Audi will close its Brussels production facility on February 28, 2025, as part of a long-planned restructuring. The decision follows declining demand for the Q8 e-tron, which is currently built at the site, and plans to shift production of its successor to Mexico. This marks the first time the Volkswagen Group has shut down a plant in Europe.
Approximately 3,000 employees will be affected by the closure. In response, Audi has agreed to a social plan with staff representatives, offering a company bonus on top of the legally required redundancy pay.
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The bonus amount will vary based on each employee’s length of service, with long-tenured workers potentially receiving significant severance payments. For instance, employees with 30 years of service could receive a total severance package between €200,000 and €400,000, depending on their role and salary.
“We have a social responsibility for all employees. That is why it was important to us and to me personally that we reach a joint solution with the social partners in Brussels,” said Gerd Walker, Audi’s Board Member for Production. Additionally, the social plan includes various support programs, such as special retirement options for employees over 60, coaching, and outplacement services to help workers transition to new jobs.
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The Brussels plant, which dates back to 1949, has undergone multiple changes over the years. Initially a VW factory, it transitioned to Audi production in 2007, with a focus on the Audi A1. Since 2018, it has been a key site for electric mobility, producing the Audi e-tron and later the Q8 e-tron. However, challenges related to its location and lack of expansion space led Audi to discontinue operations at the plant. After unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer, Audi announced the closure, with the final operations set to wind down by 2025.