Donald Trump announced that Volkswagen AG will build a new factory for its premium Audi brand in Georgia and expand a facility in South Carolina. The announcement was made at an election rally in Georgia as the president looks to notch a political win in the final stretch of the midterm election cycle.
This will be Audi's first own car plant in the United States. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer intends to invest billions, with Trump stating the company would commit 4.2 billion dollars in nearby Macon. The new assembly plant is expected to produce 200,000 SUVs annually, though the carmaker noted production would only start early next decade.
Audi, which currently imports all its cars from Europe or Mexico, has been hit hard by U.S. tariffs. The German luxury brand is looking to the U.S. for growth as its sales have stalled elsewhere. Following the news, President Trump stated his administration has many other announcements to make.