Automaker Audi is investing $4 billion to build its first U.S. factory in Macon, Georgia, creating 4,500 jobs, even as the brand's parent company Volkswagen faces challenges from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Audi CEO Grano Dellner announced the plant on stage during a Trump campaign rally, an unusual move for a major European company especially so close to the US midterm elections. "We plan to build our largest and most prestigious SUVs here in Macon, Georgia," Doelner said, adding: "This is a long-term investment because we believe in the American market. The plant plans to produce 200,000 Q7, Q8 and Q9 SUVs per year, and will take a significant portion of production from Bratislava in Slovakia. Volkswagen said Trump's 15% tariffs on EU imports cost it up to 5 billion euros a year, and the announced investments could increase tensions in Germany, where the automaker has begun cutting up to 100,000 jobs and closing factories.

Automaker Audi is investing $4 billion to build its first U.S. factory in Macon, Georgia, creating 4,500 jobs, even as the brand's parent company Volkswagen faces challenges from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Audi CEO Grano Dellner announced the plant on stage during a Trump campaign rally, an unusual move for a major European company especially so close to the US midterm elections. "We plan to build our largest and most prestigious SUVs here in Macon, Georgia," Doelner said, adding: "This is a long-term investment because we believe in the American market. The plant plans to produce 200,000 Q7, Q8 and Q9 SUVs per year, and will take a significant portion of production from Bratislava in Slovakia. Volkswagen said Trump's 15% tariffs on EU imports cost it up to 5 billion euros a year, and the announced investments could increase tensions in Germany, where the automaker has begun cutting up to 100,000 jobs and closing factories.