New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- Audi chief executive Gernot Dollner is facing criticism from German politicians and trade union leaders after appearing alongside US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Georgia, where Trump announced the automaker's plan to invest around $4 billion in a new US factory.

The announcement has intensified tensions over tariffs, German industrial jobs and Volkswagen Group's restructuring at home.

The proposed Audi investment in US' Georgia is intended to expand the automaker's presence in the North American market, but Dollner's public appearance with Trump has drawn criticism in Germany, as the US president's trade policies have placed additional pressure on the country's automotive industry.

Gernot Dollner ...