Audi CEO Gernot Döllner’s appearance with U.S. President Donald Trump at a Georgia rally has drawn union criticism as the company pursues its first U.S. factory. The rally on Saturday, Oct. 24, came 10 days before Tuesday, Nov. 3, U.S. midterm elections.
Audi says it plans to invest about $4 billion at the Middle Georgia Mega Site and expects the project to create about 4,500 jobs. The proposed facility could produce as many as 200,000 vehicles annually, with premium SUVs intended for North American buyers.
Audi describes the U.S. as the world’s second-largest premium market and says the Georgia project would give North America a larger role alongside its European and Chinese operations. The company’s fiscal 2025 results say U.S. tariffs reduced its operating result by €1.2 billion. Reuters reported that avoiding import duties was among the reasons Audi considered U.S. production.
IG Metall President Christiane Benner alleged that Döllner’s appearance violated Audi rules requiring political neutrality before elections. She criticized the event as inappropriate for the company and its employees. EconoTimes previously covered Benner’s criticism of the rally appearance.
A separate agreement between Audi and its works council allows for a reduction of as many as 7,500 indirect roles by 2029 and extends job protection at German sites through Dec. 31, 2033.
Volkswagen Group said the Georgia proposal still requires approval from relevant committees. The group plans to submit next steps to the corporate bodies responsible for a decision, but has not announced a date for the review.