Audi Brussels to build new electric SUV

The Audi plant in Forest in Brussels has been chosen for the construction of a new electric SUV from 2018, when production of the Audi A1 comes to an end. The contract will ensure employment at the plant at current levels for the near future.

The model is called the Q6 E-tron, and is larger and heavier than an ordinary saloon car, in the style of an off-road vehicle. The A1 will continue to be produced, but will move to Spain.

The news of the contract comes from unions, who say their information comes from Audi in Germany. Audi in Brussels has declined to confirm or deny. The company is to meet the Belgian government this week. Last month the federal government announced subsidies of €100 million for the production of an electric vehicle in Forest, on top of a package from the three regions worth another €35 million.

The total cost of the investment required to produce the Q6 is estimated at €600 million. Production figures are likely to be lower than the 100,000 A1 vehicles produced last year, even if the demand for electric cars is expected to increase greatly between now and 2018.

“The production of such a large electric car is far more complex than an A1,” ACV general secretary Pascal Van Cauwenberghe told FM Brussel.

“As well, Audi will attract a number of related activities. The battery for example will also be produced here. This is a positive sign that Audi has confidence in Brussels. The company management was also satisfied with what the government put on the table,” he said.

Photo courtesy Audi