The Hethel factory, Lotus’s only UK site, is set for a secure future in the UK. The sports car manufacturer has reassured Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds that it has no plans to shut the Norfolk plant, dispelling concerns of a production move to the US that would threaten 1,300 jobs.
The urgent Sunday meeting with Lotus and Geely management was crucial in clarifying the company’s position. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson confirmed Reynolds “was reassured by management that they are committed to their UK operations and have no plans to close their Hethel plant.” This strong statement provides much-needed clarity.
Lotus had paused production in mid-May, citing inventory and supply chain issues exacerbated by US tariffs. However, with these tariffs scheduled to be reduced to 10% on Monday, Lotus is preparing to resume operations. The company has publicly affirmed that “the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand.”
Despite earlier discussions about “localisation plans” in the US, the immediate outcome ensures Hethel’s continued role as a vital manufacturing hub, producing the Emira sports car and an electric hypercar. The government’s commitment to supporting the automotive sector further underpins this positive outlook.