Skip advert
Advertisement

Lotus restructuring could lead to mass job cuts

As many as 325 jobs could be lost at Lotus, thanks to cost-cutting measures at the British firm

Lotus Elise Front

Lotus could be cutting as many as 325 jobs at its Hethel site in Norfolk. It’s all part of a restructuring and cost-cutting exercise at the company designed to create a solid foundation for future growth.

Recently instated as CEO of Lotus, Jean-Marc Gales said: “We have worked very hard to avoid the need to make the proposal, but do believe that it is now essential. It is in no way a reflection on our employees who have shown nothing but dedication to us and have worked tirelessly to support Lotus.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

The job cuts come just over a year after Lotus announced it would create more than 100 new jobs thanks to a £100million investment by its owner, DRB-HICOM.

Nevertheless, Lotus believes the job cuts are necessary to boost future revenue, and the company is keen to build on a recent uplift in sales. That’s mainly thanks to overseas sales, which helped bring about an increase in the number of cars shifted from 963 in 2012 to 1,368 in 2013. That figure could be beaten again this year, too.

“Once the reshaping has been undertaken, and with its strong and experienced management team, Lotus should be a leaner, more competitive organisation, focusing on both producing class-leading sports cars and innovative engineering,” said Gales.

There’s a fair bit of work to do at Lotus, though, with the company making a £167million net loss in 2013. If recent rumours are to be believed then big plans are afoot – a sporting saloon and an SUV are reportedly both on the cards.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Lotus backtracks on electric-only plan in favour of new ‘Hyper Hybrid’ tech
Lotus Emira i4 - front tracking

Lotus backtracks on electric-only plan in favour of new ‘Hyper Hybrid’ tech

New plug-in hybrid powertrain on the way, with “EV-centric” driving experience and over 100 miles of zero-emissions range
News
28 Nov 2024
Lotus announces new European CEO in wake of UK job cuts
Dan Balmer - Lotus CEO

Lotus announces new European CEO in wake of UK job cuts

Dan Balmer revealed as new European boss of Lotus Cars, promising to “read the room” with Hyper Hybrids and investment in assistance tech
News
28 Nov 2024
Lotus cuts another 200 jobs citing lack of market demand
Lotus Hethel factory

Lotus cuts another 200 jobs citing lack of market demand

Evija and electric sports car plans are still on track, according to the brand
News
8 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: the one and only Nissan Juke for less than £150 per month
Nissan Juke - left cornering

Car Deal of the Day: the one and only Nissan Juke for less than £150 per month

Nissan’s best-selling small SUV just got a little bit cheaper and is our Deal of the Day for 26 April
News
26 Apr 2025