Ryan FowlerLotus Cars has confirmed it will cut up to 270 jobs in the UK as part of a business restructure, citing global market volatility and recent US tariffs among the reasons for the decision, according to reports.
The sports car manufacturer, headquartered in Hethel, Norfolk, said the proposed restructuring was essential to maintain competitiveness amid evolving conditions, including changing consumer demand and the introduction of new trade barriers.
The move comes after previous rounds of redundancies, including the loss of 94 jobs in November and earlier reductions at its two Norfolk factories in January 2023.
A Lotus spokesperson told the BBC: “Lotus Cars has announced a proposed business restructure to ensure sustainable operations, amid volatile and evolving market conditions including the US tariffs and shifting consumer demand for sports cars. The company plans to increase synergies across the wider Lotus brand and with its largest shareholder and technology partner, Geely Holding Group. It will look at greater resource sharing and collaboration in technology, engineering, and operations.”
The company said it remained committed to the UK but emphasised the need to adapt to external pressures.
The announcement follows last month’s 25% US tariff on imported cars and parts, which has intensified pressure on UK and European manufacturers. When asked whether the UK Government’s zero emission vehicle mandate exemption, introduced in part as a response to the tariffs, had come too late, the company declined to comment.
Founded in the early 1950s by engineer Colin Chapman, Lotus has been based in Norfolk since the 1960s and remains one of the UK’s most recognisable automotive brands.
