Car maker Group Lotus has unveiled its new flagship shop in the heart of a London shopping district.

In a sign that it is business as usual for the car maker the Regent Street shop, which was planned before the group was taken over by Malaysian conglomorate DRB-Hicom, has opened its doors.

Questions have surrounded the future direction of Group Lotus and a five year plan to create five new models following the sale of its parent company Proton and the departure of Lotus chief executive Dany Bahar who was behind the plans.

The shop, in the heart of London's Piccadilly, is designed to showcase the iconic brand.

The company said in a statement that the timing of Lotus Originals tied in with the UK in full-patriotic-swing during the year of both the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The statement said: 'It is the perfect time for Lotus to demonstrate how it's legendary British brand, one steeped in heritage and international reverence, deserves its place in the buzzing 2012 summer calendar.'

The shop is in a Grade II listed 4,800 sq ft space, which was previously the 'Caf� Royal'. The collection will include luxury clothes, luggage, gifts, toys, and limited edition collectables.

The Lotus Originals brand was launched in September 2010 with just online sales. There are now small shops in Monaco and China.

The statement said: 'The London store is the next step in a fully integrated, international approach for non-car Lotus products.'