Tyres were set alight on Sunday evening in front of Audi's Brussels-based factory as workers protested against potential job cuts.

The car maker has sent a letter to unions, threatening legal action over the seizure of approximately 200 car keys.

As part of their demonstrations, staff members took keys belonging to both finished and incomplete vehicles, as they demanded clarity on the future of the Belgian plant.

Audi has ordered their immediate return, warning it can identify the individuals responsible through CCTV.

Audi warned in July that workers employed at the Brussels site could be made redundant because of weak demand for Audi's electric Q8 e-tron SUV.

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An announcement from Audi's parent company Volkswagen last week added fuel to the fire, as it confirmed that no new models would be assigned to the Brussels factory.

Some unions believe such a statement means the end of the plant.

This would result in the loss of more than 3,000 jobs by the end of 2025.

Others have suggested that the site could find other investors, and potentially produce parts for other factories.

Volkswagen's announcement has resulted in a fresh wave of strikes, as employees were originally set to return to work after the summer break.

A major protest is planned for 16 September in Brussels.

In Germany, meanwhile, Volkswagen is also weighing up the closure of factories for the first time in its 87-year history.

European car makers are currently struggling to keep up with the electric transition, which requires significant investment in new technologies.

The demand for EVs is not robust because many car owners consider them to be unaffordable. European manufacturers are also facing increasing pressure from their Asian competitors.

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