The management of Audi Brussels has lost confidence in the viability of the proposed takeover.
A full closure of the plant now seems very likely, according to De Standaard.
“If a party with a solid project were interested in acquiring Audi Brussels, they would have come forward by now. But that hasn’t happened. The only candidate who did come forward has still not presented a feasible plan, even after adjustments”, said Peter D'Hoore, spokesperson for Audi Brussels.
However, he stopped short of announcing the factory’s definitive closure. “As long as we are in the information and consultation phase of the Renault Law, we cannot make that decision. There's still a chance an interesting buyer might appear. A working group has been set up to reconsider 24 possible scenarios for a restart.”
Uncertain negotiations
On Tuesday, another special meeting of the works council was held at Audi Brussels to discuss the possible takeover by the lone interested party. Two weeks ago, unions were informed that there was only one candidate, but their proposal was deemed unconvincing. The party was initially given a week to revise their bid, then two more weeks.
Negotiations with this party are not fully closed, although the Audi Brussels management does not believe in their plan. "For example, the buyer is asking Audi to continue producing cars in Vorst, which isn't part of the plan," said Ronny Liedts, a union representative for ACV who attended the meeting.
Social plan negotiations ongoing
Negotiations between the unions and management regarding a social plan are set to continue on Wednesday. Parent company Volkswagen has set aside 1.3 billion euros for the closure, and the unions are pushing for the highest possible severance packages, in addition to the legally required compensation. “The management's first offer was insultingly low, while ours was perhaps a bit extreme. Now, we’re entering real negotiations”, Liedts said.
For now, the plant in Vorst continues to produce Audi Q8 e-tron models at a reduced pace. When the last Q8 will roll off the production line - sometime next year - remains unclear.
