US-Werk von Audi: Döllner-Auftritt mit Trump: Kritik und Rücktrittsforderung

Audi-Chef Gernot Döllner made a surprise appearance at a joint event with US President Trump, where he announced plans for a US factory in Georgia. The announcement drew criticism from employees and politicians alike. Luigi Pantisano, the left-wing CEO of Audi, called for Döllner's resignation, accusing him of active campaigning for Trump's re-election.

Pantisano stated that Döllner's presence at the event was shameful, given Trump's support for racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, and undermining of democracy. Daniela Cavallo, a senior VW employee council member, echoed these sentiments, describing the entire VW executive team as puppets in Trump's propaganda show. Pantisano compared the situation to Volkswagen's history under Nazi Germany, emphasizing the need for consequences.

Christiane Benner from IG Metall criticized Döllner's presentation of Audi in the US as embarrassing and politically unacceptable. She also noted that Döllner violates the company's own rules on political neutrality in the lead-up to elections. The German state elections are scheduled for November 3rd, and Pantisano and Cavallo believe this constitutes a clear violation of the company's policy.

Niedersachsen Ministerpräsident Olaf Lies also criticized the move, stating that a campaign event should not be the appropriate venue for announcing such an investment. CDU leader Dennis Radtke called for Volkswagen to take consequences for Döllner's actions, emphasizing that ethical and compliance rules should be taken more seriously than management calendars and wall decorations.