Lotus will shed 550 jobs at its Hethel headquarters, as the Norfolk-based sports car maker adjusts to what it describes as ‘rapidly evolving’ global market conditions. The move affects more than a third of the 1300-strong workforce at the site, which has been the marque’s home since the late 1960s.
The company said the decision followed a review of its business objectives in light of uncertain trading conditions, tariffs and shifting global policy. In a statement, Lotus explained: ‘We believe this is necessary in order to secure a sustainable future for the company in today’s rapidly evolving automotive environment.’
The brand emphasised that Norfolk remains the hub of Lotus Cars’ sports car production, motorsport activity and engineering consultancy. Hethel is currently responsible for building the Emira – the marque’s last combustion-engined sports car – and also serves as base for Lotus Engineering. By contrast, production of the electric Eletre SUV is centred at Wuhan in China.
Founded by Colin Chapman in 1952 and established at Hethel since 1966 on the site of a former RAF airfield, Lotus has been defined by lightweight sports cars such as the Elan, Esprit, Elise and Exige, alongside multiple F1 successes.
The company underlined that Hethel would remain central to Lotus identity and operations, while also exploring ‘future growth opportunities to diversify Lotus Cars’ business model, including through third-party manufacturing’.
The announcement follows earlier speculation that Lotus might close its UK site altogether, which the company denied. The latest cuts mark a significant restructuring, but for now stop short of removing the brand from its historic Norfolk base.
