Leaving Hethel
Lotus is considering ending its production in the United Kingdom and setting up a new factory in the United States, the British broadcaster BBC reports based on insiders. As a result, 1300 British jobs are at risk.
Lotus, which declined to comment, had already temporarily suspended production in Hethel due to the import duties of US President Donald Trump. America is an important market for Lotus, but the duties disrupt sales there.
Lotus was founded in the early 1950s by British engineer Colin Chapman. In addition to the United Kingdom, the company also has a factory in Wuhan, China.
In April, the car manufacturer already announced that 270 jobs would be cut due to “volatile and changing market conditions, including US tariffs.” The Chinese major shareholder Geely is making changes to several of its car brands, including Volvo, Polestar and Lynk & Co.