US president Donald Trump is eager to make the case that his auto tariffs are helping the US economy. (EPA Images pic)PERRY: US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Audi plans to build a US$4 billion assembly plant in Georgia that will produce 200,000 SUVs annually, as he seeks to convince Americans to back Republicans in the Nov 3 midterm elections.
Trump, who has pressured automakers to move production to the US and has raised tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum and parts, made the announcement at a rally in Perry, near Macon in central Georgia, where Volkswagen's (VW) premium subsidiary intends to build its first US assembly plant.
Last year, Trump's tariffs dealt Audi a €1.2-billion (US$1.4-billion) blow as it imports all its vehicles for the US market from Europe or Mexico.
