Trump announces Audi will build $4 billion factory in US

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that German car producer, Audi, will build a $4 billion (€3.77 billion) assembly plant in the US state of Georgia.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, Trump said the plant will produce 200,000 SUVs annually.

"Think of that. 200,000 cars a year. That's incredible," Trump said.

The US president credited his tariff policies for the company's decision to build the plant in the US.

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Trump focusing on manufacturing as midterms loom

The US leader has pressured foreign and domestic businesses to move production to the United States. His tactics included sweeping   tariffs on car imports.

Last year, Trump's tariffs cost Audi €1.2-billion-euro ($1.4-billion).

The latest announcement comes as Trump tries to make a last ditch effort to boost Republican candidates in the battleground state by following through on his promise of reinvigorate American manufacturing ahead of the midterm elections.

The Republicans are bracing for losses in the November 3 vote amid rising prices and the ongoing war in Iran.

What did Audi say?

Audi, which is owned by Volkswagen, said the construction of the manufacturing plant is ‌scheduled ​to begin next year, with car production starting in the early 2030s.

How will US tariffs hit Germany's car exports and imports?

The plant is expected to assemble the Audi Q7, Q8 and Q9 SUVs, a US official told Reuters news agency.

The company also said the investment will create approximately 4,500 jobs. 

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

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