Lotus is a British automotive company that was founded in 1952 by Colin Chapman. The company is headquartered in Hethel, Norfolk, England, and it is known for producing high-performance sports cars and racing cars.

Chapman began his career in the automotive industry as a engineer, and he quickly became known for his innovative designs and engineering solutions. In 1952, he founded Lotus Engineering, a company that designed and built racing cars. In the 1950s and 1960s, Lotus became one of the most successful racing car manufacturers in the world, winning numerous championships and setting numerous speed records.

In the 1970s, Lotus began producing road cars, starting with the Lotus Elite, a mid-engined sports car that was introduced in 1974. In the 1980s, the company released a number of other sports cars, including the Lotus Esprit and the Lotus Excel.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Lotus continued to produce high-performance sports cars, including the Lotus Elise and the Lotus Exige. The company has also continued to produce racing cars, and it has won numerous championships in various racing series around the world.

Today, Lotus is known for its focus on engineering and performance, and its vehicles are popular with buyers who are looking for a high-quality and high-performance driving experience. The company is known for its innovative designs and engineering solutions, and it is considered one of the premier sports car manufacturers in the world.