Due to low demand, Audi plans to end production of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron early. The company also wants to restructure the plant in Brussels that was involved in the production of the electric crossover, however, according to insiders, it may be closed.
As reported by Carscoops, the company confirmed that it is considering an early end to production. As Audi says, this move is the result of a “global decline in customer orders in the segment of luxury electric vehicles.”
In addition, the smaller Q6 e-tron, which is more modern and offers more range than the Q8 e-tron, has significantly contributed to the decline in demand for the electric crossover. The automaker also stated that there are “long-standing structural problems” at the plant in Brussels. These include high logistics costs and the unfortunate location of the plant near the city center.
“The company has started the consultation process in accordance with the Belgian legislation on the restructuring of the plant. In this process, the management discusses the decision for further actions together with the responsible social partners. It may also include ceasing operations if no alternative is found.”Audi Brussels said in a statement.
However, while it appears that the company has decided to end production of the Q8 e-tron and close the factory, Audi Brussels CEO Volker Hermann emphasized: “The announcement does not mean that the decision has been made.”