Audi is to build its first US car plant in Georgia, a $4bn factory that Trump credits to his tariffs

President Donald Trump revealed the deal at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, days before the midterms, telling the crowd: 'Without tariffs, they would not have been coming in.' The plant near Macon is planned to turn out 200,000 vehicles a year and create about 4,500 jobs. Audi currently imports every car it sells in the US from Europe or Mexico. Full production is not due until 2031.

Audi boss Gernot Döllner said the plant will build 'our biggest and most premium SUVs'.

The timing boosts Republican Mike Collins in his bid to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff.

Trump hinted at relief from his 25 per cent car tariffs: 'We can do something with you.'