Lotus job losses confirmed at UK base
Lotus has confirmed it will cut 550 jobs at its Norfolk-based UK headquarters.
The site, which employs around 1,300 people and has been operating since 1966, was put under review by Chinese owner Geely last month.
It has now confirmed that about 40% of the workforce will lose their jobs due partly to pressures caused by tariff regulations and waning customer demand for high-end electric vehicles, although insisted it has no plans to close the factory.
The company statement said: “Following a review of Lotus Cars’ business objectives in line with the current market conditions, the company has announced a restructuring proposal, which anticipates a reduction of up to 550 roles across the business in the UK.
“The proposal is designed to enable Lotus Cars to operate with a flexible and agile business model, allowing it to ramp operations and resources in line with demand, as and when needed.”
Sustainable future
The statement continued: “We believe this is necessary in order to secure a sustainable future for the company in today’s rapidly evolving automotive environment, which is seeing uncertainty with rapid changes in global policies including tariffs. The brand remains fully committed to the UK, and Norfolk will remain the home of the Lotus’ sports car, motorsports and engineering consulting operations.
“It is actively exploring future growth opportunities to diversify Lotus Cars’ business model, including through third-party manufacturing. The company plans to increase integration globally across the wider Lotus group and is exploring greater resource sharing and collaboration across its operations.
“This comes on the heels of the recent news Lotus Technology plans to acquire 100% equity interest in Lotus UK in 2025, consolidating all Lotus businesses and operations together.”
