Flooding disrupts Audi production and local economy in Germany

The intense natural disaster that German services have been battling for several days is increasingly affecting the functioning of the local economy. An example is Audi, which had to decide to limit production in Ingolstadt.

On Monday, June 3, Audi decided to halt production on two of the three shifts at the Ingolstadt plant. This is due to insufficient labour—due to flooding, some workers are unable to reach the plant.

"This is a reaction to the escalating flood situation in the region," Audi announced, adding that the flood has not directly threatened the plant so far. As a result of this decision, production restrictions should be expected for models such as the Q2 and the A3. The ordered vehicles may reach customers later than planned.

Audi's decision is only the tip of the iceberg. Other companies and organisations are also facing increasingly serious problems caused by the flood. Parts of the Rhine, a crucial transportation route, have been closed to shipping, and hydroelectric power plants are operating with reduced efficiency. All of this impacts the functioning of the local economy.