Audi’s long debate over building cars in America ended with an announcement it did not make itself. Donald Trump revealed the plan on Saturday in front of supporters in Perry, Georgia, marvelling at the planned output of 200,000 vehicles a year and giving the credit to his tariffs. The German brand confirmed shortly afterwards.
The numbers are substantial. Audi, part of the Volkswagen group, intends to put about $4 billion into the project and expects roughly 4,500 jobs. Construction will happen near Macon, on land known as the Middle Georgia Mega Site. Ground is due to be broken in 2027, but the first vehicles are not expected until the early 2030s. The factory will make premium SUVs aimed at North American buyers; a US official told Reuters the line-up would include the Q7, Q8 and Q9.
Until now, every Audi sold in the United States has been shipped in, largely from Europe and Mexico, which has become costly under Washington’s levies on imported cars. Chief executive Gernot Döllner calls America the second-biggest market for premium cars anywhere, with plenty of room to grow. The company wants North America to become a third production pillar next to Europe and China, partly to cut its exposure to trade disputes and currency swings. Supervisory board chair Manfred Döss stressed that Germany and Europe will stay the industrial core.
Production executive Gerd Walker said Georgia offered a ready site, skilled workers, an existing supplier base and good logistics, plus space to expand later.
For the White House the timing could hardly be better. Midterm elections take place on November 3, Georgia is a battleground state, and Republicans are bracing for losses over rising prices and the Iran war. A multibillion-dollar plant is a strong talking point, even if no car will leave it for years.
