How hard did Lotus take a hit in the sales department in the UK?
Lotus has a long and storied history, not just in Malaysia, but globally as well. Hailing from the U.K, this British sports car manufacturer has been an iconic brand with many success stories accumulated over decades of excellence. Now, the brand seems to be in dire straits as it has announced it will have to cut up to 270 jobs in the UK
The aforementioned job losses will primarily affect the company’s Hethel manufacturing site, home to the renowned Lotus sports car factory and its FIA-approved test track. This historic facility was first acquired by Lotus founders Colin and Hazel Chapman in 1966. The restructuring move follows a difficult period for the brand too.
Moreover, the job cuts come after 94 jobs were lost in November 2024, and further cuts were made across the company’s Norfolk sites in early 2024 but Lotus has confirmed that other UK facilities are not affected. These include the Lotus Advanced Structures site, the Lotus Advanced Technology R&D centre in Warwick, and the Group Lotus commercial headquarters in London.
A Lotus spokesperson explained that the proposed restructure is a necessary step to remain competitive in an increasingly volatile global market. They cited shifting consumer preferences in the sports car segment, along with recently imposed U.S. automotive tariffs, as key contributing factors.
“This decision is vital to enhance our competitiveness in today’s market,” the spokesperson said. “We remain fully committed to the UK and our British workforce.” Ben Goldsborough, Labour MP for South Norfolk, expressed concern saying, “There is a huge feeling of uncertainty about the future—not just for the employees, but for their families as well.”
On top of that, the announcement coincides with heightened global trade tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump recently imposed, then temporarily suspended, a 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles, impacting UK-built sports cars such as the Lotus Emira. In response, Lotus has paused shipments of the Emira to the U.S., citing the financial impact of the tariffs.
Goldsborough emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation. “We must reduce trade barriers and foster closer relationships with like-minded countries,” he stated. “Protectionism helps no one and hurts everyone.”
Lotus has had a very good run but clearly, even the best can fall at any time because Lotus took every step imaginable to remain successful after the popularity of SUVs went through the roof and even kept up with electrification so I hope it gets through this rough patch.
