Overview
- CEO Oliver Blume said a large U.S. investment is not feasible under current tariffs, citing about €2.1 billion in duty costs over nine months last year.
- He said discussions with President Trump and the Commerce Secretary were fair and constructive but produced no deal to move forward.
- Audi is weighing alternatives such as expanding Volkswagen’s Chattanooga operations or using capacity at Scout Motors’ new South Carolina plant.
- Scout’s Blythewood facility has enclosed its main assembly building, begun receiving robots, and targets late 2027 for initial production.
- Trade rules continue to add costs, with U.S. duties on EU cars at 15% and many Mexico-built vehicles facing a 25% rate unless strict local-content thresholds are met.