Press release from Lotus
Group Lotus is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Donato Coco as Director of Design for Group Lotus starting 04 January 2010. In this newly created role, Donato will lead all Lotus Design activities for Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering.
Head of Lotus Design, Russell Carr will continue to work on both Lotus products and third party design work, an area which is growing rapidly especially in the emerging Asian markets.
Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said, “The appointment of Donato Coco as the new Director of Design for Lotus puts even more prominence on design within Lotus and strengthens the already talented team. We have a very busy few years ahead of us as we are working on a new strategic business plan which will include the introduction of an all new range of Lotus cars and expansion of our third party design work.”
Donato Coco is looking forward to the new challenge, “Lotus has a reputation for designing evocative sportscars and it is a great honour to take on these responsibilities and challenges. Russell Carr and the rest of the Lotus Design team have already elevated Lotus Design to a globally recognised level and the increase in our third party design work for clients around the world is proof of our capabilities. I am looking forward to building on these foundations to deliver beautiful and relevant Lotus cars designs whilst at the same time acknowledging the peerless heritage and core values of this wonderful British brand.”
Donato Coco was previously Director of Design and Development – Ferrari where he worked on the Ferrari F430 Scuderia coupé and Spider 16M, Ferrari California, 599XX and the F458 Italia. Prior to Ferrari, Donato worked for Automobiles Citroën rising to the position of Chief Designer and was responsible for, amongst others, the Xsara, Picasso, C3, C3 Pluriel, C2, C1, ZX Paris Dakar and the Xsara WRC.
Donato Coco holds an MA in Automotive Design from the Royal College of Art, London, England. Whilst at the RCA, he was awarded first prize in a design competition, which was presented to him by Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Donato Coco is an Italian national. He will be based at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, England.
About Lotus Design
Lotus Design has developed a unique understanding of what makes beautiful, iconic vehicles. A passion for design and breadth of experience allows Lotus to influence the whole product development process from the first mood boards and sketches through to production release. Working from a purpose built design studio since 2000, an ever-increasing global client base has seen design work delivered out of the USA, China and Malaysia. Lotus designers have a unique blend of passion and commercial pragmatism having worked on 23 major programmes including 5 production cars for Lotus and 8 production cars for clients, some of which are high volume cars in just 11 years. In each case, Lotus Design has worked closely with the client to deliver a product that fits their brand DNA and is commercially viable.
In addition to highly successful production programmes, Lotus Design also offers concept cars and show car build services presenting an enthralling blend of exterior and interior design that stimulates the customer on a practical, tactile and emotional level. Strong proportion, emotional form, dynamic line, innovative material choice and distinctive graphics are what, subconsciously; create a first and often lasting impression with a customer. In an increasingly competitive market, innovative and exciting design is relevant to all vehicle types and volumes and this is where Lotus Design excels.
