Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume flags 'massive' US investments and says tariff talks constructive

Volkswagen wants to make more big investments in the United States, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oliver Blume said in an interview with a German newspaper on Friday, adding that tariff talks with the US government were "fair" and "constructive.

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Several foreign companies have announced US President Donald J. Trump's import tariffs, but German carmakers have been more cautious about committing more resources to what is their biggest export market.

Volkswagen's Audi brand, which has no production in the United States, is planning to produce some models in there, although the brand has said that the plan pre-dates the Trump administration.

"So far, we have had absolutely fair, constructive discussions," Mr. Blume told Süddeutsche Zeitung. "I was in Washington myself and we have been in regular dialogue ever since."

Mr. Blume, who also leads Porsche AG as CEO, said Volkswagen’s main contact in Washington was US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, adding he had agreed to keep any details of the discussions confidential.