- Audi will cease production at its Brussels plant on February 28, killing the Q8 e-tron in the process.
- The plant will then be closed, resulting in approximately 3,000 people losing their jobs.
- Volkswagen’s German plants could avoid a similar fate thanks to Chinese automakers looking to expand into Europe.
Audi’s Brussels plant has a date with destiny as the company has confirmed production of the Q8 e-tron will end on February 28. The plant will then be closed and approximately 3,000 employees will be out of work.
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This has been a contentious issue, but labor and management recently agreed on a “social plan” that works for everyone. The automaker didn’t go into detail, but said “In addition to the voluntary company bonus already announced, the social plan includes many further measures of support that are open to all employees. These include special age-related measures for those over sixty, coaching services, and so-called outplacement services for employees.”
More: 150 Protestors Reportedly Storm Meeting At Audi’s Brussels Plant
The bonus factors in length of employment and is on top of legally required redundancy pay. Audi added the combined total should be more than twice what employees are required to receive.
Audi Brussels CEO Thomas Bogus said “I am very pleased that, despite difficult negotiations, we were able to reach a fair settlement for the employees.” He added the effort “demanded a lot from all negotiating parties,” but “in the end, everyone focused on the essentials and put the employees at the center of their actions.”
Volkswagen employees are likely paying attention as the automaker recently announced plans to eliminate more than 35,000 jobs in Germany. The company will also reduce production by approximately 734,000 units and move some assembly around.
While we’ve known about those cuts for awhile, the Financial Times is reporting the company is open to allowing Chinese automakers to take advantage of their excess capacity. Audi’s Gernot Döllner noted this would “lower the entrance barrier of these competitors.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Volkswagen’s David Powels, who told the publication “We’re open for any discussion on any topic with any partner.” This could potentially result in Chinese EVs being made at Volkswagen plants in Germany.
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