VW boss Oliver Blume says talks with U.S. officials over tariffs are ongoing and positive.
Volkswagen is making fresh moves to boost its presence in the U.S., even as high import duties continue to affect global carmakers. CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that the firm has been in regular contact with top U.S. leaders, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to find a balanced way forward in the current trade environment.
Speaking to Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Blume said the talks have been honest and productive. He noted that he visited Washington personally and that communication has remained steady since then.
Volkswagen is among several German car companies looking at different strategies to deal with the stiff 25% import levy introduced earlier in the year. While some firms have already increased their U.S. operations, others like Audi—VW’s high-end brand—are now preparing to start local manufacturing, marking a shift in approach.
Audi Eyes U.S. Production as VW Looks to the Future
Blume, who also leads Porsche AG, explained that the decision to bring production closer to the U.S. market was already in discussion before the tariffs were put in place under former President Trump. The goal now, he said, is to strengthen Volkswagen’s footprint and align with its American growth strategy.
“The Volkswagen Group wants to invest further in the USA. We have a growth strategy,” Blume said, though he didn’t share exact numbers due to confidentiality terms.
So far, the trade tensions have hit hard. Reports say that global firms have paid over $34 billion in extra costs. And while a trade court blocked some of the tariffs recently, a U.S. appeals court has temporarily brought them back while a final decision is awaited.
When asked whether the tariff issue might be solved soon, Blume didn’t commit. Unlike BMW’s CEO Oliver Zipse, who predicted July might bring relief, Blume stayed cautious.
“Of course, I also want it to happen quickly. But it depends on many factors, and I can’t promise anything,” he added.
Volkswagen’s plans underline the huge value the company places on the U.S. market. Even with global trade uncertainty, VW is aiming to keep its competitive edge and remain a major player across the Atlantic.
