Audi to build first US plant in Georgia, Trump announces at campaign rally

Announcement in Perry

Audi will build its first US factory in Georgia, a project President Donald Trump unveiled at a campaign rally in Perry on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The rally took place less than ten days before the midterm elections on 3 November. Trump said the German brand, owned by Volkswagen, would commit $4.2 billion in nearby Macon to start construction on a plant producing 200,000 cars a year. Europa Press, reporting Trump's remarks, put the figure at $4.25 billion. Audi says the plant will make premium SUVs for North American customers and create about 4,500 jobs.

Trump credited his tariff policies for the decision and told the crowd:

Think of that. 200,000 cars a year. That's incredible.

Audi chief executive Gernot Döllner, who stood on stage with Trump, said the plant would make the company's biggest and most premium SUVs. He added that the investment reflects a long-term commitment to the American market.

This is a long-term investment, because we believe in the American market.

Timing and approval

Audi's news release, cited by AP, schedules construction to begin in 2027, with production starting in the early 2030s. Trump told the rally that construction would start in November 2026. Audi's statement, however, said construction was originally planned for 2027. The investment still needs final approval from Volkswagen's supervisory board. Audi supervisory board chairman Manfred Döss backed management's line, arguing that the company's future cannot rest on cost cuts, efficiency and advanced technology alone.

Tariffs and campaign backlash

Trump presented the plant as proof that his tariffs work, while Audi says duties on cars, steel, aluminum and components cost it about 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) over the past year. All of its cars sold in the US are currently imported from Mexico or Europe. Die Welt cites Audi's own guidelines, which say the company holds no public events with parties or candidates in the three months before an election. Audi said the US investment is not a decision against Germany but a step to strengthen its global competitiveness.

Döllner defended the appearance on Sunday, 25 October, telling reporters the decision followed many months of planning and intense negotiations.

If the American president invites you, you accept the invitation.

An IG Metall spokesperson called Döllner's appearance alongside Trump "hard to understand". Christiane Benner, IG Metall's head and Volkswagen's deputy supervisory board chair, called a US manufacturing footprint "right and necessary" for competitiveness. SPD transport expert Isabel Cademartori said the appearance helped an autocrat waging a trade war against Germany, calling it a disgrace given Volkswagen's history. US expert Peter Kleim said the appearance borders on self-abandonment.

Georgia politics and open questions

Rick Jackson, the Republican candidate for Georgia governor, thanked Trump on stage, calling the plan "the biggest economic deal in Georgia history". The governor and US Senate races in Georgia are closely contested. AP reports Republicans are bracing for losses on 3 November amid an unpopular president and voter anger over high costs and the ongoing war in Iran. Polls predict a Democratic win, while Republicans seek to keep their narrow majority in both chambers of Congress. Döllner did not disclose the details of any arrangement with the United States, including whether Audi would receive a tariff exemption.