We can survive Brexit even if ministers don't make a deal with Brussels, says Lotus boss  

The new boss of Lotus has urged ministers to do a deal with Brussels on Brexit – but stressed his firm is prepared for the consequences of a No Deal departure.

Lotus chief executive Phil Popham, who took over in October, was speaking as the British sports car maker launched the Evija, a £2million, 200mph electric ‘hypercar’ which is intended to spearhead its revival under Chinese ownership. 

Popham said: ‘Get the Brexit deal done. We have hundreds of years of history as a trading nation to help us through.’

Flagship: The new Lotus Evija is a £2m, 200mph electric ‘hypercar’ which is intended to spearhead the Norfolk firm’s revival under Chinese ownership

Since 2017, Lotus has been part of Chinese company Geely.

The Evija is to be followed next year by a petrol sports car. After that, every new Lotus will have an electric option.

It is now working on a sporty SUV and another UK factory as part of a ten-year expansion. 

Popham said its factory in Hethel, Norfolk, made 1,700 cars last year but can produce up to 10,000.