Audi plans a major expansion of its American operations and announced plans to invest $4 billion in its first US production facility. The new factory in Georgia is expected to create around 4,500 jobs and eventually build up to 200,000 vehicles annually.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year, although production isn’t expected to start until the early 2030s. Audi has yet to confirm which models will be assembled there, saying only that the plant will focus on premium SUVs tailored to North American buyers.
The next-generation Q7 and the larger Q9 are possible candidates. Both are expected to play important roles in Audi’s luxury SUV lineup, but they will initially be imported.
Establishing a local manufacturing base would allow Audi to build vehicles closer to American customers rather than shipping them. It could also help the company avoid import tariffs on vehicles manufactured at the new plant, although other trade costs will remain a factor.
