Audi’s $4 billion Georgia plant plan puts construction in 2027 and vehicle output in the early 2030s, leaving several years between the project’s start and its expected manufacturing operations.
The automaker, which is owned by Volkswagen, plans to build at the Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County. Audi said the investment is expected to create about 4,500 jobs. Georgia officials said Audi cited the state’s workforce, supplier network, market access and prepared industrial site among the factors behind its choice. State and local partners had developed and promoted the site over several years. Audi has said it intends the premium SUVs for North American customers.
A U.S. official told Reuters the plant is expected to assemble Audi’s Q7, Q8 and Q9 SUVs. At an Oct. 24 rally in Perry, Georgia, President Donald Trump said the facility would produce 200,000 SUVs a year. Audi has projected annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles; Trump said the plant would produce 200,000 SUVs a year.
Trump argued at the rally that his tariff agenda helped bring the investment to the United States. Audi’s own explanation focused on growing its U.S. business and improving its position in the North American market. The company laid out that rationale in its earlier plant announcement.
DW reported that tariffs cost Audi €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) last year. The investment is being presented in two different ways: Trump linked it to his trade policy, while Audi described it as a step to build its regional business. DW also reported that Trump’s rally was part of a push to support Republicans before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with the party facing potential losses amid rising prices and the war in Iran.
Construction is Audi’s next stated milestone, scheduled for 2027; the company places production in the early 2030s.
