For decades now, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have made strong use of American labor, turning out SUVs from their factories in South Carolina and Alabama, respectively. In fact, BMW is actually the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States. Those investments have proven to be useful tariff armor in President Donald Trump's second term. The other German luxury brand, Audi, hasn't been so lucky, as it has no factories in the U.S., and being so import-heavy is hammering its bottom line.
Owners of Audi and Porsche electric cars in the United States and Canada will gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network of DC fast chargers tomorrow. The move comes as more and more automakers have struck deals with Tesla to use its expansive network, which now has over 23,500 stalls open to non-Tesla EVs and over 35,000 stalls in total.
Audi are set to remain Bayern's main car sponsor and shareholder (contract until 2029). There's no truth to rumours of BMW possibly replacing Audi before the end of the contract.
"BMW might buy Audi's shares at FC Bayern and replace it as shareholder and main car sponsor, even before the end of the partnership contract between Bayern and Audi in 2029."
