Audi to build $4 billion manufacturing plant in Georgia

Oct 25, 12:07 PM2 min readCovered by 3 outlets

Drafted by AI from the sources below, fact-checked by the Ajako Taja Editorial Team · How we use AI

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Audi confirms a $4 billion investment for its first U.S. factory in Georgia, aiming to produce 200,000 SUVs annually and create thousands of local jobs by 2031.

Audi has announced plans to invest approximately $4 billion to construct its first United States assembly plant in Peach County, Georgia, a project expected to create 4,500 jobs.

The announcement was made on Saturday during a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, where U.S. President Donald Trump appeared alongside Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. According to Deutsche Welle, the President credited his administration's tariff policies for the carmaker's decision to establish local production. Euronews reported that the facility will be located at the Middle Georgia Megasite near Macon, chosen for the region's existing supplier network and transport infrastructure.

The factory is designed to produce up to 200,000 vehicles annually. While Audi stated the plant will focus on large, upmarket SUVs tailored for North American customers, Reuters cited a government official who specified that the Audi Q7, Q8, and Q9 models are planned for the site. Döllner noted that while the U.S. is a vital premium market, the company has yet to reach its full potential there.

Preparatory work at the site is scheduled to begin in 2027. However, actual vehicle production is not expected to start until the early 2030s, with the Georgia state government identifying 2031 as the target for full production. Deutsche Welle noted that the timing of the announcement comes as Republicans prepare for the November 3 midterm elections.

The move shifts Audi's strategy of importing vehicles from Europe and Mexico to manufacturing them within the U.S. market. The company stated this transition will help reduce vulnerability to exchange-rate fluctuations and international supply chain disruptions. In addition to the 4,500 direct jobs, the project is expected to generate further employment through associated logistics and service providers.

Background

Prior to this decision, Audi faced significant costs due to trade policies, with Deutsche Welle reporting that the company paid €1.2 billion in tariffs last year. The manufacturer has historically relied on imports to supply its American customer base.