Former British car brand Lotus is cutting back. Up to 270 jobs at the Hethel factory will disappear due to market pressure, which is why the brand will also be more closely linked to China.
The car market is in turmoil. British sports car manufacturer Lotus is feeling the pinch. New tariffs from the US and less interest in sports cars are putting pressure on the company.
Lotus is now forced to cut back and is planning to eliminate up to 270 jobs. This is being done in closer cooperation with its Chinese owner Geely.
The cuts are hitting Lotus' UK facilities, with the historic factory in Hethel, Norfolk, in particular, affected.
This is where Colin Chapman founded Lotus. The factory has been building sports cars since the 1960s. However, the British roots are weakening.
A Lotus spokesman confirmed the cuts, according to the BBC .
"The proposed restructuring is crucial for us to be competitive in today's market."
Lotus points to a volatile market. US tariffs and changing consumer interest in sports cars are cited as reasons for the layoff announcements.
Lotus strengthens partnership with Geely
Lotus will now work more closely with Geely, Lotus' largest owner and technology partner.
The plan is to share more resources, including technology, development and production, between the two companies.
The spokesman said: "The company plans to increase synergies within the broader Lotus brand and with its largest shareholder and technology partner, Geely Holding Group."
"This will involve increased resource sharing and more collaboration within technology, engineering and operations," the spokesperson explains. The hope is to significantly lower costs and increase efficiency.
This is not the first time Lotus has made cuts. Almost a hundred jobs disappeared in November last year. There were also cuts again the year before that.
The future is electric for Lotus
At the same time, Lotus continues its transformation. The brand is moving towards full electric operation in the future.
Lotus has invested large sums in the factories. The amount corresponds to approximately five billion Danish kroner.
Production now includes both electric SUVs and electric sports cars. The traditional brand also still makes electric sports cars.
Lotus was founded in the early 1950s by engineer Colin Chapman, who was behind the iconic company.
The brand quickly became known in the world of motorsport. But even well-known brands are vulnerable when the market changes rapidly and jobs are threatened.
The major transformation at Lotus is exciting to follow. The brand's focus on electric cars, such as the large Eletre, is reportedly struggling. Did you know that the last Lotus Elise is owned by the woman who gave the car its name? Read more about it here .
