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Auto Blog
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Could Lotus Soon Build Cars in the U.S. to Dodge Tariffs?
View post: New Ferrari Amalfi Improves the Roma in All the Right Ways View post: Amazon is selling a 'spacious' $138 rooftop cargo carrier for just $79, and it's the 'perfect travel companion' Rumors swirl, but Lotus says the UK plant is safe Reports over the weekend suggested Lotus might shut down its historic factory in Norfolk, England, threatening more than 1,300 jobs. But the automaker pushed back, saying in a statement, 'Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory.' The denial came after the BBC and Financial Times published stories claiming Lotus was preparing to end UK vehicle production altogether. 0:09 / 0:09 Honda may move the next-generation Civic production from Mexico to the U.S. Watch More Still, the company left the door open to other changes, saying it's 'actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.' Lotus looks to America to avoid tariffs One option on the table is building cars in the U.S. Speaking during a Q1 earnings call, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng acknowledged that assembling vehicles stateside could help the brand circumvent tariffs. 'We are trying to leverage our U.S. strategy to catch up on the losses due to the tariff hike. We believe that localization is a feasible plan,' he said. 2026 Lotus Emira V6 — Source: Lotus Rather than build a brand-new facility, Lotus is reportedly eyeing Volvo's plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Volvo, also owned by Geely, opened the site in 2018 and has room to build 150,000 cars per year, but hasn't reached that number. After ending production of the S60 sedan, the factory now builds just two models: the EX90 and Polestar 3. The Ridgeville factory could give Lotus a soft landing The Ridgeville plant already faced a slight workforce cut in May, when Volvo announced it would lay off 5% of its staff—about 125 workers. However, in the long term, the company still plans to expand its operations and add thousands of new jobs. For Lotus, using an existing Geely-owned factory would make far more sense than constructing a new one. Automotive News reports that the Emira sports car and Lotus's upcoming EVs could be assembled in South Carolina if a deal goes through. So far, there's no final decision from Geely or Lotus. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2026 Lotus Emira Turbo SE — Source: Lotus Tariffs disrupt sales as Lotus's U.S. ambitions grow Lotus has good reason to make a move. The U.S. is its fifth-largest market, but recent tariffs have made exporting cars difficult. Emira exports were halted in April due to increased duties imposed by the Trump administration, but sales will resume in August when the 2026 model hits U.S. dealerships. 2024 Lotus Emira I4 First Edition — Source: Lotus The brand's electric models, including the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan, are made in China and can't currently be sold in the U.S. because of the same tariffs. Final thoughts Even as Lotus insists its UK operations are safe, industry watchers remain concerned. The British car sector has been hit hard in recent years, and production dropped by a third this May compared to last year. Only 49,810 cars were built, which is the lowest figure for the month since 1949. Exports to the U.S. are also down sharply. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says U.S. shipments from British automakers fell 55.4% year over year in May. The country's share of UK auto exports shrank from 18.2% to just 11.3%. Whether or not Lotus expands to South Carolina, it's clear the company, and the wider UK auto industry, is under pressure to adapt. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Could Lotus Soon Build Cars in the U.S. to Dodge Tariffs?
Reports over the weekend suggested Lotus might shut down its historic factory in Norfolk, England, threatening more than 1,300 jobs. But the automaker pushed back, saying in a statement, "Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory." The denial came after the BBC and Financial Times published stories claiming Lotus was preparing to end UK vehicle production altogether. Still, the company left the door open to other changes, saying it's "actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market." One option on the table is building cars in the U.S. Speaking during a Q1 earnings call, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng acknowledged that assembling vehicles stateside could help the brand circumvent tariffs. "We are trying to leverage our U.S. strategy to catch up on the losses due to the tariff hike. We believe that localization is a feasible plan," he said. Rather than build a brand-new facility, Lotus is reportedly eyeing Volvo's plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Volvo, also owned by Geely, opened the site in 2018 and has room to build 150,000 cars per year, but hasn't reached that number. After ending production of the S60 sedan, the factory now builds just two models: the EX90 and Polestar 3. The Ridgeville plant already faced a slight workforce cut in May, when Volvo announced it would lay off 5% of its staff-about 125 workers. However, in the long term, the company still plans to expand its operations and add thousands of new jobs. For Lotus, using an existing Geely-owned factory would make far more sense than constructing a new one. Automotive News reports that the Emira sports car and Lotus's upcoming EVs could be assembled in South