That was quick: barely 24 hours after rumours emerged that Nio could take over the Audi factory in Brussels, the Chinese electric car manufacturer has denied the possibility. Meanwhile, the new Nio sub-brand Onvo is celebrating the market debut of its first vehicle.

Volkswagen's Audi is looking for an investor for its struggling Brussels plant, the premium brand's production director Gerd Walker said on Tuesday.

Outside an Audi factory in Brussels described by the German carmaker as the "cradle" of its electric drive, around 200 picketing workers huddled around a bonfire in the morning drizzle.

According to Audi Board Member for Production Gerd Walker, the Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer no longer sees any use for its factory in Brussels, which is threatened with closure, and is therefore now looking for an investor.

More than 5,000 people marched through Brussels and most public transport in the Belgian capital was suspended on Monday in solidarity with workers of Audi Brussels whose jobs are threatened.

Audi workers confiscated hundreds of keys for completed and unfinished cars in a backlash to Volkswagen's plans for plant closures.

The threat of closing a nearby Audi factory has led to a significant protest by European automotive industry workers. On 16th September, more than 5,000 individuals marched through the streets of Brussels.