Audi significantly cuts Q4 e-tron production in Brussels

The Audi Q4 e-tron and its Sportback variant are currently produced at Volkswagen’s German plant in Zwickau, as are other electric models in the group built on the MEB platform. The four-ring brand’s plans involve also starting production at its Brussels plant from the end of the year. However, the current low demand for some of the Group Volkswagen electric models is going to bring about some adjustments.

Demand for the ID. family of electric models from Volkswagen below expectations recently led the German manufacturer to reduce its output in Zwickau and, as a consequence, the plant’s capacity is currently more than sufficient to meet all demand for the Q4 e-tron, so its production in Brussels is not necessary.

Given this situation, at a recent meeting with the workers at the Belgian plant, Audi informed them that Q4 e-tron production there will ultimately be far lower than originally planned. The news was not well received at all and, as a consequence, led to a two-day strike being called.

No demand, no production

In statements to German media, a representative of Audi explained the company’s intention to start Q4 e-tron production in Brussels in order to have greater flexibility in the face of demand peaks. However, the same representative made it clear that Zwickau will remain the main production plant from which the vast majority of units of Audi’s compact SUV will come. Production in Brussels will be at a minimum, and whether it increases significantly or not will depend exclusively on the level of demand at any given time.

As expected, these statements have not gone down well with the workers at the Brussels plant, where currently only the Q8 e-tron and its Sportback variant are produced. According to a union representative, the workers are nervous and the latest comments from the management have not helped improve the situation.