[09
MAR 01] LOTUS
CARS NEWS
Jobs To Go In Coventry As Lotus Sheds Staff
Jobs
are to go at car firm Lotus’ base in Coventry following a downturn
in the automotive industry.
Around
a third of the positions at the factory in Birmingham Road, Allesley
will go as the company sheds 300 jobs.
It
means that around 30 jobs will be lost.
The
announcement is a reversal of Lotus’ plans, announced six weeks ago,
to increase the company’s presence in Coventry.
The
sportscar manufacturer and automotive engineering consultancy said it
wanted to have a higher profile in the West Midlands as it is central
to the UK car industry.
Council
investment officers are currently in America trying to persuade other
car firms to also move to the city.
A
statement issued by Group Lotus blamed an international downturn in
the industry, and delays in various projects for the cuts.
The
statement said:
“The
downturn in the world’s automotive industry over the last few
months, coupled with delays in the production ramp-up of the new
Lotus Elise and the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220, have created a
shortfall in revenue for the whole group.
“Accordingly,
cost saving measures will be taken to contain the business’ costs
within its projected revenues.
“The
redundancies will be at Hethel and Coventry, and could be up to 300
(approximately 15% of the workforce) in total.
“Lotus’
facilities in North America will continue to operate from its engine
testing facility in Ann Arbor and the recently acquired Southfield
Engineering Centre, both near Detroit.
“Lotus
will continue with sales of the Exige and Esprit and will increase
production of the new Elise and the Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220
towards the planned total volumes of nearly 7,000 a year.
“It
is in response to this challenge, and the downturn in the demand for
engineering services, that the Lotus management must take steps to
control costs within projected revenues.”
An
announcement about exact figures shall be made following due
consultation with staff and workers’ representatives.
SEE [07 MAR 01] COVENTRY
LURES TOP AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN FIRMS
SEE [24 JAN 01] LOTUS TO CREATE
UP TO 150 NEW JOBS IN COVENTRY
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