Audi Announces $4 Billion Georgia Mega Factory for SUVs

Amid ongoing challenges for the Volkswagen Group, Audi has announced plans for a $4 billion U.S. production site in Georgia, marking its very first factory in the country. The automaker plans to break ground next year, create about 4,500 jobs, and reach completion in the early 2030s. At full capacity, Audi expects the facility to produce 200,000 vehicles annually. CEO Gernot Döllner publicly revealed the project at a Trump rally, drawing criticism from Volkswagen’s German union. Defending the appearance, Döllner told Reuters that the decision followed months of careful planning, stating that accepting an invitation from the American president is a matter of respect for the office and the country. In other industry news, Toyota expects to rake in roughly $1.7 billion annually supplying engines and hybrid systems to partners like Mazda, Subaru, and Suzuki. Meanwhile, Alpine is taking its time with the next-generation battery-electric A110 to ensure it is perfect at launch, while also considering combustion engines for models like the A310 concept as it eyes North American expansion. In California, Santa Monica is negotiating a deal to let Amazon-owned Zoox store up to 150 robotaxis in city lots, netting half a million dollars annually while indemnifying the city. Mitsubishi revealed the ASX VR-e GSR electric SUV—built by Foxconn with a 0-60 mph time under four seconds—though it will not be sold in the U.S. Finally, Audi is splitting its strategy in China, pairing with FAW Group for combustion and select EVs under the traditional four-ring badge, while launching a separate ‘AUDI’ brand with SAIC Motor dedicated exclusively to China-market EVs.