Audi Brussels announces intention to restructure

Following a special works council, Audi has announced its intention to restructure its production activities at the plant in the Brussels municipality of Forest. The carmaker is also considering an early end to the production of the Q8 e-tron model.

There has been uncertainty for some time about the future of the plant. The company previously announced that the successor to the Q8 e-tron would no longer be produced there from 2027, as sales of the luxury SUV are very poor. After a special works council meeting on Tuesday, it announced that it was likely to end production early. This means a restructuring is imminent for the plant. 

In March, it was announced that 371 temporary workers would lose their jobs at the Forest plant as production was to be reduced. In addition, the plant regularly faces production problems. The federal government offered a series of support measures in the hope of securing the plant's future. If no alternatives are found, there is a chance that the plant will have to shut down.

It was hoped that Tuesday’s meeting would bring clarity, but the company is still considering various scenarios. One possibility is for the plant to produce only parts, not entire vehicles. 

"The announcement of intention is not yet a decision," said Volker Germann, CEO of Audi Brussels. "Nevertheless, this news moves our staff and myself. It is important to have a transparent and constructive dialogue in the process that now follows. We will take all views into account."

^{The Audi Brussels plant in Forest © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE}