Audi CEO Gernot Döllner is facing fierce criticism after joining Donald Trump on stage at a campaign event to announce a $4 billion investment in a new US factory. Daniela Cavallo, head of Volkswagen’s works council, says the executive’s appearance was embarrassing and accuses the group’s leadership of becoming props in the US president’s political show, according to comments reported by the German Press Agency dpa and published by Handelsblatt.

The controversy goes beyond the planned factory in Georgia, where Audi is expected to build large SUVs such as the Q7, Q8, and Q9. Cavallo argues that Döllner’s appearance at a Trump campaign rally crossed a line, particularly given the president’s rhetoric and VW's own history.

'Several minutes filled with racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, and contempt for democracy—and then one of our top corporate representatives takes the stage and actively campaigns on behalf of a candidate. Anyone who heard Trump’s speech and had to witness Döllner becoming an active part of this event must have wanted to sink into the ground in shame.'

That’s not all. Cavallo also targeted VW Group CEO Oliver Blume for letting himself be “turned into a puppet in the propaganda show of a highly dubious political figure who violates just about every one of our corporate values.”

Döllner’s appearance has also raised questions about Audi’s internal guidelines. According to Cavallo, the company’s rules prohibit high-profile public appearances with politicians running for office during the final three months before an election. She said Döllner signed the principles only a few months ago and believes his participation clearly violates them.

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