Nio denies acquisition plans for endangered Audi plant

Production Nio denies intent to purchase Audi Brussels plant

2024-09-30 From | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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The Chinese manufacturer has rejected reports by Belgian media about an impending offer for the factory of the Volkswagen subsidiary that is for sale.

VW is looking for investors for the Audi plant in Brussels.(Image: Audi) — VW is looking for investors for the Audi plant in Brussels.
(Image: Audi)

The Chinese electric car manufacturer Nio has denied press reports about a possible acquisition of the Audi Brussels plant, which is threatened with closure. Last week, the Belgian business newspapers "De Tijd" and "L’Echo" reported that a Nio delegation had visited the plant in the past weeks and the electric car manufacturer intended to make a purchase offer to the Volkswagen Group.

Nio has no plans to take over the Audi plant, said Nio founder William Li according to the Chinese news portal "CNEV Post." The company is cautious about investing in physical assets. The exception is battery swap stations. "How can Nio afford a factory that Audi can't afford?" said Li.

New Q8 likely from Mexico

The future of the Audi plant, which currently produces only one model, the electric SUV Q8 E-Tron, is unclear. Last week, Audi's production board member Gerd Walker confirmed that Volkswagen is seeking an investor for the plant of its premium subsidiary. The production of the current Q8 E-Tron is expected to conclude next year, with its successor planned to be manufactured in Mexico according to current plans.

The employees in Brussels have protested several times recently against the impending closure of the factory. Until today, Monday, interested investors can submit an offer for the location. According to Belgian media, there have been 20 applications so far.

The automaker employs about 3,000 workers at the plant, whose jobs would be lost if the factory were closed. The plant is quite small, and according to Audi, the production costs are relatively high. Due to its location in a residential area, expansions are difficult. Additionally, the fact that there are few suppliers nearby drives up logistics costs.

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