The impact of the Trump administration’s car tariffs continues to ripple through the auto industry, with Lotus now suspending exports of the Emira sports car to the United States. The British automaker joins a growing list that already includes Stellantis, Infiniti, Jaguar, and Land Rover.
The Emira, a 400-horsepower entry-level sports car priced just under $100,000, will no longer be imported into the US, creating a significant gap in Lotus’ offerings — especially compared to the Eletre electric SUV, which starts above $200,000. The move not only affects product availability but is also resulting in job losses.
Last Chance to Get the Emira News of the Emira suspension first emerged on the Lotus Talk forum, where a user shared a message from a local dealer. According to the post, not only have imports of the model been halted, but production of 2025 units for the US market has also been paused.
Customers with pending 2025 orders will have to wait indefinitely, and the tariffs could increase final costs. However, dealers reportedly still have 2024 models in stock, meaning buyers can still get an Emira at the current price — if they act quickly and choose from existing inventory.
Meanwhile, Lotus is reducing its workforce. As reported by British outlet Business Matters, 270 jobs are being cut at its Hethel plant in the UK, which builds the Emira and Evija. This follows 200 previous layoffs at the end of 2023, though those were unrelated to the tariff situation. The Eletre and forthcoming Emeya models are assembled in China and remain unaffected for now.
More Automakers Face Disruptions and Price Shifts Lotus isn’t alone. Stellantis recently paused operations at its facilities in Windsor, Canada, and Toluca, Mexico — halting production of both popular models like the Chrysler Pacifica and new EVs like the Dodge Charger Daytona.
These stoppages have led to 4,500 layoffs in Canada and 900 more at US parts plants. Jaguar, Land Rover, and Infiniti have also suspended exports to the US, at least for April, affecting models like the QX50 and QX55.
The tariffs are also driving up vehicle prices. Ferrari has increased prices on select models, while Subaru has been unable to provide firm pricing. In response, automakers like Stellantis and Ford are offering employee pricing to all customers, and Hyundai and BMW have committed to maintaining current pricing levels — though this could change depending on how long the tariffs remain in place.
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Disclaimer: This news has been recreated based on available sources for informational purposes only. It does not represent the views of any automaker mentioned. Pricing, availability, and corporate decisions are subject to change.
