Trump’s 25 percent import tariffs affect the British sports car, and whether or not the Emira returns depends on how the government’s push plays out.
- Like many new-car models, the Lotus Emira is subject to a 25 percent import tariff.
- Lotus has decided to halt shipments of new Emiras to avoid the added cost.
- Imports could resume if tariffs ease or the manufacturer makes other adjustments.
Effects of 25 percent auto import tariffs continue to ripple through the new-car industry. The Lotus Emira, a low-volume sports car built in England, is one of the latest victims. The added tax levied on the importer forced the company to pause deliveries to the United States, at least for now.
Emira on Hold
We first learned of Lotus’s plans to turn off the Emira taps via a forum post on Lotus Talk. It shows communications from a California dealer to prospective customers, explaining that pending orders may not be fulfilled and shipments are being put on hold.
Car and Driver was able to confirm the developments with the manufacturer. The full statement from a Lotus spokesperson reads as follows: “Lotus has temporarily paused shipments to the U.S. as we assess the situation and determine the best path forward.”
Lotus in Limbo
Reading between the lines, this likely means no more Emiras are on the way until tariffs ease or the company decides to hike prices. Lotus does not break out sales numbers by market, but the company sold just over 12,000 vehicles in 2024, which was a large increase from the previous year. Much of that sales volume comes from the Chinese market and the Eletre EV that’s built there, so it’s unlikely that a halt on U.S. Emira sales will have much effect on the company’s bottom line.
The good news, at least for anyone looking for a new Emira, is that this particular dealer has a supply of 2024 and 2025 models available, and the same appears to be true for other Lotus stores around the U.S. Online inventory searches show more than 200 available new Emiras across the country, including those from both model years and equipped with both the four-cylinder and V-6 powertrains.
It’s always a sad day when an enthusiast vehicle such as the Emira leaves our market, even if only temporarily. Expect more automakers to make similar decisions in the face of President Trump’s tariff push.
