BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Volkswagen's

Audi plant in Brussels will cease production by Feb. 28 next

year, Audi spokesperson Peter D'hoore said on Thursday, after

the company said no alternatives to closure had been found.

"The decision to close the Brussels factory is painful.

Personally, it was the toughest decision I've ever had to make

in my professional career", said Gerd Walker, a board member of

Audi AG and head of production.

The plant closure had seemed likely after a spokesperson

said in November that Audi, Volkswagen's luxury division, had

been unable to find a buyer for the struggling Brussels plant.

Belgian media reported in October that Chinese electric

vehicle maker Nio was among those interested in Audi's

Brussels site, but Nio CEO William Li denied that the company

had plans to acquire the plant.