acf domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/ecg/ecgassociationdev/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121Automotive News Europe — 2024-02-05
Automotive Industry
Audi plans to reorganize its global production network to reduce overcapacity in a move that threatens its factory in Brussels.
The Volkswagen Group premium brand is considering shifting output of the Q8 E-tron all-electric SUV currently built in the Belgian factory to Mexico and China, according to Automotive News Europe sister publication Automobilwoche.
The reorganization could leave Brussels without a vehicle to produce. Audi was supposed to use the factory for overflow production of the Q4 E-Tron built in Zwickau, Germany, but this has not happened because of the weakening EV market.
Workers at the Brussels factory staged a short strike in October over fears for the plant's future.
Under a production overhaul planned by new CEO Gernot Doellner, Audi would move production of the Q8 E-tron to VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico, which has extra capacity. Audi's own factory in San Jose Chiapa is working at full capacity and last year set a production record building just under 180,000 units of the Q5 and Q5 Sportback.
Audi likely will also build the Q8 E-tron at its under-utilized factory in Changchun, China, according to sources.
In a statement, Audi said: "In close cooperation with the Volkswagen Group, we are continuously working on optimal plant occupancy for our global production network. A follow-up assignment for Brussels is currently being discussed."