Audi CEO criticized in Germany after appearing alongside Trump / Gernot Döllner participated in the announcement of a $4.2 billion investment to build Audi’s first factory in the US

Audi chief Gernot Döllner is facing fierce criticism in Germany after appearing alongside Donald Trump at a Republican rally held in Georgia on Saturday. The event coincided with the announcement of a $4.2 billion investment to build Audi’s first plant in the United States.

The investment is expected to enable annual production of 200,000 vehicles and create approximately 4,500 jobs. Döllner’s presence at the rally was condemned by the leadership of the IG Metall union and Volkswagen employee representatives, who accused him of violating internal rules on political neutrality.

Christiane Benner described the appearance as “politically unacceptable,” while Daniela Cavallo said the Volkswagen Group had been turned into a “puppet” of Trump’s campaign. The daily Handelsblatt said the Audi chief had “crossed a red line.”

The final decision on the plant must be approved by Volkswagen’s supervisory board. The project is considered economically justified, including because of U.S. tariffs, but employees are demanding clarification about its impact on plants in Germany.

The criticism comes as Volkswagen prepares cost cuts and layoffs in Germany. The Audi plant in Neckarsulm, with approximately 15,000 employees, is considered vulnerable, and producing some models in the United States could lead to further job losses.