Audi defends US plant announcement alongside US President Trump

Volkswagen AG

26/10/2026 16:23

       FRANKFURT, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Audi defended its decision
to appear alongside US President Donald Trump when announcing
plans for its first US factory, saying it accepted an invitation
to present the project jointly with the president solely in the
interests of the company.
    Audi said it was aware that CEO Gernot Doellner's appearance
with Trump in Georgia on Saturday had caused questions and
irritation over what was perceived as political endorsement.
    The Volkswagen-owned premium carmaker said the planned
Georgia plant was strategically important to improve
competitiveness in the United States, a market where Audi is
currently not profitable despite strong growth potential.

    (Reporting by Christina Amann
Writing by Christoph Steitz
Editing by David Goodman
)
 ((christoph.steitz@thomsonreuters.com; +49 30 220 133 647))