Lotus’ New Licensed Products Expand Its Current Toy Range In Celebrati

In the run-up to the British Grand Prix weekend Lotus celebrates the racing gene in presentation of its new toys and collectables with UK licensing partners Corgi, Scalextric and Trunki

Lotus Originals Store, Regent Street, London 25 June 2013: Group Lotus plc proudly announces the expansion of the firm’s current licensed toy range. As the exclusive master licensee for the Lotus F1® Team brand, Group Lotus has developed new products in conjunction with UK toy companies Hornby Hobbies Ltd and Trunki Ltd who will develop the current Lotus F1 Team toy and collectable portfolio. The resulting products will be showcased firstly in a media debut event with Lotus F1 Team drivers at the Lotus Regent Street store on 26^th June 2013 before being showcased to the general public.

Trunki Ltd will introduce the ever popular children’s ride-on-suitcase in the iconic, yet current black and gold Lotus classic race colour scheme with a carbon-inspired saddle. It comes complete with teddy-bear seatbelts and steering horns as well as the usual Trunki® features. The model will be available to purchase through authorised retail outlets including the Lotus Originals store with the suitcase retailing at £49.99.

Scalextric® will present its new Lotus F1 Team Scalextric slot cars and Corgi® die-cast models. The 1:32 slot cars include the Lotus Evora GT4 in red, black and green racing liveries which will retail from £37.49. Scalextric will also present the new Grid Force Set, comprising of the circuit plus 2 slot cars. This set will retail at £129.99. Corgi 1:43 die-cast collectables include the 2012 F1 cars of Lotus team drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean which will retail from £29.99.

Invitees will meet drivers, Romain Grosjean and Davide Valsecchi and the pair will challenge the bravest guests and ‘race’ new Trunki and Scalextric products in celebration of the competitive spirit, tipping a nod to Lotus’ racing provenance.

Aslam Farikullah, Chief Operating Officer, Group Lotus Plc: ‘Although Lotus’ core business is sports car manufacture borne of a racing pedigree, we recognize reaching our fan base is paramount. Lorenza Lavezzi as Head of Licensing for Group Lotus, continues to strengthen and grow this significant aspect of our business. I am looking forward to seeing our new products in action, with our F1 Team Drivers, Romain and Davide, in collaboration with Corgi, Scalextric and Trunki Ltd’.

Rob Law, Managing Director, Trunki Ltd: “Adding the prestigious Lotus name to the Trunki® range is fantastic for us, with a legendary marque such as Lotus that is all about the passion for racing and ultimately for having fun, we believe that the new Trunki® suitcase for children will be a real hit with our customer base.”

Nat Southworth, Sales and Brand Director, Hornby Hobbies Ltd: ‘We are extremely pleased we are creating new Scalextric® slot cars and Corgi® collectibles for our product lines with Lotus. Lotus is a unique heritage brand with a racing pedigree that gets everyone excited. It is a great privilege to work with them and we look forward to expanding our range in the future.”