In 2021, Lotus increased worldwide car sales by a quarter to 1,710 cars with the Elise the global top-selling model and the USA the most important market.
In full calendar year 2021, Lotus had its best annual global retail sales performance since 2011. Worldwide sales increased by 24% to 1,710 deliveries compared to 1,378 sales in 2020.
The Elise was the global top-seller as Lotus fans sought to secure a piece of automotive history via the highly specced Sport 240 Final Edition and the Cup 250 Final Edition models. Lotus ended production of the iconic Elise, Exige, and Evora in 2021
Higher Lotus Sales Worldwide in 2021
Lotus had a strong sales performance across the globe. In Europe, sales in the UK were up 29%, with Belgium the star performer up 37%. North American retailers covering USA and Canada were up 111% year-on-year, which was also their best performance in 10 years.
Records were broken in the Asia-Pacific region, where Japan had its best year since 2015 (305 sales in 2021), Australia since 2018, and Hong Kong since 2014. Qatar, which has been selling Lotus since 2016, had its best year ever. Further evidence of the ongoing transformation of the business came in Bahrain, Thailand, and New Zealand, where Lotus sold its first new cars for at least seven years.
Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, Lotus, commented: “Our global retailers have risen to the challenge of giving the Elise, Exige, and Evora the send-off they deserved. It means we’re in great shape for 2022 to focus on the all-new Lotus Emira, our last petrol-powered sports car and the best of the breed.”
Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, added: “In difficult circumstances, our retailers have delivered what was asked of them and more. It’s a testament to their hard work, and that of our manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution teams around the world. A huge thank you to everyone involved – what a way to move into the era of Emira.”
Top Lotus Car Global Markets in 2021
The top 10 Lotus markets globally were:
| Position | Market |
| 1 | USA |
| 2 | Japan |
| 3 | UK |
| 4 | Germany |
| 5 | France |
| 6 | Italy |
| 7 | Australia |
| 8 | Belgium |
| 9 | Switzerland |
| 10 | China |
Global Worldwide Car Sales by Brand in 2021 (Full Year)
Global worldwide sales by brand in 2021:
- Audi
- Bentley
- BMW
- Bugatti
- Caterham
- Cupra
- Daihatsu (see Toyota)
- Ferrari
- Gordon Murray Automotive
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Lamborghini
- Lexus (see Toyota)
- Lotus
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Nissan
- Porsche
- Rolls-Royce
- Seat
- Skoda
- Smart
- Tesla
- Toyota (including Lexus)
- Volkswagen (VW Brand)
- Volkswagen Group
- Volkswagen Group (Battery-Electric Cars)
- Volvo
“Sales” as reported by the various brands generally refer to deliveries and not necessarily sales to the customer or final registration. Terms and definitions may vary.
About Lotus
Group Lotus is based in Hethel, Norfolk, UK – home to its sports and hypercar manufacturing operations, Lotus Advanced Performance Centre and the iconic 2.2-mile test track. It is part of Geely Automotive, the fastest growing automotive group in the world. Geely has a 51% controlling stake, with 49% owned by Etika Automotive, a Malaysian conglomerate.
Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance cars, born out of legendary successes on the race track including 13 FIA Formula 1 world titles and many other championship honours. In July 2021 it unveiled the all-new Lotus Emira, its last and best-of-breed petrol-powered sports car. The first customer cars will be delivered in 2022. In July 2019 it launched the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar.
