Audi to Build $4 Billion Plant in Georgia Amid Tariff Push

Key Takeaways

Audi plans to construct a $4 billion assembly plant in Georgia.
The plant will produce 200,000 SUVs annually, creating 4,500 jobs.
Audi CEO Gernot Doellner stated the investment is a long-term commitment to the American market.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Audi will build a $4 billion assembly plant in Georgia, aiming to produce 200,000 SUVs annually. The plant is part of Trump's strategy to convince Americans to back Republicans in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

The announcement was made at a rally in Perry, near Macon, central Georgia, where Volkswagen’s premium subsidiary intends to build its first US assembly plant. Audi’s CEO, Gernot Doellner, emphasized the long-term investment, stating, 'We are planning to bring our biggest and most premium SUVs, and produce them here in Macon, Georgia.'

The plant is expected to assemble the Audi Q7, Q8, and Q9 SUVs. Additionally, Audi plans to build 25,000 vehicles a year in neighboring South Carolina, with some vehicles being exported. The $2 billion plant of VW’s off-road brand Scout Motors, also under construction in Blythewood, near the state capital, Columbia, will contribute to this effort.

Audi’s sales have fallen for two consecutive years, with a 7% decline in the first half of 2026. US sales are down 16% this year, highlighting the impact of fierce competition and tariffs. The plant is expected to start construction next year, with production scheduled to begin in the early 2030s.

Critics argue that Trump’s tariffs have boosted vehicle prices and delayed some automaker investments. However, Trump maintains that the tariffs are helping the US economy. US Senator Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, stated that 'with this investment, Audi will build all of their SUVs exclusively in the US.'

The plant is part of a broader strategy by Trump to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports. However, some analysts suggest that the move could be influenced by the upcoming elections. Audi’s Neckarsulm plant in southwest Germany is one of four German Volkswagen plants facing possible closure after 2030.

A gold Audi with manufacturer license plates was parked outside Trump’s rally, symbolizing the company’s commitment to the American market. The plant is expected to create approximately 4,500 jobs, significantly boosting local employment in Georgia.

While the plant is a significant investment, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by automakers in the US market, particularly in the face of trade tensions and competition.