Lotus has issued a statement saying it has ‘no plans’ to close its factory in Hethel, Norfolk, the home of Lotus Cars and Classic Team Lotus.
The move came following news reports that the car maker’s Chinese owner, Geely, was considering different options, including moving Emira production to the U.S.
In the statement issued over the weekend, Lotus said ‘the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand—home to our sports car manufacturing, global design centre, motorsport operations, and Lotus Engineering.’
The statement continued: ‘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.’
Lotus said it ‘remains committed to the UK, and its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, as well as its proud British heritage.’
Rumours of Lotus’s decision to close its Norfolk factory were said to stem from ‘a person with knowledge of the company’s thinking.’
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