Cranfield University is a key academic partner in the new Hethel Performance Hub, which was officially launched by Chris McDonald MP, Industry Minister. Lotus Cars has created the UK partnership platform for innovation in automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing and low-volume industrial production.
Hethel Performance Hub, at Lotus headquarters in Norfolk, is a live environment with an ecosystem of automotive OEMs, emerging manufacturers, technology companies and academic institutions. The collaborative platform will remove barriers such as investment and scale, creating a more effective path from concept to production in high-performance sectors.
Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald MP said, "The UK is a top investment destination, and the new Hethel Performance Hub underlines our global edge in innovative, high value manufacturing across the automotive and motorsport sector.
"This facility showcases the best of British industry, will drive stronger supply chains, create highly skilled jobs and help make the UK the best place in the world to design, build and export vehicles."
Cranfield’s specialist expertise strengthens innovation ecosystem
With deep expertise in automotive engineering and a history of working closely with industry, Cranfield will play a key role in the ambitious initiative, helping to translate high-value research into impact and supporting the UK’s position as a leader in advanced engineering and manufacturing.
James Brighton, Professor of Automotive Engineering at Cranfield University said: “Working with Lotus and other Hub partners, Cranfield will contribute expertise across areas including vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, simulation, structures and lightweighting, control of vehicle and battery systems, and power unit optimisation, helping to shape collaborative research and development opportunities that support skills, technology transfer and future mobility innovation.
By combining academic insight, industry and Lotus’ capability and assets, new partnerships will be formed with real-world engineering and production capability, supporting regional growth and the UK’s industrial strategy.
Professor Brighton added, “Collaboration between business, academia and government can strengthen the UK’s innovation ecosystem and create new opportunities for regional and national growth.”
Iconic and innovation-led location
Matt Nice, Deputy Managing Director, Lotus Cars said “It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to the Hethel Performance Hub and on behalf of Lotus, I would like to thank the Government for their support, interest and future commitment to helping us grow the advanced engineering capability in the region.
“In addition, the growth potential of the Hethel Performance Hub is directly linked to the improvements in the road infrastructure from South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council which sets the foundations for ensuring Hethel remains one of the most iconic and innovation led places in the automotive world.”
Cranfield University is at the forefront of postgraduate motorsport and automotive education and research, with an unrivalled blend of cutting-edge facilities, industry partnerships and expertise in specialist areas.
