Lotus is poised to resume production at its Norfolk factory, a direct result of impending reductions in US tariffs on car imports. Crucially, the sports car manufacturer has reassured UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds that it has no plans to shut its Hethel plant, calming fears of a potential move to the US and securing 1,300 jobs.
The production pause at Hethel in mid-May was largely attributed to the prohibitive 25% US tariffs. However, with these tariffs dropping to 10% on Monday, the economic environment for Lotus’s significant exports to the US (around 60% of Emira sales) has dramatically improved, enabling a resumption of normal operations.
During a Sunday meeting, Reynolds received a firm commitment from Lotus and Geely management, as confirmed by a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson: “They are committed to their UK operations and have no plans to close their Hethel plant.” This counters earlier speculation stemming from discussions about “localisation plans” in the US.
The news is a significant relief for the local economy and reinforces the UK’s position in high-value automotive manufacturing. The government’s broader support for the sector further underpins the positive outlook for Lotus’s continued presence in Norfolk.
Lotus to Resume Production in Norfolk as US Tariffs Drop
