Audi announces first US car factory during Trump election campaign

German automaker Audi has announced plans to build its first production facility in the United States, specifically located in the state of Georgia. The company is investing approximately 3.6 billion euros into the project, which is expected to create 4,500 new jobs and produce 200,000 SUVs annually. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line by the early 2030s. The new plant will focus on the manufacturing of Audi Q7, Q8, and Q9 models, shifting some production responsibilities from Bratislava.

President Donald Trump officially announced the investment during a campaign rally in Georgia, inviting Audi CEO Gernot Döllner to the stage. While the move is being presented as proof that recent import tariffs are benefiting the American economy, critics argue that these policies have driven up consumer prices and created investment uncertainty. Döllner emphasized that the move is intended to strengthen the global position of the Volkswagen Group, claiming that the expansion will support job stability within Germany despite the company's recent plans to cut 100,000 jobs worldwide.