漂洋过海50余年 奥迪要在美“安家”了？

Core Viewpoint - Audi is increasingly considering local production in the U.S. to mitigate the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, as the company faces significant cost challenges due to its reliance on imports [2][10]. Group 1: Audi's Current Situation - Audi has not established any production facilities in the U.S. since its entry into the market over 50 years ago, relying entirely on imports for sales [3]. - The Q5 model, produced in Mexico, accounts for a significant portion of Audi's sales in the U.S., with over 5,800 units sold in 2024 alone [4]. - The potential for triple tariffs on the Q5, including a 25% import tariff and additional tariffs under the USMCA, could increase costs by over 50%, making it unprofitable to sell the model in the U.S. [4]. Group 2: Sales Performance and Challenges - Audi's total vehicle deliveries in the U.S. fell by 14% year-on-year to 196,000 units, with Q5 sales dropping by 23% [5]. - The Q3 model saw a 45% increase in sales, reaching 32,090 units, but it also faces potential price increases due to tariffs [6]. - Audi has paused new vehicle deliveries to U.S. dealers, with over 37,000 vehicles currently in inventory, which can sustain sales for about two months [6]. Group 3: Industry Impact and Competitor Response - Other automakers, such as Jaguar Land Rover and Mitsubishi, are also halting deliveries and storing vehicles at ports due to the new tariffs [7][8]. - Major competitors like Mercedes-Benz and BMW have established U.S. production facilities, allowing them to better manage tariff impacts and maintain flexibility in production [9]. - Mercedes-Benz has decided to absorb the increased costs without raising prices for the 2025 models, leveraging its U.S. manufacturing capabilities [9]. Group 4: Future Production Plans - Audi is evaluating options for local production in the U.S., potentially utilizing existing Volkswagen facilities or constructing a new plant, which could take 3-4 years [10]. - The company had previously considered building an electric vehicle factory in the U.S. due to incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act but did not finalize plans at that time [10].