$4 billion surprise from Audi at Trump rally. Employees revolted

Christiane Benner, president of Germany's largest industrial union IG Metall and Deputy Chairman of Volkswagen's Supervisory Board, stated that Doellner clearly violated his own company rules.

Benner reminded that internal company guidelines impose a strict obligation of political neutrality in election processes.

Audi's code of conduct prohibits meeting with political parties or candidates at public events or sponsoring such events in the three months before the election.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the Audi board of directors approved an exception to company rules before Doellner took the stage.

According to the directive, the board can allow deviations from the rules in cases that do not constitute a criminal offence.

The same source noted that the issue was also discussed at the meeting between Volkswagen's senior stakeholders.

It was stated that at the meeting, union representative Daniela Cavallo conveyed her reservations, although she did not present an official objection.

A second source confirmed that the group's supervisory board committee discussed the issue on Friday.

Olaf Lies, Prime Minister of the state of Lower Saxony, Volkswagen's second largest shareholder, said he did not find it appropriate for Doellner to be part of a political demonstration.

Lies emphasized that an election rally could not be the right address for such an investment announcement and said, "This participation created surprise and discomfort among the employees who are afraid of losing their jobs here and a much wider segment of society. I understand them very well, I feel the same way."

Automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer described Doellner as "little Elon Musk", referring to the Tesla executive who had previously appeared on stage with Trump.