Lotus plans end to UK sportscar production, putting 1,300 jobs at risk

Carmaker's Chinese owner, Geely, looking at options including shifting Emira production from Norfolk to US

Lotus is planning an end to production of its sportscars in the UK, in a move that would put 1,300 jobs at risk and represent a major blow to the British car industry.

The carmaker's Chinese owner, Geely, is looking at options including manufacturing its Emira sportscar in the US, and stopping production at its plant in Hethel, Norfolk, permanently, according to a person with knowledge of the company's thinking.