Audi workers at Brussels plant at risk of closure steal vehicle keys

Employees of an Audi plant in Brussels that is threatened with closure took the keys to around 200 vehicles in an attempt to force management to clarify the future of the site, the Belgian news agency Belga reported on Sunday.

Until this happens, no car will leave the factory, the protesting workers said.

Audi management said it would not give in to extortion and threatened to press charges if the keys are not returned by midday on Monday, Belga reported, adding that security cameras could be used to identify those responsible.

Audi said in July the closure of the Brussels plant could not be ruled out due to the weak demand for the electric Q8 e-tron SUV made there.

Around 3,000 employees are employed at the site.

Their concerns were heightened last Tuesday when Audi's parent company Volkswagen announced that no other model will be produced in Brussels in the coming years.

Employees have responded in recent days with strikes, which has prevented the resumption of production after a summer break.

A large protest day is planned for September 16, union organizers said.