The bonus, of which nearly 4,000 euros net will remain, is linked to the group’s profits and the internal performance of the Brussels site.
The amount of the bonus is more than double that granted for 2020 and is also higher than before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s a sign of appreciation for our staff,” the spokesperson commented, as 2021 has not been an easy year for the automaker. Production has been stopped more than once due to the worldwide shortage of computer chips. Despite this, slightly more cars were produced in Brussels than the previous year, for a total of 43,866 units.
Chip shortages will continue to be a problem this year, Audi warned from Ingolstadt on Thursday. However, it is now easier to manage. Production in January and February thus went smoothly, noted CFO Jürgen Rittersberger, who expects the situation to improve further.
The war in Ukraine, on the other hand, is likely to create new problems for automobile production. This country is indeed a major supplier of wiring harnesses, especially for Audi. For now, factories are still trying to produce in Ukraine, while suppliers from other countries are expanding their cable production. But there is still great uncertainty about the long term. “It is still too early to estimate the impact for the whole year,” said CEO Markus Duesmann, referring to the geopolitical situation which changes daily.
The group has therefore not published forecasts for the rest of the financial year.
However, Audi Brussels does not source directly from Ukraine. On the other hand, there could be an indirect impact, if suppliers were also affected. But, for now, the Forest factory continues to produce at full capacity, with two shifts five days a week, according to the spokesman.
Only electric cars are produced there: the luxury SUV e-tron and its Sportback e-tron version. Production of the Q8 e-tron will start in 2026.
The automaker emphasized Thursday that Audi’s future is all-electric. Last year, sales of electric cars have already increased by 60%.