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Audi USA President Explains Chevy Volt 'Idiots' Comment Page 2

 
21 6,562 views Sep 4, 2009
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Audi USA CEO Johan de Nysschen

On the whole, and when looked at with a little less bravado and a lot more logic, de Nysschen's statements are refreshingly frank and devoid of idealism - a plain-spoken, pragmatic look from an industry insider that has a clear plan on how to make cars more efficient - and yet still affordable and profitable - now, not 10 years from now, or 20 years from now.

And that's something we'd like to see more of. Thanks, Johan.

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For an excellent look at the issue from another perspective, head over to Green Car Reports and read John Voelcker's article entitled, "Volt Buyers 'Idiots'? Audi President Is The One Who's Wrong" Just as de Nysschen's open and honest assessment of the matters presented from his perspective are worth evaluating, so too are they worth critiquing - on a logical, factual basis - and that's exactly what Voelcker has done. Well worth a read.






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Comments (21)

  1. By Mike Posted: 9/4/2009 9:21am PDT

    Great article.
     
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  2. By Jtpc Posted: 9/4/2009 10:33am PDT

    First, I would rather our cars be powered by power plants in the US rather than powered by oil that comes from hostile countries.
    Second, he has issues with the cost of the Volt, yet my Audi TT roadster quattro cost me $42,000 when I bought it new and it averages 25mpg. So the Volt seems like a fine price seeing it is around that price yet won't cost me any in gas the majority of the time. So yeah, a $40,000 Audi may be faster than a $40,000 Volt, but that's not why I'm buying a Volt. I am getting a Volt because it beats Audi's butt on fuel economy. (and I've read it will be fun to drive as well)
    So yes, it will be a wise financial choice. Either way I'm spending $40,000 for my next car. BMW, Lexus, M-B, Audi, etc have cars at that price, but all will cost me more in the long run for the fuel and I will not be helping our dependence on foreign oil if I spend that kind of money and don't get a EREV.
    I won't be buying another Audi.
     
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  3. Nelson avatar Nelson Ireson Posted: 9/4/2009 11:10am PDT

    That's a good point - the Volt won't necessarily be cross-shopped against cars that are of similar features, but against luxury cars, since the technology itself is a sort of luxury.
    So if you're willing to forego the niceties for a lower fuel bill, it certainly makes sense for you. But at that point, why did you buy an Audi this time instead of a Toyota Prius? The same argument applies there as well...
     
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  4. By Gelby Posted: 9/4/2009 1:05pm PDT

    At least the Volt gets the product ball rolling. All products start out higher in price then as everyone else jumps on board and new technologies are developed, prices come into line. You had to have the giant and expensive Laser Disc to get to DVD then Blue Ray...etc... Now that the ball is rolling it will create competition in a new marketplace which should start to advance the technology rather rapidly. We are already starting to see signs of this.
    I applaud GM and the Volt and the early adopters that will buy them.
     
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  5. By jtpc Posted: 9/4/2009 1:15pm PDT

    I bought my Audi TT back in 2001. I wasn't interested in a Prius back then, but I am a fan of the new Prius with 50mpg. Very nice, but I'll still wait for the Volt seeing I keep my cars for awhile and want the cutting edge this time in the mpg department. I think it is great that Toyota and Nissan are also working on EVs and think the future is bright for such cars.
     
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  6. By IGT Posted: 9/4/2009 3:32pm PDT

    Well written article. A CEO willing speak frankly is always refreshing and it takes just this kind of action to let people that supposedly green to be little more educated about their decisions, rather than thinking jumping into another technology has only benefits and no consequences that could potentially offset its initial purpose: to be greener. Ultimately, I see a high MPH clean diesel to be a real alternative to current gas power cars in current market and environmental situation, the fact that NY state still does not have diesel car for sale baffles me.
     
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  7. By IGT Posted: 9/4/2009 4:37pm PDT

    MPG rather....
     
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  8. By hsr0601 Posted: 9/4/2009 7:10pm PDT

    With this promising health reform combined with a balancing function for price inflation in operation, Chevy Volt, too, is earning competitive edge in price along the way, together with Nissan Leaf.
    I for one believe that the U.S. will lead the way in an EV field as the meaningful investing in a battery tech was made.
    Even excellent hybrid cars and modern diesels are not comparable to EVs in light of fuel economy as the current fuel price went beyond the level of these autos and they failed to overcome this great recession, I guess.
    Even when electricity is produced by coal, an electric vehicle will indirectly release less carbon than a liquid fueled vehicle. One source suggests 60% less: http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/study-even-with-electricity-from-coal-electric-vehilces-beat-g/

    Overall, It is solidly believed that Nissan Leaf and GM Volt are saving the world, and the other developers that come in a range of 200 to 300 miles between charges are on fast-tract toward mass-market, as well. No Need For Oil dependence And Heartbreaking Wars !
     
