Audi in crisis: US factory only with clear guarantees for Ingolstadt!

Audi in crisis: US factory only with clear guarantees for Ingolstadt!

The future of Audi in Ingolstadt is currently a hot topic. At a recent works meeting, Jörg Schlagbauer, chairman of the Audi general works council, commented on the possibility of a new plant in the USA. He paid particular attention to the conditions that would be necessary to obtain approval from employee representatives. “A new plant must not be at the expense of employees and capacity utilization in Germany,” Schlagbauer made clear and referred to the existing capacities, which are sufficient in Germany. This point was also supported by the [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/neuburg/ingolstadt-betriebstreffen-wer-bei-audi-frueher-in-den-ruhestand-gehen-kann-110338436), where it was emphasized that there is currently no need for an additional production facility abroad.

The concerns about local jobs are not unfounded. Audi is currently struggling with declining sales figures and is facing internal criticism, particularly of CEO Gernot Döllner and various internal conflicts. According to the Augsburger Allgemeine, a future agreement was reached in March 2023 that envisages the reduction of 7,500 jobs in Germany. The job cuts only affect the indirect area, especially administration - production remains unaffected by these measures.

Important measures and developments

Rita Beck, the deputy chairwoman of the works council in Ingolstadt, reported on the progress of the future agreement. She emphasized that important topics such as new early retirement and partial retirement options as well as planned investments are on the agenda. As part of this agreement, partial volume production of the Q3 will also be brought to Ingolstadt, which will help strengthen the location. The start of production of the new electric model E3 CUV is also planned for autumn 2026, which could provide a breath of fresh air.

AUDI AG's Human Resources Director, Xavier Ros, also gave insight into the importance of the future agreement for competitiveness. The Audi leadership plans to invest in new technologies and in the education of its employees in order to create financial freedom. “Increases in efficiency and reductions in bureaucracy are being sought in order to be positioned for the future,” emphasized Ros. In order to communicate these topics transparently, works meetings take place four times a year to inform the workforce about current developments - in the spirit of an open dialogue.

In addition, employees have to be prepared for some changes. An employment guarantee applies until 2033 and Schlagbauer expects that 90% of the job cuts will be realized through partial retirement and early retirement regulations. There are special regulations for those born between 1964 and 1968 that enable earlier retirement. However, Audi does not plan severance payments for voluntary departures, unlike some other car manufacturers, and this is perceived as a potential weak point.

All in all, it shows that Audi in Ingolstadt is facing major challenges, but is also taking advantage of opportunities to prepare its employees and locations for the future. The collaboration between company management and the works council will be crucial in the coming months in order to master the upcoming changes. The situation remains exciting and it remains to be hoped that the next steps can be positive for everyone involved. Further information on current topics and developments is regularly available on the Audi Media Center page.