Should we save Audi Brussels?

It is general awareness. The Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo (Open Vld), wants to bring together the different governments of our beautiful kingdom and the management of Audi Brussels to put in place a rescue plan. Dark clouds are gathering over the car connector. No fewer than 371 part-time jobs were lost this week due to the lack of success of the Q8 e-tron model, and uncertainty over the future of the factory remains rife. No one knows if any cars will continue to be assembled there from 2027. In short, it smells like fire.

Should we save Audi Brussels? The question may seem provocative, but it is worth asking. Of course, 3,000 workers work in what remains one of the last major industries in the Brussels Region. It is impossible to leave them overnight, otherwise you will be called a heartless scoundrel. The Prime Minister proposes a reduction in charges, energy cost efforts or a training warehouse. Welcome help. But we can’t help but think of the events of VW in Forest, Volvo in Genk or General Motors in Antwerp.

In the medium term, is it worth it? For decades, the automobile industry has experienced an inevitable decline in our country, which does not have a manufacturer worthy of the name. Major European brands have preferred Hungary, Turkey, Morocco or Mexico to create their new models. The mistake is crippling labor costs and productivity that no longer make a difference. Audi Brussels has remained with us thanks to the great efforts of some, D’Ieteren leading the way. But for how long?

“It’s the most logical decision for the company.” These strong words spoken on January 21, 2010 by Nick Reilly, the boss of GM Europe, confirming the closure of the Opel site in Antwerp, come back to us. The announcement was made at the Sheraton hotel in Zaventem, while the closure of Renault Vilvoorde, the first earthquake in the region, was announced at the Hilton hotel in Porte Louise in 1997. Should we expect another announcement, in another hotel?

Decline is inevitable, statistics confirm of the Federation of the Automobile Industry (Febiac). While 1.3 million cars were assembled in our country in 1994, shortly before the closure of Renault, only 267,000 remained in 2020. Belgium no longer has a stable ecosystem, it no longer builds any car, it no longer works …: everything is there. ordered. An oasis in the middle of the desert.

Bankruptcy in Flanders of bus manufacturer Van Hool, is not directly comparable to the problems of Audi Brussels. There, family disputes hindered the company’s movements, which lacked a power train. But the transfer of production to North Macedonia and the disappearance of at least 1,600 jobs proves that this industry no longer represents the future of our country. In Flanders, Agoria spoke of a “black day”, Monday April 8, but announced at the same time that… 1,161 vacancies were already waiting for these qualified workers.

Not for hanging for an industry that, in our country, has finally been lost, that we will revive our industry. But by making bold and courageous choices for the future. Would you like to save Audi Brussels? Maybe. But by preparing for the future and investing in tomorrow’s champions. Without worry, but also without naivety.