- Audi plans its first US factory in Georgia, with production scheduled for the early 2030s.
- The proposed plant would build premium SUVs and have annual capacity for up to 200,000 vehicles.
- Audi says its currently unprofitable US business needs local production to improve competitiveness and reduce risks.
Audi plans to spend around US$4 billion on its first American vehicle factory, creating approximately 4500 jobs and a new production base for premium SUVs.
Construction at the Middle Georgia Mega Site in Perry, Georgia, is scheduled to begin in 2027, with vehicles expected to start rolling out in the early 2030s. The plant would have capacity for up to 200,000 vehicles a year.
Audi has described the intended products as premium SUVs tailored to North American buyers. It has not announced which models will be built there.
The case for local production
The company says its US business is currently unprofitable, despite operating in the world's second-largest premium automotive market. Local production is intended to improve competitiveness and reduce exposure to trade and currency risks, while giving Audi more room to grow.
Georgia's established suppliers, workforce and logistics connections helped shape the site decision. The Middle Georgia Mega Site also offers space for future expansion, and Audi expects the investment to generate further work for suppliers, service providers and training partners.
North America would become a third major pillar of Audi's production network alongside Europe and China. Germany and Europe would remain its industrial backbone, with the planned US expansion complementing their engineering and manufacturing operations.
Follow-up statement addresses concern
Audi issued a further statement on 26 October after its public appearance with the US President raised questions and concern.
The company said its delegation had travelled to Georgia for discussions about the planned factory and was invited to present the proposal alongside the President. Audi acknowledged that the appearance could have been perceived as a political signal, while saying it accepted the invitation solely in the company's interests.
