Audi CEO Gernot Döllner Announces $4 Billion Georgia Plant Amid Political Criticism

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner announced a $4 billion investment plan to build the company's first factory in the United States on Saturday. The announcement took place at a political rally in Perry, Georgia, where Döllner stood on stage with President Donald Trump. The event occurred just days before the US midterm elections.

The rally appearance triggered immediate criticism within Volkswagen's leadership. Daniela Cavallo, head of the VW works council, stated in internal communications that executives who witnessed Trump's speech and then participated in the event should feel ashamed. She described the move as turning management into a "puppet in the propaganda show of a highly dubious political figure." Cavallo also noted that Trump's speech contained elements of "racism, sexism, transphobia [and] contempt for democracy."

Döllner told the crowd that Audi would spend $4 billion to construct a plant in Macon, Georgia. The facility is designed to produce 200,000 SUVs annually and create 4,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with car production starting in the 2030s. Döllner called the project a long-term investment in the American market.

The timing of the announcement coincides with internal restructuring efforts at Volkswagen. The automaker is working to cut up to 100,000 jobs and close factories in Germany. Christiane Benner, head of the German trade union IG Metall, called Döllner's appearance "extremely embarrassing" and a breach of the company's code of conduct regarding political neutrality. Benner, who serves as deputy chair of VW's supervisory board, warned that the Macon investment must be approved by the board.

Isabel Cademartori, transport spokesperson for Germany's Social Democrats, labeled the actions a "disgrace." She referenced the historical founding of the Volkswagen Group under the Nazis. A spokesperson for the German government declined to comment, describing the situation as a business decision regarding where the company invests and where its chief executive appears.

Audi currently faces a 15% import tariff on vehicles brought into the US, a cost estimated at €1.2 billion last year. The new plant would allow the brand to produce its premium SUVs domestically, reducing reliance on imports. The Georgia election on November 3 is a key contest for Democrats seeking to regain control of the Senate.