Audi Announces Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment in Georgia for First US Plant

German automaker Audi plans to invest over 4 billion US dollars to build its first domestic car factory in Georgia, aiming to produce 200,000 vehicles annually and create 4,500 jobs by the early 2030s.

US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Saturday alongside Audi Chief Executive Gernot Döllner during a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, just 10 days before the midterm elections.

The major industrial project arrives as Volkswagen, Audi's parent company, struggles with US import tariffs and simultaneously negotiates contentious domestic restructuring plans involving potential job cuts in Germany.

“I'm thrilled to announce a massive auto manufacturing investment in the great state of Georgia by a fantastic company,” said Mr. Trump.

Construction on the facility at the Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County near Macon is scheduled to begin next year, with preparatory work slated for 2027.

The new plant will focus on manufacturing large luxury sport utility vehicles tailored specifically for North American customers, according to company statements.

Reuters reported, citing a US government official, that the Q7, Q8 and Q9 models are planned for production at the Georgia site.

Until now, Audi has imported all vehicles for the US market from Europe or Mexico, making it vulnerable to trade levies that cost the company an estimated 1.2 billion euros last year.

“We are planning to bring our ⁠biggest and most premium SUVs, and produce them here in Macon, Georgia,” said Mr. Döllner.

The chief executive defended the move at the rally by pointing to the long-term potential of the American premium car market.

However, Mr. Döllner faced sharp criticism in Germany from labor representatives for appearing alongside Mr. Trump so close to the election.

Daniela Cavallo, the head of the Volkswagen works council, said that management had allowed itself to be turned into a puppet in a political propaganda show.

Christiane Benner, the head of the IG Metall trade union, called the appearance extremely embarrassing and accused the executive of breaching company rules on political neutrality.

The final realization of the project remains subject to formal approval by the relevant supervisory bodies of the Volkswagen Group.