Audi Announces Closure of 70-Year-Old Factory Impacting 3000 Workers

In a significant move, Audi has officially announced the closure of its Brussels factory as of February 28, 2025, which is expected to lead to the loss of approximately 3000 jobs. This decision arises from ongoing structural issues, including high logistics costs and low production efficiency, which have plagued the facility for years.

The Brussels factory, established in 1948, has a rich history in Belgium's automotive industry, producing millions of vehicles. Since 2018, the plant transitioned from internal combustion engines to electric vehicle production, marking Audi's commitment to electrification. However, sales of its flagship model, the Q8 e-tron, have drastically declined due to a drop in market demand, resulting in only 53,555 electric vehicles produced in 2023, accounting for about 30% of Audi's total deliveries.

Despite efforts to find a buyer for the factory, Audi was unsuccessful, leading to the inevitable closure. In response, the company is providing support to affected employees through local job centers and plans to host a recruitment fair in April, aiming to offer 4000 new positions.

While this closure marks a crucial shift for Audi, plans are already in motion to transfer the production of the Q8 e-tron to Mexico, expected to begin in 2026. This situation not only highlights Audi's struggles but also reflects broader challenges facing the European automotive industry amid the transition to electric vehicles.