President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, October 24, 2026, that Audi, the premium subsidiary of Volkswagen, plans to build its first U.S. assembly plant in Central Georgia. The facility is expected to produce 200,000 SUVs annually and create 4,500 jobs in the region. The announcement was made during a political rally in Perry, Georgia, followed by a confirming statement from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
The move comes amid trade policies implemented by the Trump administration, including increased tariffs on imported automobiles, steel, aluminum, and parts. President Trump has stated these measures are intended to pressure automakers to shift production to the United States. In contrast, critics of the tariffs argue they have contributed to higher vehicle prices for consumers. Audi’s sales in the U.S. have decreased 16% this year, and the company is facing potential closures of four German plants after 2030.
According to a press release from Governor Kemp, Audi will invest $4 billion in the Georgia manufacturing facility. The plant will be located at the "Middle Georgia Megasite," which spans Houston, Peach, and Macon-Bibb counties, with construction scheduled to begin in 2028. The facility is expected to assemble Q7, Q8, and Q9 SUVs, some of which are currently manufactured in Europe. Additionally, a government official stated that Audi plans to assemble another 25,000 vehicles at the $2 billion Scout Motors plant currently under construction in Blythewood, South Carolina.
For local residents, the concrete change will be the introduction of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the Middle Georgia region, though the physical impact on the local job market will not be immediate as construction is not set to begin until 2028. Consumers may see a shift in where Audi SUVs like the Q7, Q8, and Q9 are sourced, moving from European imports to domestic production. This could influence pricing depending on how the domestic production costs compare to the current tariffs on imported German vehicles.
The project sets a precedent for how global automakers respond to U.S. trade and tariff policies, following similar recent announcements by Toyota and Hyundai. It also impacts international labor markets, specifically in Germany, where Audi’s Neckarsulm plant is among those facing possible closure. What happens next includes the start of construction at the Georgia site in 2028. In the interim, Audi will continue its involvement in the South Carolina Scout Motors project, while political observers monitor the impact of this announcement on Georgia’s midterm elections for U.S. Senate and governor.