Mass layoffs are becoming a reality at Audi's factory on the outskirts of Brussels, Belgium. Production will be moved to Mexico.
One of two remaining car factories in Belgium is facing a total shutdown, despite political efforts to keep it open.
The factory belongs to Audi, which builds the Q8 e-tron in Belgium. But interest in the car, which was Audi's first mass-produced electric car, is so small that the brand will no longer defend keeping the assembly line running smoothly.
Handelsblatt writes that.
For the same reason, Audi has started a so-called whoring process, which is required by law in Belgium. But in practice, it is the first step towards a shutdown of the factory. Here, there are still 3,600 employees on the payroll.
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The employees have survived a round of layoffs from earlier this year. Audi's first in Belgium ever. There were over 300 jobs here, and even then the brand was talking about closing the factory. Now it seems to be happening.
Instead, Audi moves some of its production to Mexico, where wages are significantly lower. At the same time, no successors are planned that can be produced at the factory in Belgium.
If the factory closes, Volvo will be the only car brand still able to build cars in Belgium. Audi's withdrawal means that a further 1,000 employees risk being fired as early as October. In May 2025, a further 1,100 positions will cease to exist. In addition, 1,000 positions at subcontractors are at risk.
The German newspaper writes that Audi is currently investigating all options. Blue. an interest from a potential investor. But as it stands right now, the last Audi will soon be built in Belgium.
Overall, the automotive industry is an extremely stressed place at the moment. Several very large companies – e.g. Recaro, BBS, Continental and several car brands are at risk of bankruptcy. Read more about it here .
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