Overview

• Lotus announced a proposal to reduce up to 550 roles across its UK business following a review of market conditions.
• Local reports say the Hethel site in Norfolk will be affected, with council leaders preparing support packages for displaced workers.
• The company says Norfolk will remain the base for its sports car, motorsport and engineering consulting operations.
• Operations in the UK will be consolidated under Lotus Technology, with third-party manufacturing described as a future possibility.
• The decision comes after months of tariff-driven uncertainty and follows the firm’s rejection of claims that Hethel faced imminent closure or a move to the US.