Audi to Invest $4 Billion in US Factory Amid Major Controversy
Audi plans to build its first manufacturing plant in the United States. The investment in Georgia is expected to total around $4 billion, with the factory capable of producing up to 200,000 vehicles annually. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with production expected to start in the early 2030s. The announcement has sparked major controversy because Audi CEO Gernot Döllner unveiled the company's plans during an election rally for Donald Trump in Georgia.
The plant is set to be built at the Middle Georgia Mega Site in Georgia. The location was selected based on the availability of skilled workers, an established automotive supplier network and logistics infrastructure. The facility will primarily manufacture luxury SUVs for customers in North America.
Audi estimates that the investment will create around 4,500 jobs. The new factory is also expected to benefit regional suppliers, service companies and workforce training providers. Planned production capacity will reach up to 200,000 vehicles per year. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with series production expected to start in the early 2030s.
“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,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.
The US investment announcement has sparked controversy in Germany because of the circumstances surrounding Döllner's appearance. At Donald Trump's election rally in Georgia, the head of the German automaker took to the stage after the US president's speech and thanked him for his support. German business newspaper *Handelsblatt* criticized the appearance, describing Döllner as “Trump's campaign aide.” The newspaper argued that the Audi chief's participation in a political event crossed the line between business activity and involvement in an election campaign.
