The German luxury vehicle manufacturer Audi announced it will proceed with introducing its high-end Q9 SUV to American consumers this summer, even as potential trade policy changes could affect import costs.
Finance executive Juergen Rittersberger stated Tuesday that while proposed tariff increases to 25% on European Union vehicle imports would create substantial financial challenges for the company, no final decisions have been made on these trade measures.
The Volkswagen-owned brand faces particular vulnerability to trade restrictions since it operates no manufacturing facilities within the United States, instead shipping vehicles from European and Mexican production sites to meet American demand.
The Q9 luxury SUV, representing Audi’s most premium offering in the category, is manufactured at the company’s facility in Bratislava.
For several years, Audi has considered establishing domestic manufacturing operations in America.
Rittersberger explained that the automaker is currently evaluating different strategies in partnership with parent company Volkswagen. “Without political support in the form of subsidies, tariff reductions, or similar measures, it will be difficult,” he said.
