President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Audi plans to build its first U.S. assembly plant in Georgia, crediting his tariff policies for securing the roughly $4 billion investment.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Perry, near Macon, Trump said the facility would produce up to 200,000 SUVs annually and create approximately 4,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with production starting in the early 2030s. The plant will assemble premium models including the Q7, Q8 and Q9 for the North American market.

Trump emphasized that the project would not have materialized without tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. "Without tariffs, they wouldn’t be coming in," he told the crowd. Audi executives, including CEO Gernot Döllner, joined him onstage and described the move as a long-term commitment to the American market.

The announcement comes as Audi seeks to offset prior tariff-related costs. The company reported a €1.2 billion hit last year from duties on vehicles imported from Europe and Mexico. Trump also noted broader auto sector investments totaling around $40 billion under his administration.

Georgia officials highlighted the state's advantages in workforce training, supplier access and speed to market. The project aligns with efforts to expand manufacturing in the state ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, where Republicans face competitive races for Senate and governor.

The development underscores how targeted trade measures have encouraged foreign automakers to shift production to the United States. Similar dynamics have influenced other industry expansions in the Southeast.