The UK government has welcomed Lotus’s commitment to its manufacturing operations in the UK, following assurances that its Norfolk factory will not be shut down. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with Lotus and Geely executives, securing this pledge amid concerns about a potential shift of production to the US and its impact on 1,300 jobs.
The urgent Sunday meeting was prompted by reports that Lotus was considering manufacturing its Emira sports car in the US after pausing production at Hethel in mid-May due to US tariffs. However, 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 now poised to resume full production as US tariffs on car imports are set to decrease significantly. The company has consistently emphasized the UK’s central role in its brand identity, stating “the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand” and its largest European market.
This positive development aligns with the government’s industrial strategy to support key sectors like automotive. The government’s pledge of £2.5 billion in capital and R&D funding, alongside efforts to cut energy costs, further strengthens the environment for manufacturers like Lotus in the UK.
