D'Ieteren Automotive plans restructuring that could cut 344 jobs in Belgium

D'Ieteren Automotive, the Belgian importer of Volkswagen brands, has announced a strategic transformation plan to its works council that could eliminate up to 344 jobs. The company disclosed the plan before the stock market opened on Thursday. The company cites the decarbonisation of vehicle fleets, the mandatory mobility budget from 2027, AI-accelerated digitalisation, and intensified global competition as drivers of radical market change. D'Ieteren will shift from a new-vehicle sales model to one focused on mobility, services, and sustainable customer relationships, potentially closing sites and reorganising teams. The plan involves closing certain locations, consolidating functions, and optimising the network, though no further details were provided. D'Ieteren has initiated the information and consultation procedure under the Renault Law, which governs collective redundancies in Belgium.