The recent ups and downs of Lotus have made for a gripping soap opera, but unfortunately with more downs than an Eastenders Christmas special.

And now Hethel is yet again generating glum headlines, as new chief executive Jean-Marc Gales proposes restructuring that could cost 325 jobs – around a quarter of its 1215-strong global workforce. It’s the latest step to arrest ongoing mismanagement too deep to forensically analyse here.

Gales said: “We understand the concerns that this proposal will create. We deeply regret the potential impact any reshaping of the business may have on our employees and their families. We have worked very hard to avoid the need to make the proposal, but do believe that it is now essential. It is in no way a reflection on our employees who have shown nothing but dedication to us and have worked tirelessly to support Lotus.”

Here’s to Lotus coming back strongly, and soon.