Audi reduces overflow production of the Q4 e-tron in Brussels

From the end of the year, the Q4 e-tron will be built by Audi itself at the Brussels plant in addition to the VW plant in Zwickau. But as demand is so low, that capacities in Zwickau are more than sufficient, Audi lowered production targets for Brussels even before the start - to the displeasure of the employees, who are now on strike.

The overflow production of the Q4 e-tron at the Audi plant in Brussels was supposed to start as early as mid-2023 to relieve the burden on production in Zwickau. However, output in Zwickau is not running at its limit. VW recently cut 270 temporary jobs and took further measures to reduce costs in October. So, the plans for Brussels were postponed to the end of the year. But that, too, is now turning out differently than expected.

At a works meeting, Audi informed employees that initially, it would manufacture significantly less Q4 e-tron in Brussels than expected. The reason is said to be low demand. Audi is using Brussels as an overflow production site, but now there is no overflow, as Zwickau alone can meet the current demand. The workers at the plant then went on strike for two days.

Audi told German Automobilwoche “The company has decided to assemble the Audi Q4 E-tron in Brussels in addition to Zwickau in response to increased market demand. This will allow Audi to react more flexibly to peaks in demand.” The main production site for the Audi Q4 e-tron will remain Zwickau, but final preparations are underway for the start-up of overflow production in Brussels. “The first Audi Q4 e-tron will soon roll off the production line at the site,” the spokesperson says. He added that the overflow production of the Q4 e-tron is now additionally scaffolded. Only demand will decide when it will also start up in large numbers.

That was the last straw for the workers: “The workforce is unsettled, and management has not been able to calm them down,” a trade unionist told the Belgian newspaper De Standaard. “While it was recently announced that there would be no temporary job cuts, the production lines were already at a standstill for three days last week. Those in charge do not know what they are doing.”

Until Q4 production starts (on a small scale), the Q8-e-tron range is the only product from Brussels. The electric SUV and the associated SUV coupe called Sportback are built there.

europe.autonews.com

2 Comments

about „Audi reduces overflow production of the Q4 e-tron in Brussels“

Didier Tuyttens

13.10.2023 um 12:36

I am waiting now for 21 months for my Q4 to be delivered. In spring this year, my dealer told me that I would probably get my Q4 in Q4-2023 and that it probably will be made in Brussels. Nope.If there is low demand, why can't Audi deliver the car? Don't tell me there are still no microchips. This problem is solved now.And still no production date on the screen of my dealer ... Low demand? Or other problems???

Tom Van Driessche

23.01.2024 um 10:46

I'm also desperately waiting my Q4 E-tron. First I got pushed to take an option what I did not ask for to keep the promised delivery date. Now, the delivery keeps being pushed further in future. If there is such a low demand, why can't Audi produce on time? After 20 years driv ing Audi, it will probably my last Audi. this is really unacceptable.