crew into the factory. I’ve done a few factory tours and was never allowed to bring a camera.

[@SneakySnakes]

In a sea of repetitive Emira videos rehashing the same information using different verbiage, this was a delight to watch. Finally some substance, new info, and behind-the-scenes access that anxious owners are craving. Thank you very much to Harry and Lotus team for throwing us a bone to abate the latency of deliveries.

[@tentotwo8290]

Amazing, must be a hell of a buzz being able to see your car coming together. Nice to see some fellow old fogeys on the production line 👍

[@911aircooled5]

That was a very impressive take on Lotus Emira, both an up close look at the production, but also Matt being very open and honest with you about the challenges faced. Great job all round, thanks!

[@patrickhostler5939]

If I had the money I would definitely buy one of those Lotuses… it’s absolutely stunning to see a great machine like that made by British workers!!!

[@notrut]

With a TOYOTA Engine .... : (

[@1183newman]

@@notrut brings reliability and cheap parts

[@piuthemagicman]

@@notrut Great engines.

[@ianmedium]

@@notrut But they are good quality engines, previous Lotus have used Izuzu another reliable engine and then breathed on by Lotus to give a bit of magic

[@ianmedium]

Chinese owned though!

[@markjohnson3002]

Respect to lotus for allowing the footage of the production line, and the honesty as to where they're at. Plus being brave enough to say that other markets are taking priority feed before the UK market. I hope they thrive through the next tough year.

[@BizOrNot]

Harry is like a kid in a candy store! Obvious MD is a realist, and a car guy first! Love it!

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I think I'd have asked if I could sign my own car, name and date it... What a thrill it must be seeing your car built like this, Harry. Superb! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@GTSCarLife]

Outstanding video, Harry. One of the most enjoyable from you in ages. I have a Porsche on order for almost 1 year now, and although we all hear about the various hurdles auto manufacturers are dealing with, this video and your interview with Matt, really brings it home, and makes me more sympathetic than I was before. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@davidmccartney1102]

Didn’t end up on a cargo ship crossing the Atlantic did it? 😂

[@GTSCarLife]

@@davidmccartney1102 Not yet. But tracking shows it built and sitting on a golf course.

[@davidmccartney1102]

@@GTSCarLife A golf course!? Definitely odd I’m sure we’d agree! Can you see it on Google Earth..? :-)

[@GTSCarLife]

@@davidmccartney1102 yes. Porsche allows you to track it from the assembly to dealer. We watched it leave the factory, head up the main road to Emden, and exit half way there to pull into a golf course. Verified with Google Maps. Another Taycan buyer noted the same thing with his Taycan a few months ago. Not sure what to make of it!

[@jeffmcarthur1963]

What a fantastic insight re the manufacturing of the Emira. Never ever have I heard an MD being so honest and open about the frustrations surrounding the issues the company is facing trying to get cars out on time. Hope they hit 2023 forecasted numbers.

[@HawkMillFarm]

Great video Harry, anyone in business will recognise the issues Matt has been battling against. I'm off the the configurator now to see if I can support them.

[@thewatchman1078]

Loved every second of this fascinating, and one valuable unique sugnature edition. And what a winner of a car Lotus deserve every success.

[@pj9375]

We still make something in this country? Fantastic! Well done lotus, that was inspiring 😊 one of your best videos Harry 😊

[@ilaister9652]

We make tons of stuff in the UK. Like the chassis fabbed elsewhere in Norfolk, many of the components come from SMEs all across Britain.

[@pj9375]

@@ilaister9652 it's not quite the 'workshop' of the world anymore though is it... unless you're still living in the 1950s?

[@skierpage]

@@ilaister9652 more like pounds of stuff. UK car production has declined every year since 2016, with further cuts from Jaguar and Mini guaranteed ☹️. Boutique production of race cars and expensive cars still requires mass market components, and has the Lotus MD said shipping these to an island that stupidly cut itself off from Europe is an expensive hassle.

[@markscars1069]

Wow what a refreshing video. An MD just giving it straight, and a presenter given Carte Blanche to go wherever. Most car companies would allow restricted access (at best) to a particular portion of the factory. Harry is allowed to wander around with a camera 😀 Kudos to Matt Windle and the Lotus folks for what they are doing. I’ve already promised myself an Emira when my M340i xDrive is due for replacement. Now I KNOW I’ll have one.

[@MansaMusa2]

Love the detail in these vids. There are not many reviewers who talk about the tech the way Harry does.

[@larsiebabie]

Harry, wonderful video. Thank you for sharing the process with us. Always wonderful to hear Matt Windle. He's so forthright with what is going on. The thought that Lotus is getting a multi-billion pound war chest, just makes my heart sing. So happy for you to get your new toy for Christmas... and a little jealous. Ok. I'm a lot jealous. Cheers! Thanks for the smile.

[@MrNikodemus5]

As one who just recently moved a factory and build it up from scratch, it was reassuring that we are not alone in having delay issues... Yes these years we are living through are indeed demanding. Congrats Harry, with what seams to become a fantastic car !!

[@Emira_75]

As one who just fckn moved a skyscraper from Japan to Newfoundland and started a new florist company, I can relate to Matt Windle

[@MrNikodemus5]

@@Emira_75 ha ha ha, and just how do you want me to react on that @furai ?

