Audi Calls Emergency Meeting: Trump Appearance Puts Döllner Under Pressure

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The Immediate Trigger

The controversial appearance of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner alongside US President Donald Trump is now expected to be on the agenda of Audi’s supervisory board. According to SPIEGEL information, the body will meet for a special session on early Friday afternoon in Ingolstadt. The Augsburger Allgemeine had previously reported from company sources that Döllner’s appearance with Trump was to be discussed at the meeting.

Der Spiegel reports that Audi has called a special meeting following the continuing criticism of Döllner’s appearance. The supervisory board is therefore not only responding publicly to the debate but is also addressing the matter in a dedicated meeting.

Trump in Georgia: $4.2 Billion and 4,500 Jobs

Döllner appeared at a Saturday campaign rally for the ruling Republicans in the US state of Georgia. There, he announced investments worth $4.2 billion. Audi wants to build its first US plant in Georgia, which is expected to create 4,500 jobs.

It is precisely this combination that has made the appearance controversial: Döllner shared a political stage with Trump and was perceived by the public as supporting his campaign. According to the source text, Döllner was therefore accused of having been enlisted by Trump to support his campaign in the early-November midterm elections. His resignation has already been demanded.

The accusation does not relate solely to the joint event in Georgia. According to SPIEGEL information, Audi has internal guidelines that prohibit campaign appearances shortly before elections. The appearance is therefore also being criticized within the company.

Döllner’s Defense: Georgia Appearance Was Intended to Advance Plant Negotiations

Döllner addressed the appearance in an internal letter to employees. He and production board member Gerd Walker had traveled to Georgia to advance negotiations over the planned plant. According to the letter, they accepted the invitation to present the plans publicly alongside Trump exclusively in the company’s interest.

At the same time, Döllner emphasized in the internal letter that Audi takes seriously the perception of the appearance as a political signal. The company thus responded at least to one specific criticism: Despite the economic justification, Döllner’s appearance could be interpreted as a political endorsement.

For several days, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has faced criticism for his appearance alongside US President Donald Trump. Audi has now scheduled a supervisory board meeting.

VW Disables Intranet Comments

The debate over Döllner’s appearance has now also reached Audi’s intranet. According to SPIEGEL information, the disagreement became so heated that the VW Group parent stepped in: It disabled the comment function beneath a post about Audi’s US plans. Comments that had already been published were also deleted.

The internal response therefore goes beyond a single statement from Döllner. In addition to his letter to employees, Audi responded by scheduling a special meeting of the supervisory board; Volkswagen also intervened in internal communications and stopped the comments. The available source cites neither a specific agenda nor any decision already adopted at Friday’s meeting.

Audi Is Also Under Economic Pressure

The case comes at a time when Audi is already under considerable pressure. According to SPIEGEL information, sales and profits have been in freefall for years. The company has already cut jobs, with further job cuts on the table.

This provides a concrete context for the special meeting: The Georgia appearance has not only called Döllner’s political neutrality into question. It is also connected to a planned $4.2 billion US investment and 4,500 intended jobs, while Audi is already discussing internally cost savings and further job cuts.

The supervisory board is now due to meet on early Friday afternoon in Ingolstadt. According to the available information, Döllner’s appearance with Trump will be discussed. What decision will result has not yet been documented.