Audi boss faces criticism in Germany after appearing at Trump rally

The chief executive officer of luxury carmaker Audi, Gernot Döllner, is facing severe backlash in Germany after appearing on stage alongside US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Georgia. According to the Guardian and Reuters, Döllner joined Trump just days before the US midterm elections to announce a major investment in the state. [1][2][9]

The Guardian reported that Döllner spoke on stage following a speech by Trump. An elected employee representative at Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, criticized the speech for being full of racism, sexism, transphobia, and contempt for democracy. Automotive News reported that top union officials in Germany called the executive's appearance deeply embarrassing, while POLITICO reported that German politicians described the appearance as disturbing and pathetic. [1][4][8]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Donald Trump announced at the rally in Perry, Georgia, that Audi will invest 4.2 billion dollars to build its first dedicated United States assembly plant in Macon, Georgia. The facility is expected to produce 200,000 SUVs annually, with vehicle production scheduled to begin early next decade. [14][15]

The Telegraph reported that the car company has faced scrutiny for expanding its manufacturing presence in the United States after pressure from the Trump administration. Broadcasters France 24 and DW News reported that German metalworkers and labor representatives continue to slam the decision by Audi leadership to attend the political campaign event. [3][5][6][7]