Audi shifts gears: Brussels factory to close, move to Mexico
Dark clouds have been looming over the Audi factory in Brussels for months. Now, a final decision has been made, which will take effect in March 2025.
The Belgian plants producing the electric Q8 e-tron SUV will be closed, and production will most likely move to Mexico—this is the official decision made after months of negotiations and searching for a potential investor.
"The decision to close the factory in Brussels is painful. Personally, it is the hardest decision I have had to make in my professional career," says Audi's head of production, Gerd Walker, as quoted by "Automotive News Europe".
As recently as November, Audi was looking for an investor who could take over the plant along with the employees. Unfortunately, no one was willing. Although it is not officially stated, it is evident that the operating costs in Belgium are not among the lowest. From a business perspective, it was not a viable opportunity.
The plant will be closed on February 28, 2025. According to the Belgian service "vrt.be", employees can count on substantial severance packages dependent on tenure and position. Those who have worked for 17 years and more will receive from CAD 185,000 to CAD 280,000, and those employed for over 30 years, CAD 295,000 to CAD 590,000.
