Audi CEO defends US investment plan against criticism over Trump, Germany cuts

By Reuters News

- Audi CEO Gerbot Doellner on Sunday defended the announcement of a planned $4 billion US investment alongside President Donald Trump, arguing that the decision had been months in the making and would benefit the Volkswagen brand's global footprint.

"This decision was preceded by many months of careful planning and intense negotiations," Doellner told reporters on Sunday. "If the American president invites you, you accept the invitation. That is what respect for the office and for the country in which we invest demands."

The plan to set up the premium carmaker's first US production presence in the US - yet to be approved by Volkswagen's supervisory board, including critical labour representatives - was "not a decision against Germany", Doellner added, arguing that it could protect jobs at home by strengthening Audi's global business.

Capital.com is an execution-only brokerage platform and the content provided on the Capital.com website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the products or securities to which it applies. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance.

To the extent permitted by law, in no event shall Capital.com (or any affiliate or employee) have any liability for any loss arising from the use of the information provided. Any person acting on the information does so entirely at their own risk.

Any information which could be construed as “investment research” has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication.