Lotus came close to moving 60 years of British manufacturing to the United States
Published on Jul 05, 2025 at 8:09 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jul 03, 2025 at 2:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Lotus is one of Britain’s most iconic car manufacturers.
The iconic marque has been based in England since 1966.
But the brand recently shocked the car world with rumors surrounding its auto factory.
Because it has recently considered ending 60 years of British manufacturing.
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Is Lotus leaving its home after 60 years?
Like others, Lotus is very much feeling the effects of a negative global car economy.
A recent report from the BBC outlined that exports to the US have dropped by 50 percent this year.
Of course, there is also one headache-inducing buzzword that is a big factor in all of this.
And that buzzword, of course, comes from the current US administration – tariffs.
Despite recent signs of backpedalling, the current tariff rates remain at 25 percent.
The recent report suggests that Lotus has been considering the US move for quite some time.
Other brands, such as Hyundai, have recently begun building plants in the US to avoid tariffs.
It appears that – for the time being – the Lotus factory in the UK will remain in operation.
Iconic UK car brand to remain there – for now
The US market is considered to be a ‘critical’ one for the brand.
But export drops of 50 percent are simply unsustainable for any car brand.
And it appears that Lotus is not prepared to suffer those prolonged losses.
It’s a shame for a brand that is as historic and intertwined with the British car industry as this one.
The marque was founded in 1952 by the legendary Colin Chapman in London.
Since 1966, it’s been based at its current home in Norfolk, England.
The facility is home to a specialist factory and road-testing facility.
Despite expanding its international operations in recent years, the marque has always emphasised the importance of its home.
Lotus currently also operates a production facility in Wuhan, China – courtesy of its parent company, Geely.
But could it be moving to a new production home in the United States?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
