F1 design guru Gordon Murray reveals £300m expansion plan
The Gordon Murray Group plans to significantly expand its operations with a commitment to invest £300 million over the next five years.
A roadmap for future expansion has been announced, masterminded by company founder and chairman, Gordon Murray. It is underpinned by the philosophy of creating long term growth through increased R&D, the introduction of a new division, 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 and the ambitious expansion includes significant investment in Gordon Murray Design. The design and engineering business is already in the early phases of creating a lightweight, ultra-efficient electric vehicle architecture for future urban passenger vehicles and delivery vans.
Gordon Murray Design is also directing substantial investment towards a superlight R&D facility to 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.
A new business unit, Gordon Murray Electronic which is being formed by newly appointed CEO Richie Sibal, will support GMD in developing advanced electrified powertrains for global automotive manufacturers and technology companies.
Gordon Murray 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.”
The 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, UK with the first customer cars being delivered early in the year, being overseen by newly appointed Head of Global Sales, Henry Winkworth-Smith.
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.
“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.”
The Gordon Murray Group is set to move its global headquarters to a new site in Windlesham, Surrey, UK where a new technology campus, 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.
Mr Murray added: “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.”
Gordon Murray Group
www.gordonmurrayautomotive.com
