HALLMARQUED

Industry insight has returned worldwide sales of the Zero in excess of 1000 units. UK sales are handled by the factory, distributorships in America and Sweden have delivered significant growth and GBS are hoping to launch in Switzerland, the first car delivered in January 2022 is currently going through its homologation process. There are also customers throughout mainland Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

First and foremost, GBS are automotive design engineers, however, the team are often approached for assistance with non-automotive related projects. Working within other spheres of engineering is more than just an additional revenue stream,…”We’re currently involved in an exciting aerospace project that’s looking to launch a fully electric VITOL aircraft. Electric aviation is a huge new market, we were initially introduced on a consultancy basis but we’ve become involved with the design and manufacture of prototype components. Who knows where this might lead?

“We have also recently developed our own Out of Autoclave Composite Manufacturing process which will enable us to expand into more specialist composite work, not only for ourselves but hopefully for other engineering sectors too. Because we’re a small team we’re agile, we can make rapid decisions and make things quickly.”

GBS are also the first call for owners of legacy high performance cars requiring specialist restoration work. Tucked away in a corner of the workshop sits a yellow racing car wearing the famous Lotus Camel livery. This is no amateur homage but an actual F1 car with a rather interesting heritage…

“We’re currently restoring and recommissioning a 1990 Lotus Camel, Lamborghini powered Formula 1 car. The car hasn’t been seen in public for over five years following an engine blow out during an event. We’re dyno-tuning the engine and updating everything in line with the latest certifications in readiness for a return to the track. The Lamborghini engine is quite a rarity and we’ve had to do a fair amount of research before stripping it back.

“It’s a really exciting project. This car was race driven by either Derek Warwick or Johnny Herbert, we know it was track tested by none other than Ayrton Senna. Since retirement from F1 the Lotus has been driven by Sir Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and a host of former World Champions at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed.”

Our conversation turns to the search for alternatives to petrol and diesel powered cars. GBS have recently worked on a full four wheel drive 1000hp electric hyper-car project. However, Richard, like many within the automotive industry, is sceptical of the Government’s push towards vehicle electrification…

“I think there are two strands: – the niche sports and classic car sectors where we operate will stay pretty much the same, there might be some synthetic fuels available but I don’t see much changing. However, mainstream car manufacturing will have to change. The Government jumped on the Tesla bandwagon having believed all the hype, they have set us on a path that nobody really knows where it’s leading.

“I don’t think electrification is the right answer, it has a place in certain applications, but it’s not a one size fits all solution. The problem with an electric car is it runs for five or seven years and then the battery degrades, it’s not going to be viable to repair, has already consumed way more carbon in its manufacture than an ICE powered car and then has to be scrapped. You’re actually creating more net carbon.

“Hydrogen has probably got more to offer. However, I believe something new will jump out. It reminds me of light bulbs, we went from incandescent bulbs to energy efficient ones, millions were spent getting everyone to swap and then LED bulbs came out. New fuels will emerge that use all the existing infrastructure and I see this as the future.”

So, what of the future for GBS?… “The market is changing quite a bit; the kit market will always be there and we will continue to serve it, but it’s a different landscape to what it was. We want to move further into full factory build cars. We’re looking for market growth of at least 10% in this area, which we think is achievable as long as the right people and processes are in place.

“Our business model is built on being agile, innovative, challenging convention and always looking for those exciting marginal gains. We will stay true to these principles ,which have served us well, as we look to expand GBS over the next decade.

“The next big move is to take the knowledge we have gained with the Zero and to design our own unique car that’s not tied to any Lotus Seven type legacy. At this stage I can’t say too much, but what I can confirm is that irrespective of the looming 2030 ban on new internal combustion cars, it will most definitely be a pure driver’s car in the true spirit of GBS.”