Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Global performance marketing agency NP Digital has been appointed the official paid media agency for Lotus Cars Malaysia (LCM), in a move aimed at accelerating the brand’s digital presence and consumer engagement in the country.

The partnership comes as LCM reintroduces its refreshed product lineup to Malaysian drivers, marking a significant phase in the brand’s evolution under the Karrus Automotive Group’s Lotus Karz Sdn Bhd. NP Digital will lead strategy, management, and optimisation efforts across Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram) and Google Search ads. 

Moreover, the focus will be on boosting brand awareness and lead generation to target Malaysia’s increasingly discerning automotive market.

“Partnering with a brand as renowned as Lotus Cars Malaysia is a milestone that reflects the confidence global brands place in NP Digital’s ability to drive real business outcomes,” said Marcus Siow, senior director of business development at NP Digital. “It also underscores our continued diversification into high-growth sectors like automotive.”

The collaboration extends beyond traditional digital advertising, combining data-driven strategies with creative storytelling to build a digitally native brand experience. NP Digital aims to expand LCM’s reach and foster a community around innovation, design, and high-performance driving — values long associated with the iconic British marque.

The timing of the partnership aligns with strong momentum in the local automotive sector. In 2024, Malaysia recorded over 816,000 vehicle sales — a 2.1% increase from the previous year — driven partly by rising demand for electric vehicles. LCM contributed to this trend with over 200 units sold, largely propelled by its all-electric Eletre SUV, billed as the world’s first electric hyper-SUV.

“We’re rebuilding Lotus Cars Malaysia with passion and purpose,” said Justine Ong, head of marketing at LCM. “That’s why we chose a partner who believes in the brand as much as we do. When you start from scratch, conviction matters just as much as capability.”

NP Digital’s appointment includes a secured retainer for 2025 and signals plans for a long-term collaboration. The agency’s automotive sector experience and regional footprint position it as a key partner in LCM’s strategy to bridge its racing heritage with the expectations of modern, tech-savvy consumers.

The partnership also bolsters NP Digital’s expanding presence in Southeast Asia and further cements its reputation as a leading digital agency for globally recognised premium brands.

Singapore – Independent PR agency W in Singapore has announced the launch of its travel specialist division LOTUS into Southeast Asia. The expansion of W x LOTUS into the region is poised to reshape the traveland hospitality sector, offering clients a suite of services to navigate the evolving landscape of global travel. 

The new agency model combines LOTUS’ expertise in representing destination, placemaking, and lifestyle brands since 2007 with W’s comprehensive services across all forms of earned media. 

With a breadth of services covering travel trade representation, business strategy, product development, crisis management, big brand campaigns, activations and events, clients will benefit from the combination of LOTUS’ deep understanding of the travel business, coupled with W’s strategic and creative prowess.

First acquired by W in 2018, LOTUS offers lifestyle and hospitality brands a holistic approach, encompassing traditional PR, social media, trade representation, and innovative marketing strategies. 

Their portfolio includes some of the travel industry’s market leaders including the leading outbound destinations in Europe, flagship carriers such as British Airways, and hospitality giants including Shangri-La and Avani Hotels. Recent expansion in the Middle East has seen the agency win Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia.

Warren Johnson, founder of W, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “This union represents the fulfilment of W’s vision to provide comprehensive solutions for the travel and hospitality sector. With the important rebound of international travel, W x LOTUS will offer our clients unparalleled insight, connectivity, and intelligence into the category.”

Meanwhile, Jules Ugo, CEO of LOTUS, commented, “We are excited to expand LOTUS’ services into Southeast Asia and forge a close partnership with W’s regional Asian headquarters in Singapore, enhancing the offering for trade shows, travel and tourism boards, and more. Together, we are well-positioned to cater to the dynamic travel and tourism market.”