A wave of relief has swept through Norfolk as Lotus confirms its factory will stay open. The sports car manufacturer provided clear assurances to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, quashing fears of a move to US production and securing 1,300 vital jobs in the region.
The urgent Sunday meeting was prompted by concerns that Lotus, owned by China’s Geely, was considering relocating its manufacturing after pausing production at Hethel in mid-May due to tariffs. 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.”
Lotus is poised to resume full operations as US tariffs on car imports are set to decrease significantly, making exports of its Emira sports cars more economically viable. The company had previously stated that “the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand,” reinforcing its dedication to its British base.
This positive development offers crucial stability for the local economy and its skilled workforce. The government’s broader commitment to supporting the automotive industry, including through substantial R&D funding, further strengthens the outlook for Lotus’s continued presence in the UK.