Low demand could see Audi Q8 e-tron discontinued

Audi to restructure its Brussels site where the Q8 e-tron is made

With demand for electric vehicles (EVs) going down as of late, some brands are experiencing low sales of their zero-emission vehicles. One of the brands that noticed this current trend is Audi who recently announced they are witnessing a global decline in customer orders in the electric luxury class segment.

As a result, Audi stated they are considering the early end of production at its Brussels site from which the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback EVs are manufactured. With it, the Board of Management at Audi has informed the Company Council of their intent to carry out a restructuring of the site in Brussels.

Combined with the fact that Audi is also using the Q8 e-tron's platform for the smaller and more affordable Q6 e-tron which also offers a better range, the demise of the Q8 e-tron may happen soon due to the sharp drop in orders.

In addition, there are “long-standing structure challenges” at the Brussels site; namely, the plant layout is difficult to change due to the site's proximity to the city center. There are also high logistical costs which contribute further to the high production costs in the Brussels facility compared to other Audi sites. All of these lead to the company considering the aforementioned early end of production of the Q8 e-tron model series.

The discontinuation of the Q8 e-tron is not yet set in stone, however, as the company will first have to carry out the said restructuring of the Brussels site. Under Belgian law, there will be an information and consultation process in which plant management will discuss solutions for the site with responsible social partners. Should there be no alternative solution found, operations at the Brussels site could cease.

“The announcement of the intention does not mean that a decision has been made. Nevertheless, this news has been felt very profoundly by the employees in Brussels and by me too. A transparent and constructive dialog is important in the process that will follow. We will take all perspectives into account,” said Volker Germann, CEO of Audi Brussels.

With the Q8 e-tron possibly heading for the chopping block, the all-electric luxury crossover SUV may be living on borrowed time. And with the Q6 e-tron offering a longer range at a more affordable price, perhaps it may be only a matter of time before the Q8 e-tron is discontinued.