Germany news: Audi boss slammed over Trump rally appearance

Audi on Monday issued a statement responding to "the current situation," as it coyly referred to the controversy following CEO Gernot Döllner's appearance with Donald Trump at an election rally in Georgia on Saturday. The company said that while a delegation was in Georgia for talks on its plans to open a production site in the US, "we were asked to present our plans publicly together with the President of the United States."

"We accepted this invitation solely with Audi's best interests in mind," the company wrote. "At the same time, we acknowledge that the circumstances surrounding the announcement may have been perceived as a political signal. We take this very seriously." Audi emphasized its commitment to values while also highlighting its responsibility to safeguard the company's economic future.

Union chief condemns appearance

Germany's IG Metall union chief Christiane Benner has sharply criticized Audi CEO Gernot Döllner for appearing onstage at a campaign rally with US President Donald Trump. Benner called the appearance "deeply embarrassing, politically unacceptable" and unworthy of Audi and its employees.

Political neutrality breached

Benner accused Döllner of breaching the company's political neutrality rules. Audi's code of conduct, published in April and signed by Döllner, bars public appearances with parties or politicians standing for election during the three months before a vote. Trump announced plans for an Audi factory in Georgia at Saturday's rally, with Döllner alongside him.

The plant would produce around 200,000 vehicles annually, mainly large SUVs. Benner stressed that the project still required approval, with the final decision "rightly and importantly" resting with Volkswagen's supervisory board. She said employee representatives wanted safeguards for German sites alongside a clear North American strategy.

Political fallout continues

Lower Saxony premier Olaf Lies, whose state is Volkswagen's second-largest shareholder, criticized Döllner's appearance, saying he had become part of a political spectacle. "A campaign rally cannot be the right place to announce an investment of this magnitude," Lies stated.

Audi defended its US expansion plans by noting it was currently not making a profit in the US, the second-largest premium car market on the planet. The company said producing in the country could help it rectify this and help secure Audi's "long-term success." The controversy comes as Audi seeks to navigate complex political relationships while pursuing its business objectives.