Just heard on YouTube Geoff buys cars that Lotus have announced closing Hethel and moving production to the USA .
Im not sure if this is to get around tariffs, but with the UK energy costs being 4 times what it is in the US must influence decisions
UK gov is supposedly offering assistance to keep the brand in the UK. Just a bit more de industrialisation of the UK
Lotus is denying it. Does that mean it could be true? 
Lotus statement regarding recent media reports
HETHEL – 28 JUNE 2025 The UK is the heart of the Lotus brand—home to our sports car manufacturing, global design centre, motorsport operations, and Lotus Engineering. It is also our largest commercial market in Europe.
Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory. We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.
We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK, over the past six years. Lotus remains committed to the UK, and its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, as well as its proud British heritage.
Government have stepped in. There is article in FT apparently an agreement has been reached.
At the moment this story seems to be little more than so-called ‘experts’ putting together various things and jumping to a supposed conclusion.
For whatever reason, it’s been seized on by the media - never ones to be shy where another ‘let’s knock Britain’ story is concerned - and syndicated everywhere.
Like any company, doubtless Lotus/Geely will look at how they need to respond to the rules of the game, tariffs, etc. but does that mean throwing the baby out with the bathwater as these ‘industry experts’ are suggesting?
Personally I doubt it, not least as I maintain a healthy disregard for ‘expert opinion’…