In positive news for British car making, Lotus has confirmed it will keep its production in Hethel, Norfolk. This decision, conveyed to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, dispels fears that the sports car maker was considering moving manufacturing to the US, which would have jeopardized 1,300 jobs and been a significant blow to the UK’s industrial base.
The urgent meeting on Sunday aimed to clarify the intentions of Lotus’s Chinese owner, Geely, after a temporary production pause at Hethel fueled relocation rumors. 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, improving the economic viability of its exports, especially for the Emira sports car, 60% of which goes to the US. Lotus had previously declared that “the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand,” a sentiment now reinforced by this commitment.
This outcome is a relief for the local economy and skilled workforce, echoing the concerns raised by Labour MP Ben Goldsborough. The government’s broader commitment to supporting the automotive sector, including through significant R&D funding, provides a stable environment for Lotus’s continued success in the UK.
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