[@carmadme]

At lotus chassis production was moved from the other side of the country to here

[@Dubaiinit]

I really appreciated Matt’s candour, also a nice touch for Harry to have those building it add their signatures.

[@711-j5j]

You make a good tour guide for the factory and I wish you would do it more with other brands. We all love to see you in there Harry because we all know you and can trust you to inform us in your unique way so thank you for your efforts.

[@karl3011]

This was the most interesting video I’ve seen. The production facility at Lotus is impressive and something we should be proud to showcase in the UK. The MD was open and refreshingly grounded. Ironically, I’ve booked into the new Eletre event at Lotus Bristol next Month, and having seen this video am very excited!

[@TheHesK9]

The electre isn't built at this factory BTW. It's built at a massive brand new factory in China

[@judgedread-q4t]

Great video. Nice to see a team of people making cars in a time when automation controls all, keeps a 'hand-built' element in there.

[@hanswurst5426]

Yeah, British hand made has become world famous (notorious)😂

[@spendover]

What a fantastic watch Harry…. Really does show how much work goes into production, from the customer ordering to the final vehicle. Fantastic 👍

[@spendover]

Hi Harry, is the telegram reply spam? Or is it actually you?

[@Hvitserk67]

Really fascinating. In 1987 I visited Porsche in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart in Germany and saw how the brand new Porsche 928 S4 was built. At this point I had a slightly older 928 S and the thought that struck me was that it would have been pretty cool to see my own 928 being built. The 928 was definitely a fantastically nice car at this time. Well, I'm happy for you Harry. Quite an experience to see your own dream car being built :)

[@JustAnotherPoorSlob]

Given the low cost of digital video storage, almost surprised that most manufacturers don't run cameras 24x7 and then offer to sell you a video of your car being built (for a price, of course)

[@claywilson6149]

Nice touch having the factory workers line up to sign your new bespoke Lotus. I like to think it's a blessing or prayer for a long life of faithful service from the proud people that built her . That's now a lucky car !! Extra special .

[@_Ben4810]

& Harry didn't keep the car long....Just over 12 months later he sold it.....

[@dangullock7997]

Great to see the production line up close, fantastic video. Really interesting to see how Brexit has not only impacted the import of components but also created further red tape to the approvals process, would be interesting to see how larger manufacturers in the UK with bigger production runs have been impacted.

[@andrewg9236]

I think with Brexit,we where the only country to impose sanctions on ourselves. Crazy

[@carmadme]

It was a bit silly really I think.... Free access to the largest and wealthiest trading area on earth the third biggest seat at the table and our conservative-ism towards changes was well respected and all that a short ferry or train ride away All that to get trade deals with countries we alredy had trade deals with through the EU anyway

[@jamesengland7461]

@@carmadme freedom sometimes has a cost.

[@rogerrichards8048]

A great insight to modern British automobile manufacturing with all the snags & hurdles which need to be overcome. Thank you Harry & to all the team at Lotus for allowing us inside the factory. I hope the car turns out to be a real winner for the company.

[@Rasscasse]

I totally agree with your sentiments sir. Nicely put.

[@Worther12]

Thanks to Harry and Lotus for this factory tour. I used to be an electrical design engineer, and my favourite part of the job was visiting factories to see how different products were made (pumps, AC units, gearboxes, etc). I wish the government would focus on manufacturing in the UK, so many things have been outsourced to cheaper labour markets. Not just the jobs, but we lose the skills and trades associated with them (& peripheral suppliers). Great video!

[@skierpage]

The Conservatives shafted British manufacturing when David Cameron tried to hold on to his job by allowing a Brexit referendum. I applaud Lotus trying to grow production with CChinese investment; meanwhile Jaguar is collapsing upmarket and Aston Martin is going bust making ugly unexceptional sports cars, a dull DBX, and an unmanufacturable Valkyrie.

[@mjohns5944]

@@skierpage British manufacturing took a dive well before cameron. Thatcher saw our future coming in on ships .... we now have that future.

[@stevehayward5855]

Great video as always Harry. Must be a great seeing your own car on the production line being built. But also massively enjoyed the honesty with which the MD spoke about some of the challenges they’ve faced - both internal and external - without making it sound like excuses or passing the buck. We’re so used to hearing PR company written answers, so really refreshing. Good luck to Lotus, the car looks great and look forward to seeing them out on the roads in the near future!

[@carguyuk7525]

Amazing looking car. Great to see the production line and how many people are employed.

[@flange06joj]

If only the people in charge of this country were as down to earth, pragmatic, accountable and passionate about their work as Matt is. Yes there are problems, with hard work and honesty they can be overcome and people will still be happy.

[@rosscopcoltrain8059]

Absolutely fascinating video Harry. So good to hear that level of candor from Matt Windle. The cars look great, the build quality looks great, and it’s so encouraging to see the level of restraint so as not to cut corners and rush them out. I have to tell you having seen this I want one even more!

[@whos-your-mate]

My parents took me for a tour of Lotus when I was at school, don't recall the year. They'd just started production on the first Elise, it was brilliant! Glad you took your boy out for the day, quality time 👌👍