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Gordon Murray Group announces £300m investment plan
Gordon Murray Group is set to invest £300m over the next five years as it looks to significantly expand its operations to aid further global success.
Professor Gordon Murray, company founder and chairman, has revealed a roadmap for the group’s future expansion that is underpinned by the philosophy of creating long term growth through increased research and development, the introduction of a new division, significant investment in Gordon Murray Design, bolstering the leadership team and talent across the business, plus cementing the ethos, core competencies and ongoing product portfolio of Gordon Murray Automotive.
There is set to be renewed and sharper focus on designing and engineering future electric vehicles. Gordon Murray Design is directing substantial investment towards a ‘superlight’ research and development facility to further progress weight and complexity reduction of both vehicle architectures and manufacturing processes. An additional facility at Dunsfold, Surrey is being planned to manufacture ‘superlight’ frames for Gordon Murray Design and Gordon Murray Automotive vehicle programmes.
Gordon Murray Group has announced a roadmap for future expansion through a £300m investment in Gordon Murray Design, Gordon Murray Automotive, R&D and talent / Picture: Gordon Murray Group
The new business unit, Gordon Murray Electronics, which is being formed by newly appointed CEO Richie Sibal, will support Gordon Murray Design in developing advanced electrified powertrains for global automotive manufacturers and technology companies.
Professor Gordon Murray, chairman of Gordon Murray Group, said: “While recently the global spotlight has been on Gordon Murray Automotive and the T.50 models, there has been extensive progress and developments made within the wider group. Today we are taking this to a new level announcing new investments, a strengthening of our leadership team, enhanced R&D, a new division and a reaffirmation of our philosophy. Core competencies that differentiate us and set us apart in the industry as we build the group to meet the challenges of the future.
“The Gordon Murray Group has a clear mission: pushing automotive and technology boundaries to be the best there is. These new developments are dedicated to pursuing this ambitious agenda. We are building a philosophy and enhancing a team for increased growth and future success, staying true to our vision.
“The automotive future will be increasingly electrified and it’s essential that we design the world’s lightest, most efficient and advanced EVs. This significant investment in Gordon Murray Design and the formation of Gordon Murray Electronics will be realising that goal. Advanced work is already underway, and we will be sharing more news on our exciting all-electric platform soon.”
Construction of Gordon Murray Group’s new global headquarters and technology campus will start in July 2021 / Picture: Gordon Murray Group
Gordon Murray Group has also made a series of new appointments to strengthen its leadership team, including Phillip Lee as a director, group chief financial officer and CEO of Gordon Murray Automotive. Prior to joining GMG, Phillip was CFO at Group Lotus and has been finance and IT director at LEVC and has extensive experience in growing automotive businesses internationally.
Its T.50 supercar development remains on track and Gordon Murray Automotive is now conducting prototype testing. Production will start in 2022 at a new facility in Dunsfold, Surrey, with the first customer cars being delivered early in the year. Future Gordon Murray Automotive vehicles are also now in development, and all will stay true to the ethos and exclusivity shown by the T.50.
Gordon Murray added: “The T.50 supercar clearly shows the path that we will take for future Gordon Murray Automotive products. All future models will be strictly designed to deliver these principles as part of our mission to be the world’s most exclusive automotive brand.
“The T.50 will be significant in other ways. Much of our learning about advanced lightweight materials and construction from the T.50 will play a key role in the electric vehicles that we develop. But we are not abandoning internal combustion power. We will continue to create the pinnacle of driver’s cars – with V12 petrol power as long as the regulations allow and in future we will develop our own hybrid and electric powertrains.”
Professor Gordon Murray, company founder and chairman / Picture: Gordon Murray Group
Gordon Murray Group is set to move its global headquarters to a new site in Windlesham, Surrey, where a new technology campus, a heritage and customer centre, and bespoke design and engineering facilities are being created. Construction will commence in July 2021 and the first facilities will be ready in 2022, with the entire project completed in 2024.
Murray concluded: “Our new technology campus and global headquarters is another major investment but it’s also where the power and capabilities of our expanding group will really be seen. It will be a fantastic new home and create a truly unique culture of collaboration, innovation and interaction. I am convinced it will take us to even greater heights and become a globally renowned centre of excellence for vehicle design and creation.”