Carolina if a deal goes through. So far, there's no final decision from Geely or Lotus. Lotus has good reason to make a move. The U.S. is its fifth-largest market, but recent tariffs have made exporting cars difficult. Emira exports were halted in April due to increased duties imposed by the Trump administration, but sales will resume in August when the 2026 model hits U.S. dealerships. The brand's electric models, including the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan, are made in China and can't currently be sold in the U.S. because of the same tariffs. Even as Lotus insists its UK operations are safe, industry watchers remain concerned. The British car sector has been hit hard in recent years, and production dropped by a third this May compared to last year. Only 49,810 cars were built, which is the lowest figure for the month since 1949. Exports to the U.S. are also down sharply. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says U.S. shipments from British automakers fell 55.4% year over year in May. The country's share of UK auto exports shrank from 18.2% to just 11.3%. Whether or not Lotus expands to South Carolina, it's clear the company, and the wider UK auto industry, is under pressure to adapt. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lotus Doubles Down on Hybrids After EV Setback
View post: I Drove the 2025 Mazda CX90 & 2025 Ford Explorer, Which One is Best? Here's My Brutally Honest Review View post: Walmart is selling a 'handy' $66 171-piece tool kit for just $30, and it has 'pretty much everything you need' Change of Heart: From EVs to Hybrids At the end of 2024, Lotus stepped back from its headline-grabbing plan to become an EV-only brand. After years of EV-centric messaging, the British sports car maker admitted what many others in the industry are also starting to face: demand for premium electric vehicles isn't as strong or consistent as initially hoped. In response, Lotus is now taking a more flexible approach to electrification, revisiting hybrid technology as a core part of its future. CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed during the company's Q1 earnings call that Lotus is 'investigating the feasibility' of sports cars using a new 'Hyper Hybrid' plug-in system. The Emira's hybrid future is also taking shape, with more insights about its future electrified heart. Of note, sales for Lotus dropped 42% in the first quarter of 2025, down to just 1,274 cars globally. This is due to various factors, including weak demand for EVs and the U.S. tariffs. With these predicaments, the pivot is less about abandoning electrification entirely and more about reshaping it to suit current market conditions. Hyper-Hybrid Eletre in the Works According to Feng, the Hyper Hybrid powertrain features a 900V battery system with front and rear electric motors, capable of fast-charging from 10-80% in 12 minutes. It offers up to 186 miles of EV-only range and a total range exceeding 620 miles. Crucially, it qualifies as a true plug-in hybrid, not a range-extender – the engine powers the wheels directly. Autocar reports that the first production model to carry Lotus' new Hyper Hybrid system will be a variant of the Eletre SUV. Feng said it will debut in late 2025, with deliveries scheduled for Q1 2026. The combustion engine won't be the familiar Toyota V6 or AMG 2.0L turbo currently used in the Emira, though Lotus hasn't confirmed what will replace them. Electrified Emira to Ignite Demand As for the Emira, it remains the backbone of the brand, accounting for more than 5,000 of Lotus' 12,000 global sales last year. It recently received an update for the 2026 model year, reflecting the automaker's focus on its main mover. Speaking to Auto Express, Lotus Europe CEO Matt Windle hinted at hybrid plans for the mid-engined coupe. Packaging will be important, though, considering the Emira's relatively compact size, expect a system similar in layout to the Ferrari 296 GTB or McLaren Artura. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. We've known that a V8-powered Emira is likely happening to replace the aging Toyota V6 once emissions rules tighten, though it's unclear whether this monster of a power plant will be used for the hybrid setup. The timeline for the Emira is still unclear at this point, but given Lotus' recent lackluster sales, the automaker needs to move quickly. It will also help if it resolves its current issues with tariffs, considering that America represents a substantial chunk of its sales. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Lotus Changes Gears with Hybrid Comeback
At the end of 2024, Lotus stepped back from its headline-grabbing plan to become an EV-only brand. After years of EV-centric messaging, the British sports car maker admitted what many others in the industry are also starting to face: demand for premium electric vehicles isn't as strong or consistent as initially hoped. In response, Lotus is now taking a more flexible approach to electrification, revisiting hybrid technology as a core part of its future. CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed during the company's Q1 earnings call that Lotus is "investigating the feasibility" of sports cars using a new "Hyper Hybrid" plug-in system. The Emira's hybrid future is also taking shape, with more insights about its future electrified heart. Of note, sales for Lotus dropped 42% in the first quarter of 2025, down to just 1,274 cars globally. This is due to various factors, including weak demand for EVs and the U.S. tariffs. With these predicaments, the pivot is less about abandoning electrification