Large drop in demand for the Q8 e-tron model series
The car manufacturer Audi is currently producing the Q8 e-tron model at its site in Brussels, which marks Audi's entry into electric mobility. Production of this model started in 2018 and was in high demand at the beginning. However, Audi has currently seen a drop in demand for the Q8 e-tron as new models have been launched on the market. As a result, incoming orders are falling sharply.
According to the information provided, this will have a major impact on Brussels as a production location, which is already facing challenges. These include high logistics costs, which are associated with high production costs. In addition, the production site is very close to the city, which means that changes can only be implemented to a limited extent.
For these reasons, Audi is considering stopping production of the Q8 e-tron model series at an early stage.
Negative impact on employees
However, a premature termination of production would have a negative impact on employment at the site. For this reason, the Board of Management of Audi Brussels has communicated the idea of restructuring the site to the Company Council. This leads to the initiation of the information and consultation process with the Company Council.
Audi has announced that the company management will work with the relevant partners to find solutions for the site and its employees.
Volker Germann, CEO of Audi Brussels, emphasizes: "The announcement of the intention is not yet a final decision. Nevertheless, this news is very moving for the workforce in Brussels and for me too. It is important to have a transparent and constructive dialog in the process that now follows. We will take all perspectives into account."
According to Audi, the AUDI AG employee representatives are calling for a sustainable solution for all those affected. Audi management must take responsibility for the site.