Iconic car brand to ‘cut 400 jobs' despite saying it has ‘no plans' to end production in UK
The
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Fears have been raised that the factory could close altogether
Credit: Getty
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Up to 30 per cent of the factory's workforce could lose their jobs
Credit: Getty
Lotus has reportedly become the latest
The move comes after the brand held emergency talks and fellow motor manufacturer Nissan said it would be
A report in the Daily Mail claims that the sports car specialist is considering cutting 30 per cent of jobs at its plant in Hethel, Norfolk.
Of the 1,300 staff at the site up to 390 could now be facing down the prospect of losing their job.
Read more in Motors
A decision on the
Recent reports that the brand was considering
Majority owned by Chinese carmaker Geely, Lotus adamantly rejected the claims, saying in a statement: "The UK is the heart of the Lotus brand—home to our
"It is also our largest commercial market in Europe.
Most read in Motors
"Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory.
"We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global
The modern classic Lotus Elise
"We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK, over the past six years.
"
The reports of imminent closure however sparked
The meeting on Sunday, June29, reportedly saw the group discuss possible support measures.
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The Norfolk Lotus factory has been open since the 1960s
Credit: Reuters
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Concerns have been raised over American imposed tariffs
Credit: Alamy
Fears were raised that the brand would fall victim to
These were reportedly not addressed by the news that the tariffs would be reduced from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent.
Despite the emergency meeting, the offer of government support and the reduction in tariffs, the brand is still said to be set to cut a huge number of jobs.
The Sun has approached
Lotus' history
Lotus - founded by engineer Colin Chapman in 1948 - began production at Hethel in 1966.
It has shifted hands multiple times over the years in various bids to stave off financial instability.
Geely bought a majority stake in 2017, before investing £3 billion in UK production, but later switched much of its focus to a plant in Wuhan, China.
The manufacturer announced 270 job cuts in the UK in April and said last week sales for the first three months of 2025 had fallen 42%, racking up a net loss of $183 million (£134 million).
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