Matt Windle, the European head of Lotus, is stepping down just four months into his new role, following a turbulent episode surrounding the company’s UK manufacturing operations.
Windle, who began his career with Lotus as a chief engineer at the company’s Hethel plant in Norfolk, had recently been promoted from managing the UK division to overseeing Lotus Cars Europe. His departure follows a controversial and sudden reversal in the company’s plans to cease production at its historic Hethel facility.
In June, reports emerged that Lotus, which is owned by Chinese automotive group Geely, was preparing to shut down the Hethel factory. However, less than 24 hours later, the company reversed course, stating it had no plans to close the plant and was instead exploring “strategic options” to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. The government’s willingness to offer support is believed to have influenced the decision.
Sources with knowledge of the matter revealed that Windle had agreed to step aside following the confusion, and he has been noticeably absent from several key meetings in recent weeks. Neither Windle, Lotus, nor Geely have officially commented on the resignation.
Windle’s departure is the latest in a string of high-level exits from Lotus, including Chief Commercial Officer Mike Johnstone and several members of the company’s communications, sales, and marketing teams.
Reports indicate that in June, Feng Qingfeng, CEO of US-listed Lotus Technology (which owns the UK operations), directed senior executives to draft a withdrawal plan from UK manufacturing. Feng reportedly informed investors that Lotus was refocusing production efforts on the United States, in part due to challenges posed by tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump.
In addition to trade pressures, Lotus has been grappling with delays and cost overruns in its vehicle development, particularly as it transitions from internal combustion engines to electric models. This shift has been slower than expected due to limited consumer adoption.
Financially, the company has struggled. Lotus Technology reported an operating loss of $103 million for the second quarter of 2025, although this marked an improvement from the $233 million loss during the same period last year. Vehicle deliveries also fell by 42%, down to 1,274 units.
The Hethel facility, established in 1966, has a production capacity of around 10,000 cars annually. In contrast, the company’s Wuhan plant in China can manufacture up to 150,000 vehicles per year, highlighting a strategic tilt toward the Asian market.
Windle’s exit signals continuing uncertainty at Lotus, as the brand navigates global trade challenges, internal restructuring, and the complexities of electric vehicle transformation.
