Audi is reportedly making some major personnel changes at their Brussels plant, where the e-tron quattro electric SUV is manufactured. In addition, the jobs of at least 145 temporary workers are to be put on hold. In the worst case, this lot could threaten up to 250 temporary workers.
This was reported by the Belgian news agency Belga. The agency cites as the reason the difficulties of a supplier to deliver parts needed for the installation of the batteries in the electric SUVs. The Belgian newspaper “L’Echo” becomes more specific: Presumably it is about the battery cells, because the problems concern in particular the supplier LG Chem.
The production of the Audi e-tron in Brussels will therefore be reduced by 4,100 to 5,700 vehicles in the first quarter, the report continues. “The Audi e-tron and the Audi Sportback are our first fully electric vehicles. It is a new drive technology for which we are cooperating with 300 suppliers. The cooperation is therefore complex. We are facing an unexpected situation and have taken measures to stabilize supplies,” plant spokesman Peter D’hoore is quoted.
According to information in the newspaper, battery pack production at night will be suspended. Employees would be given 16 days off per shift, and 145 temporary jobs will also be cut at short notice. On Wednesday, the company management wants to meet with the unions against this background. Originally, the management is said to have even pushed the decision to send 250 temporary workers home. The overstaffing results from the increase in production that was actually planned for this year. Production was to be increased to 24 cars per hour. Now, however, it remains at 20 cars per hour for the time being – and as a result, some of the temporary staff that had been built up previously will have to go.
Audi is not the only manufacturer with problems in terms of battery replenishment. According to a recent media report, Daimler is also rumoured to have cut the Mercedes EQC’s sales targets for 2020 considerably – mainly because of a shortage of batteries. However, the company denies this and is sticking to its original plans.
automobilwoche.de, wiwo.de, lecho.be (German & French)
