"The decision to close the Brussels factory is painful. Personally, it was the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my professional career", said Gerd Walker, a board member of Audi AG and head of production.
The plant closure had seemed likely after a spokesperson said in November that Audi, Volkswagen's luxury division, had been unable to find a buyer for the struggling Brussels plant.
Belgian media reported in October that Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio (9866.HK) was among those interested in Audi's Brussels site, but Nio CEO William Li denied that the company had plans to acquire the plant.
