Shattered high US tariffs Audis America business? The Ingolstadt premium manufacturer seriously checks the construction of its own Audi US factory - A decision that could vigorously change the transatlantic production network.
Why Audi has to act
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Since Trumps 25 %-import customs (Mexico now 15 %), Q5, Q7 & Co. have hardly been profitable in the USA.
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Passing the customs costs to customers would ruin competitiveness.
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BMW, Mercedes and VW have long been producing locally - Audi.
Work options at an overview
Audi has three scenarios on the table:
| option | Location | status | Plus points | Hurd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New building (favorite) | Southern | Decision 2025 | full capacity control, supplier pool of the VW group | Investments, construction time |
| Production at VW | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Existing Id.4-Werk | Synergies, quick implementation | Limited line capacity |
| Manufacturing at Scout | Blythewood, South Carolina | Work in construction (start 2026) | Modern infrastructure | Product mix, timing |
Timetable & capacity
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Board decision after the conclusion of the EU-USA customs discussions 2025
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In the event of a new building: groundbreaking 2026, start of production at the end of 2027/early 2028
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Planned workforce: 3,000 - 4,000 employees
Strategically use
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Duty For US sales and export criminals for EU imports
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Shorter delivery times & lower logistics costs
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More flexible model policy, e.g. B. New SUV derivatives especially for North America
What does that mean for German buyers?
For us in Europe everything remains purely informative: vehicles for the local market continue to come from Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, Győr or Mexico. However, it becomes exciting whether a US production is relieved of Audi's costs and thus creates air for additional technology upgrades or price campaigns in the EU-similar to Tesla uses its global works flexibly.
outlook
The result of the upcoming customs negotiations is crucial. If punitive tariffs stay high, Audis is likely US factory Come - and sort the competition on the world's largest premium market. We keep you up to date.
