President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Audi plans to establish its first U.S. vehicle-production plant in Georgia, presenting the investment during a campaign rally in Perry as evidence that foreign automakers are expanding manufacturing inside the United States.

Audi says it intends to invest around $4 billion in the Georgia facility and create approximately 4,500 jobs. The plant is planned for an annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles, primarily large premium SUVs for the North American market. audi.com

Trump described the project at the rally as a $4.2 billion investment near Macon and said construction could begin as soon as next month. Audi’s own announcement gives a more cautious timeline, saying construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with vehicle production expected to start in the early 2030s. Reuters also reported that the project still requires approval from Volkswagen’s supervisory board. Fox Business

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner appeared alongside Trump and described the project as a long-term investment in the American market. Reuters reports that the factory is expected to assemble models including the Q7, Q8 and upcoming Q9, while Audi also plans additional production through Volkswagen’s Scout Motors operation in South Carolina. Reuters

The announcement comes as Trump continues arguing that tariffs on imported vehicles and parts are encouraging automakers to shift production to the United States. Audi, which currently imports its U.S.-market vehicles, was hit by approximately €1.2 billion in tariff costs last year, according to Reuters. Reuters

The Georgia project would represent a major expansion of Audi’s American manufacturing footprint if finalized, but the company’s official timetable shows that the factory is still a long-term project rather than one expected to begin producing vehicles immediately.