According to foreign media reports, Audi confirmed that in the next few years, Volkswagen Group has no plans to produce any models at its Forest factory in Brussels, Belgium.
So finding buyers for the factory may be the only way to avoid closure and thousands of jobs.
, Photo source: Audi, as a result, Audi’s Brussels factory’s original plan to gradually resume production on September 4 may be disrupted.
The factory was originally scheduled to resume operations this week, with two teams producing 15 vehicles per hour.
The Belgian General Confederation of Labour (FGTB) said it learned of the unexpected news at a special meeting of the Labour Council on September 3.
FGTB representative Pascal Debrulle said: “We are very sorry, which we did not expect.
“, FGTB pointed out that the Audi Brussels factory is still looking for potential “alternative projects”, but specific details need to be clarified at the next special meeting of the Labor Council (September 17).
Pascal Debrulle said: “We wanted to get the task of producing new Volkswagen models, but it didn’t turn out.
” He added that even if some of the alternatives proposed by Audi’s Brussels factory were implemented, they might only save 200 to 300 jobs.
In recent weeks, news has been circulating in the industry that a Chinese automaker is planning to acquire Audi’s Brussels factory.
Pascal Debrulle said this could save more jobs.
FGTB expects to receive “detailed information” about Audi’s Brussels factory replacement project, as well as details of potential buyers, at a meeting on September 17.
, The FGTB does not rule out spontaneous industrial action (strikes, etc.). Pascal Debrulle admitted: “Workers will not accept these conditions.
“, On September 3, Audi also announced separately that Thomas Bogus will serve as the new director of the Brussels factory starting on September 16, replacing Volker Germann, who is in a new position at Audi.
Thomas Bogus is currently the project manager for Audi’s pure electric vehicle production in Europe and China.
, Gerd Walker, Audi’s head of automotive production, said: “As factory director, Thomas Bogus will cautiously lead the Audi Brussels plant during this challenging period.
“, In July this year, Audi officially announced plans to restructure its Forest factory in Brussels.
The factory currently employs more than 3,000 workers.
Audi pointed to slowing demand for the electric Q8 e-tron model produced at its Brussels plant and that the plant also faces “long-term structural challenges.
” If no buyer is found, Audi’s Brussels factory will close, so about 1,500 jobs may be cut as early as October this year, and more than 1,100 workers will be cut next year.
Final layoffs may be made by the end of next year.
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