Audi CEO Gernot Doeller faced significant criticism on Monday after appearing with President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Georgia to announce plans for the luxury carmaker’s first U.S. plant. The $4 billion facility is expected to produce 200,000 SUVs annually.
Following Doeller’s appearance, the head of Germany’s largest union and deputy chair of the Volkswagen supervisory board said the appearance was ” in flagrant breach” of the automaker’s corporate guidelines.
In an official press release, Audi said it plans to invest about $4 billion in the plant and create 4,500 jobs in the region. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with production set to start in the early 2030s.
“As the world’s second-largest premium market, the U.S. offers significant growth potential for Audi. Establishing local production is a key element of a broader growth strategy focused on customer needs, a compelling product portfolio and a more competitive business model. The planned investment is part of a long-term strategy for profitable growth,” the release stated.
“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America. The United States is one of the world’s most important premium markets, and we have not yet realized our full potential. We are determined to change that — with premium products, a stronger brand and a competitive local production base. This is about building a stronger Audi business in America — not only about building a factory.” Doeller said in the release.
The planned investment signals a long-term commitment to the United States and aims to establish North America as a third major pillar of Audi’s global production network, alongside Europe and China.
Audi shares rose almost 1% in premarket trading on Monday following the announcement.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
