Audi plans to invest about $4 billion in its first U.S. manufacturing plant, a Peach County project expected to create 4,500 jobs and produce up to 200,000 vehicles annually.
President Donald Trump and Audi Chief Executive Gernot Döllner announced the project Oct. 24 during a campaign rally in Perry. Georgia officials said the plant will rise at the 1,474-acre Middle Georgia Megasite along Georgia Highway 96 near Interstate 75, outside Fort Valley.
Site grading is expected to begin in 2027, followed by construction in 2028 and full production in 2031. Audi said the factory will build premium sport utility vehicles for North American customers. Döllner told The Wall Street Journal the lineup is expected to include the Q7, Q8 and Q9.
The facility would become Audi’s first dedicated U.S. factory and establish North America as the company’s third major production pillar alongside Europe and China. Audi cited Georgia’s workforce, supplier network, logistics infrastructure and investment-ready site.
Georgia Quick Start will develop customized training with local technical colleges. State officials said the positions will pay competitive wages.
The investment gives Audi a domestic production base as tariffs raise the cost of imported vehicles. The company said U.S. tariffs reduced its profits by approximately 1.2 billion euros, or about $1.4 billion, last year. Trump credited his trade policies for encouraging the project. Reuters reported the final investment still requires approval from Volkswagen’s supervisory board.
Peach, Macon-Bibb and Houston counties jointly promoted the site through the Mid-Georgia Gateway Joint Development Authority. Earlier this year, the three counties each pledged $7 million toward marketing and site improvements.
The factory adds a major automotive employer to Middle Georgia and expands the state’s booming vehicle manufacturing sector.
