2024-10-30 13:33:00
The announcement was made yesterday: the Audi factory in Forest will close its doors. Terrible news for all employees and subcontractors. This announcement is in line with other similar ones before it from other brands.
The Audi factory in Forest will stop producing in February 2025 and close its doors at the same time. This is a new closure of an automobile factory in our country after those of Renaut, Opel or Ford in recent years. Only the Volvo factory in Belgium remains, but could it suffer the same fate as the Ausi factory? “These two factories have nothing in common“, assures Philippe Casse, automobile expert. “The Volvo factory is a large factory that produces a large quantity of different vehicles, while the Audi factory is a small factory that only produces one model.”
“When you have hundreds of factories making cars around the world and when the market is in crisis, customers around the world buy fewer cars and therefore factories produce fewer cars.“, continue l’expert. “The Volkswagen group (to which Audi is a part, editor’s note) has more than 110 factories around the world and it is obvious that if we produce less in the long term then we must close factories, it is irreversible. We are closing small factories and those which, like in Forest, do not produce a product which is at the end of its life..”
In addition to the purchasing crisis, historic European manufacturers must face competition from Chinese brands. With models that are often very efficient and much cheaper than European cars, is China disrupting the market? “We might think so, especially since China does not respect a certain number of rules that are normally accepted in the Western world. So it’s unfair competition“.
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**Interview with Philippe Casse, Automobile Expert, on the Closure of the Audi Factory in Forest**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Philippe. The announcement regarding the closure of the Audi factory in Forest has shocked many. What were your immediate thoughts upon hearing the news?
**Philippe Casse**: Thank you for having me. My immediate thought was one of concern for the employees and their families. This closure adds to a troubling trend in the automotive industry, particularly in Belgium, and it reflects deeper issues within the market.
**Editor**: This isn’t the first factory closure we’ve seen recently. Why do you think so many brands are pulling back from manufacturing in Belgium?
**Philippe Casse**: The global car market is facing significant challenges. With demand dwindling, particularly due to economic factors and a shift towards electric vehicles, manufacturers are forced to reassess their operations. Belgium has seen closures from Renault, Opel, and Ford; Audi is just another link in this chain.
**Editor**: You mentioned that the Audi factory produces only one model. How does that affect its viability compared to other factories, like Volvo’s?
**Philippe Casse**: Exactly. The Volvo factory in Belgium produces a diverse range of vehicles and operates on a larger scale. In contrast, Audi’s Forest facility is specialized, which makes it more vulnerable. When demand for that particular model declines, maintaining operations becomes increasingly difficult.
**Editor**: Given that Audi is part of the Volkswagen group, should we expect further closures within the group if market conditions don’t improve?
**Philippe Casse**: It’s a possibility. The Volkswagen group has a global footprint with over 110 factories. If production continues to decline and a factory isn’t performing efficiently, closures may become inevitable. However, they will likely prioritize larger, more versatile facilities to sustain production levels.
**Editor**: What options are available for the employees affected by this closure?
**Philippe Casse**: It’s a challenging situation for the workers. Some may find opportunities in other automotive plants, such as Volvo, but that will depend on individual circumstances and the local job market. It’s vital for the government and industry to support retraining programs and job placement services for those impacted.
**Editor**: Thank you, Philippe, for shedding light on this concerning situation. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these changes in the automotive industry.
**Philippe Casse**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we recognize the broader implications of these closures and support those affected in finding new opportunities.