entirely and more about reshaping it to suit current market conditions. According to Feng, the Hyper Hybrid powertrain features a 900V battery system with front and rear electric motors, capable of fast-charging from 10-80% in 12 minutes. It offers up to 186 miles of EV-only range and a total range exceeding 620 miles. Crucially, it qualifies as a true plug-in hybrid, not a range-extender - the engine powers the wheels directly. Autocar reports that the first production model to carry Lotus' new Hyper Hybrid system will be a variant of the Eletre SUV. Feng said it will debut in late 2025, with deliveries scheduled for Q1 2026. The combustion engine won't be the familiar Toyota V6 or AMG 2.0L turbo currently used in the Emira, though Lotus hasn't confirmed what will replace them. As for the Emira, it remains the backbone of the brand, accounting for more than 5,000 of Lotus' 12,000 global sales last year. It recently received an update for the 2026 model year, reflecting the automaker's focus on its main mover. Speaking to Auto Express, Lotus Europe CEO Matt Windle hinted at hybrid plans for the mid-engined coupe. Packaging will be important, though, considering the Emira's relatively compact size, expect a system similar in layout to the Ferrari 296 GTB or McLaren Artura. We've known that a V8-powered Emira is likely happening to replace the aging Toyota V6 once emissions rules tighten, though it's unclear whether this monster of a power plant will be used for the hybrid setup. The timeline for the Emira is still unclear at this point, but given Lotus' recent lackluster sales, the automaker needs to move quickly. It will also help if it resolves its current issues with tariffs, considering that America represents a substantial chunk of its sales. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Lotus Might Build Cars at Volvo Factory In America
Over the weekend, multiple reports emerged suggesting Lotus might shut down its historic Norfolk plant and cease car production in the United Kingdom. However, those rumors have since been denied: 'Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory.' The statement followed reports from the BBC and Financial Times , which alleged that the Geely-controlled sports car brand was planning to end UK production, putting 1,300 jobs at risk. While the British plant isn't shutting down, Lotus has acknowledged it's 'actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.' According to Automotive News , CEO Feng Qingfeng said during the company's Q1 earnings call last week that Lotus is considering building cars in the United States to avoid tariffs: 'We are trying to leverage our U.S. strategy to catch up the losses due to the tariff hike. We believe that localization is a feasible plan.' Lotus Emira Photo by: Lotus Building an entirely new factory from the ground up isn't realistic for a low-volume brand like Lotus . Instead, Automotive News claims that the Emira sports car and electric models could be assembled at Volvo's factory in South Carolina. Opened in 2018, the Ridgeville facility has a maximum annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles but has never reached that figure. It currently produces only the EX90 and Polestar 3, following the discontinuation of the S60 in June last year. In May, Volvo announced that it would reduce its workforce at the plant by 5%, approximately 125 of the 2,500 employees. However, it still plans to create 4,000 new jobs and increase production in the long run. It remains unclear whether parent company Geely has made a final decision to manufacture Lotus models at the 2.3 million-square-foot Ridgeville site. Lotus is under pressure to act quickly, as the U.S. is its fifth-largest market. Emira exports were halted in April due to steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Feng confirmed that deliveries will resume in August, when the 2026 Emira is scheduled to arrive at dealerships. The Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan, both electric and made in China, are currently unavailable in the U.S. The Eletre briefly reached American shores, but sales were suspended due to tariffs on Chinese EVs. Lotus Eletre Photo by: Lotus Lotus Emeya Regardless of what happens in the U.S., Lotus insists it won't shut down its UK operations: 'We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK over the past six years. Lotus remains committed to the UK—and to its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, and proud British heritage. The UK is the heart of the Lotus brand—home to our sports car manufacturing, global design center, motorsport operations, and Lotus Engineering. It is also our largest commercial market in Europe.' Shutting down the Norfolk site would be another setback for Britain's shrinking car industry. UK car production in May dropped by a third compared to the same month in 2024, reaching a 76-year low. Only 49,810 cars were built, the lowest May figure since 1949, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Beyond Lotus, other British automakers, such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, have also scaled back U.S. exports due to rising tariffs. The SMMT reports that shipments to the U.S. fell by a whopping 55.4% in May compared to the same month of last year, primarily due to these trade barriers. The U.S. share of exports decreased from 18.2% to 11.3%. Catch Up With Lotus: The Lotus Emira Could Ditch Its V-6 for a V-8 Lotus Emira With Yellow Exhaust Tips Pays Tribute to an F1 GOAT Sources: Lotus , Automotive News , BBC , Financial Times , Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
