<div id="readability-page-1"><div><p>WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - Volkswagen can only proceed with the proposed Audi plant in the United States if President Donald Trump reduces the burden of tariffs. This was made clear in an interview with the &#34;Handelsblatt&#34; by Oliver Blume, the head of the Volkswagen Group, to which Audi belongs. &#34;With the current level of tariffs unchanged, a major additional investment is not financially viable,&#34; Blume responded to a related question. &#34;What we need are short-term cost relief measures and long-term reliable framework conditions.&#34;</p><p>        Audi has been considering building a plant in the US since 2023. At the time, new subsidies in the United States were cited as a reason, making the construction of a plant economically attractive. However, the Trump administration is now putting pressure on European carmakers with tariffs. According to Blume, this weighed on the VW Group by 2.1 billion euros in the first nine months of 2025.</p><p>        Nevertheless, the CEO spoke of a &#34;forward strategy&#34; for the US business and significant growth opportunities. However, Blume described the previously stated goal of a ten percent market share in the US as an old target. Today, Volkswagen must move forward step by step.</p><p>There have been some discussions with the government in Washington regarding the construction of an Audi plant, including talks with President Trump and his Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick – but so far, without the necessary results. &#34;Those who invest, create jobs, and generate added value must also benefit on the cost side,&#34; Blume demanded. &#34;We remain open to solutions that benefit both sides.&#34;/bf/DP/zb</p></div></div>

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<p>Volkswagen's CEO, Oliver Blume, stated that the proposed Audi plant in the US is not financially viable under current tariff levels imposed by the Trump administration. He emphasized the need for cost relief measures and a stable framework to proceed with the investment. The tariffs have already cost the VW Group 2.1 billion euros in 2025. While there are ongoing discussions with the US government, Blume noted that the goal of achieving a 10% market share in the US is outdated, and the company must adopt a more gradual approach moving forward.</p>

VW: Audi Plant in the US Not Financially Viable Due to Tariffs