Federal President, Joachim Gauck, and the Belgian Royal Couple visit the Audi plant in Brussels
The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Joachim Gauck, visited the Audi plant in Brussels during the second day of his three-day state visit to Belgium. Federal President Gauck and Mrs. Daniela Schadt visited the car plant located to the south of the Belgian capital at the invitation of the King and Queen of Belgium, with a view to engaging in an exchange of ideas.
The talks focused on the first fully-electric all-terrain vehicle in the history of Audi, which is set to roll off the Brussels production line from 2018 onwards, as well as the management of a diverse workforce. Audi CEO Prof. Rupert Stadler: "Mobility for the future originates at Audi, and the Brussels plant plays a key supporting role. Today’s state visit to the Brussels Audi plant is a sign of appreciation for our continued commitment in Belgium."
Audi Brussels currently employs approximately 2500 people of 27 different nationalities. The respectful interaction between people of different origins, beliefs, language, education, culture and vision forms the basis of collaboration at Audi Brussels. In the words of Production Manager, Patrick Danau: "His Royal Highness, King Philippe, has now toured the Brussels plant for a second time, following an earlier visit in 2014. We feel exceptionally honoured to apprise him of our training program and job prospects for young talent." The company was certified for its diverse offering in the field of "Human Resources" by the renowned "Top Employer Institute" at the beginning of this year.
The highlight of the Audi plant visit was the exchange between the state guests and four students, who qualified as installation and maintenance technicians as part of the Audi Brussels "Dual Learning" program. Audi is the trailblazer for "Vocational Education" in Belgium. Since 2012, Audi Brussels has worked in close cooperation with two partner schools, from both the French and Flemish speaking parts of the country, in order to provide young people an opportunity to get acquainted with working life and launch their career at the company.
The highlight of the Audi plant visit was the exchange between the state guests and four students, who qualified as installation and maintenance technicians as part of the Audi Brussels "Dual Learning" program. Audi is the trailblazer for "Vocational Education" in Belgium. Since 2012, Audi Brussels has worked in close cooperation with two partner schools, from both the French and Flemish speaking parts of the country, in order to provide young people an opportunity to get acquainted with working life and launch their career at the company.
At the beginning of the visit, the distinguished guests signed the visitor’s book and took a closer look at the Audi e-tron quattro concept car. This fully-electric sports SUV was presented at the International Motor Show in September 2015. Thanks to its impressive range of more than 500 kilometres, this innovative vehicle is extremely suited to everyday driving. The Audi e-tron quattro concept provides a detailed glimpse of the brand with four rings’ first series production electric car, which is set to roll off the Audi Brussels assembly line in 2018.