Audi is closing its Brussels factory. This was confirmed by Audi Brussels CEO Thomas Bogus, after reaching an agreement with employees that includes bonus payments, training and relocation services, as well as special measures for employees over 60.

“I am very pleased that, despite difficult negotiations, we have managed to reach a fair solution for the employees,” said Audi Brussels CEO Thomas Bogus.

The bonus depends on the length of service and is added to the legally prescribed severance pay, which, in the end, could be twice what the employees are required to receive.

The plant will be shut down by February 28, which also means the end of production of the Audi Q8 e-tron model that has been rolling off the production lines of the factory in Brussels.

This news could be of importance to Volkswagen employees, because the German company has already announced the layoff of 35,000 employees by 2030. According to the Financial Times, Volkswagen is willing to let Chinese manufacturers use its excess capacity. “We are open to any discussion on any topic with any partner,” said Volkswagen board member David Powells.

Source: Financial Times

Audi has unveiled a new off-road vehicle capable of tackling any terrain. It is the Audi Q6 e-tron off-road concept that also features a new design language.

Although not much information has been released about this car yet, what can be seen in the photos are the thin headlights positioned in the upper front part, the closed front grille, thin daytime running lights located in the bumper, and four LED lights. The sporty look of this off-roader is contributed by the falling roof line that indicates that this is a coupe-SUV model, and not one of the crossovers from Audi’s fleet, and the wide wheel arches.

The car is equipped with a set of massive off-road tires, and the high ground clearance shows that this off-roader is capable of tackling any terrain. Audi did not reveal many details about the car except that it is an EV concept powered by two electric motors with a combined power output of 380 kW and can climb gradients of up to 100 percent thanks to its newly designed portal axles.

The new design also increases the torque at the wheels by 50 percent, which reduces the vehicle’s top speed to 175 km/h (108 mph). That’s plenty for any off-road vehicle, but it also allows it to climb slopes of up to 45 degrees.

“The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro. The model shows the potential that our platform for all electric vehicles already has today. This vehicle can claim new ground. We look forward to seeing our customers’ reactions to this highly emotive car,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner enthused.

The car will be tested on February 1, 2025, at the F.A.T. Ice Race.

Source: Audi

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