Audi defends US plant announcement alongside President Trump
Audi said it accepted an invitation to announce plans for its first US factory alongside President Donald Trump solely in the company’s interests. The company said the planned Georgia plant is strategically important because it is not currently profitable in the United States.
1. Audi explains appearance
Audi defended CEO Gernot Doellner’s appearance with Trump in Georgia on Saturday, saying it accepted an invitation to present the factory project jointly with the president solely in the company’s interests. Audi said it knew the appearance had prompted questions and irritation over what was perceived as political endorsement. The Volkswagen-owned carmaker said the planned Georgia plant is strategically important to improve its competitiveness in the United States, where it is not currently profitable despite strong growth potential.
