Chinese car manufacturer NIO candidate to take over Audi factory in Forest.
Chinese automaker NIO has emerged as a potential buyer for Audi's factory in Vorst, Brussels, according to reports from De Tijd.
Audi is urgently seeking a buyer for the site, as the Volkswagen Group has decided to halt production at the plant once the last electric SUV Q8 e-tron rolls off the line next year. If no buyer is found, the plant's 2,910 workers face job losses.
A delegation from NIO recently visited the factory and is preparing a bid, expected to be submitted by Monday. NIO, a premium Chinese brand with European ambitions, currently does not sell cars in Belgium.
In addition to NIO, Belgian automotive group D’Ieteren has also shown interest. The company may repurpose part of the site for refurbishing second-hand vehicles, potentially saving 500 jobs. However, D’Ieteren would likely need a third party to handle the investment.
