Audi CEO's Trump Rally Appearance Leaves Volkswagen Union Boss 'Ashamed'

VW's works council chief accuses Audi's boss and the Group’s leadership of becoming "puppets" in Trump’s political show.

Gernot Döllner and the Audi Q9

Photo by: Audi

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Oct 26, at 8:01am ET

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Audi CEO Gernot Döllner is facing fierce criticism after joining Donald Trump on stage at a campaign event to announce a $4 billion investment in a new US factory. Daniela Cavallo, head of Volkswagen’s works council, says the executive’s appearance was embarrassing and accuses the group’s leadership of becoming props in the US president’s political show.

The controversy goes beyond the planned factory in Georgia, where Audi is expected to build large SUVs such as the Q7, Q8, and Q9. Cavallo argues that Döllner’s appearance at a Trump campaign rally crossed a line, particularly given the president’s rhetoric and Volkswagen’s own history. She also believes the appearance may have violated Audi’s internal rules on political neutrality.

'Several minutes filled with racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, and contempt for democracy—and then one of our top corporate representatives takes the stage and actively campaigns on behalf of a candidate. Anyone who heard Trump’s speech and had to witness Döllner becoming an active part of this event must have wanted to sink into the ground in shame.'

Volkswagen Group Works Council Chairwoman Daniela Cavallo

Photo by: Volkswagen

VW Group Leadership Accused Of Becoming Trump’s Puppets

That’s not all. Cavallo also aimed VW Group CEO Oliver Blume for allowing himself to be “turned into a puppet in the propaganda show of a highly dubious political figure who violates just about every one of our corporate values.”

Döllner’s appearance has also raised questions about Audi’s internal guidelines. According to Cavallo, the company’s rules prohibit high-profile public appearances with politicians running for office during the final three months before an election. She said Döllner signed the principles only a few months ago and believes his participation clearly violates them.

The timing is particularly sensitive. The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, and Trump used Saturday’s event in Perry, Georgia, to present Audi’s planned factory as a major win for American manufacturing. The president invited Döllner onto the stage after announcing the investment. Audi’s CEO thanked Trump for his support and described the United States as a market where the German automaker intends to commit long term.

Audi has already responded to the criticism, with Reuters quoting Döllner as saying:

'This decision was preceded by many months of careful planning and intense negotiations. If the American president invites you, you accept the invitation. That is what respect for the office and for the country in which we invest demands.'

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner and the new Q7

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner and the new Q7

Photo by: Audi

But that brief appearance has since overshadowed the business announcement, with critics arguing that Audi effectively handed Trump a campaign talking point just days before voters head to the polls.

As we reported over the weekend, Audi plans to invest around $4 billion in its first US factory, which is expected to produce up to 200,000 SUVs annually and create approximately 4,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with production expected to start in the early 2030s.

Made In USA

The proposed facility would help Audi reduce its dependence on imports at a time when US tariffs are putting significant pressure on VW Group’s finances. Audi currently builds vehicles in Europe and Mexico for American customers, leaving it exposed to import duties.

The factory also raises questions about what it could mean for VW’s existing production network, particularly in Germany, where the group is already under pressure to cut costs and address excess capacity. Cavallo made it clear that worker representatives would not automatically approve the project. They want a comprehensive assessment of how the investment would affect the group’s other plants before giving the green light.