Under-Threat Audi Q8 e-tron Belgium Plant Cuts Production

Delays in deliveries of essential components force Audi to cut back on production for a fortnight at a European plant manufacturing the flagship Q8 e-tron model.

Reuters also reports that German auto publication Automobilwoche claims the automaker is contemplating moving production of the fullsize battery-electric SUV from the Belgium factory to either San Jose Chiapa in Mexico or to China.

It is believed the move would be part of a reorganization of Audi's global production network to reduce overcapacity. This could leave the Brussels factory without a vehicle to produce unless Audi plans a new model for the site.

The plant had been intended as an additional overflow production site of the Q4 e-Tron built in Zwickau, Germany, but a marked slowdown in European consumer demand for BEVs signals an end to this plan.

An Audi spokesperson tells Reuters it was “deciding from week to week” when production would return to full capacity. The automaker also is reassessing what models could be assembled at the Belgium plant in the medium term with an announcement to be made later. The spokesman adds that the Mexican site is preparing to ramp up production of a successor to the Audi Q5 model but it cannot yet confirm the model.