Lotus insists that it has “no plans” to close its UK manufacturing locations after reports that it is weighing potential production transfers to the United States.
The automaker is known for its lightweight sports cars and deep-rooted British heritage. Financial Times To review whether certain production is to be shipped overseas – up to 1,300 jobs are invested at the Hethel headquarters in Norfolk.
The company confirmed in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) that it is “actively exploring” new global market opportunities, but stressed that “Lotus Cars is continuing to operate normally. There are no plans to close any plants.”
Lotus sources told the BBC that the company evaluates its international production footprint and the situation is still under review. The key factor driving the discussion is the US imposing a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, a key market for Lotus. Tariff rate hikes temporarily undermine production of Hethel and complex transatlantic sales.
Commerce Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is expected to hold talks with Lotus owners to make the company and local stakeholders secure simultaneously.
“Lotus remains committed to the UK, our customers, employees, dealers, suppliers and our proud British heritage,” the company said in a follow-up statement.
Uncertainty triggered local political intervention. South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough said he was “very concerned” about the rumor of the potential closure of Huttel plants.
He posted on Facebook that he had “phone conversations” with Lotus and government officials and vowed to fight to keep the facility open. “I want to be very clear: I will do my best to ensure the Hethel facility remains in operation and Lotus continues to thrive in Norfolk,” he said.
Lotus’ Hethel website has been its manufacturing base since 1966 and has recently made significant investments as part of the company’s transition to electric vehicles. The company, now owned by China’s Geely, has been expanding its global ambitions and increasingly value North America.
While speculation about U.S. factories has rekindled concerns about the UK’s competitiveness as a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, Lotus’ messaging remains consistent: the brand may be globalizing but has not abandoned its UK foundation now.
