Audi plans a $4 billion Georgia factory expected to add thousands of jobs; Bloomberg News reported that President Donald Trump cited it as evidence tariffs were drawing manufacturing investment to the United States.
The automaker plans to build at the Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County. Audi expects about 4,500 jobs and annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles, with premium sport utility vehicles aimed at North American customers.
Audi describes the United States as the world’s second-largest premium market. In its announcement, it presents local production as part of a plan to grow its U.S. business and improve its North American operation’s competitiveness, while reducing exposure to trade and currency risks. “This is about building a stronger Audi business in America — not only about building a factory,” Gernot Döllner, chairman of the board of management of AUDI AG, said.
Georgia officials said Audi cited the state’s workforce, automotive supplier network, market access and prepared industrial site. Georgia said state and local partners had developed and marketed the site over several years. The project is also expected to create opportunities for suppliers, service providers and training partners. Audi’s and Georgia’s announcements do not quantify wages, public incentives or taxpayer costs.
At an Oct. 24 campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, Trump described the project as a $4.2 billion investment and said, “Without tariffs, they wouldn’t be coming in,” Bloomberg News reported. Audi and Georgia put the planned investment at about $4 billion. Audi’s announcement does not credit tariffs for its decision.
The rally came 10 days before Georgia’s Nov. 3 general election. RealClearPolitics’ average of polls dated Sept. 21-Oct. 17 showed incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff leading Republican Mike Collins by 8.2 percentage points.
The project timelines differ. Audi says construction is scheduled to start in 2027, while Georgia expects grading in 2027, construction in 2028 and full production in 2031.