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  9. By Tom Lakosh Posted: 9/5/2009 11:09am PDT

    The missing caveat in this article is its failure of the author or Mr. de Nysschen to recognize the inability of capitalism to properly price externalities such as air pollution whether it causes disease, acid rain or global warming. If the “free market” properly reflected these costs, we wouldn’t need such inefficient socialistic compensating measures such as hybrid/EV rebates, clean energy subsidies or carbon cap and trade. It’s always cheaper to keep a dog when he poops in your neighbor’s yard.
     
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  10. By Dontlie Posted: 9/5/2009 6:50pm PDT

    Thank god, people like me have been saying those things for years but nobody listens, maybe now some of the "Idiots" will understand since its coming from someone other than a socalled "Internet troll".
     
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  11. By  Alister Posted: 9/6/2009 8:19am PDT

    Ofcourse he's going to bash electrics. Audi are currently in the middle of a multi-million dollar ad campaign to promote clean diesel here in the U.S. Have you not seen the ad where they show barrales of oil rolling back to the oil tanker docked in the port?
     
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  12. By Gus Posted: 9/6/2009 12:24pm PDT

    All good points. But I think Alister is correct, the main impetus for his comments may be sour grapes, the Volt is garnering more media attention than his own company's diesel push...
     
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  13. By  Alister Posted: 9/6/2009 12:58pm PDT

    Thanks Gus!
     
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  14. By J.I. Hosang Posted: 9/7/2009 4:14am PDT

    Just to do not miss the matter of the Chevy Volt. The reason why GM keeps the South Korean Unit on its hands is because the project of Volt came from South Koren Government Agreements signed with the local automakers.
    The technology is nos as efficient as the one developed by a few Chinese Automakers.
    I keep saying that the best choice would be the Hydrogen, which would delyver water to nature. The costs for produce such volume of electrical energy combined with the ambiental impacts will probably not turn so many countries into that energetic-program.
    Best regards,
    J.I.Hosang
     
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  15. By MarvK Posted: 9/8/2009 11:23am PDT

    JTPC: You are exactly right. Quoting you, "First, I would rather our cars be powered by power plants in the US rather than powered by oil that comes from hostile countries." That is a tremendous advantage over all the other hybrids and diesels: The Volt may use very little or often NO gasoline at all! Gasoline sold in the US is made from crude where 70% is imported. The Volt likely will use negligible gasoline, depending on the owner.
    Worried about the US electrical grid capacity? If Volts are charged at night, there is the capacity to charge literally millions of Volts right now on the existing grid with NO new power plants needed.
    Example: In CA we have 18 million vehicles and 33 million residents. PG&E has said that the CA electrical grid could nighttime charge 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 Volts with the existing grid. The energy would come from natural gas burning power plants that run 60% efficient, plus some hydro.
    I'd say the Audi exec got caught with his diesel obsession pants down. Jeez, don't diesels run on 70% imported oil???
     
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  16. fb_100000011569507 avatar Pam Clark Posted: 9/9/2009 4:00pm PDT

    MarvK's specs on Cal. electricity might be correct.
    but,do we beleive GM's figures without an independent test. Me, no.
    18 mil. gas powered cars divided by 2 mil EV's =
    10 %ish is that enough to offset anything
    We have to reduce our electric power plant emissions even without EV's. Nationwide.
     
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  17. fb_100000011569507 avatar Pam Clark Posted: 9/9/2009 4:04pm PDT

    To jtps's comment on the price.
    I'm sure you paid $40K for your Audi out of your own pocket. $40K for the volt is after a federal subsidy. Who's money is the subsidy ?
     
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  18. By Chris Nddie Posted: 8/19/2010 5:20am PDT

    As the details mentioned above of the Audi i can say that its not that much expensive so those that pay that premium aren't being economically sensible. Use of taxpayer-funded subsidies, which are already being heavily touted as a way to make the Volt affordable, are proof that the technology isn't currently sustainable in a pure market sense. Further, no amount of fuel savings will recoup the up-front costs. these all conditions matters also Racing engines
     
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  19. By  ford motors Posted: 9/8/2010 1:21pm PDT

    This is funny to read the president of a America's major corporation, Johan de Nysschen speak their mind in public and used a few choice words - namely, using the term "idiots" to describe Chevrolet Volt buyers.
     
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  20. By  custom logo design Posted: 9/24/2010 11:42pm PDT

    Did Government Motor claim something like 250 MPG on this soon to be POS? Is that EPA number? What's the basis?
    Agree with Audi pres that only IDIOT will fork over $42k for it and you can bet that bleeding heart liberals will line up for it than the demand collapses and Hussein will force US government agencies to buy it. Yep our tax $ at work all right.
    Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/audi-president-calls-the-volt-a-car-for-idiots-2009-9#ixzz10WNzrYYr
     
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  21. By Matt Posted: 12/7/2010 10:41am PST

    How about the resale value on Hybrids in general? These are not vehicles you want to own after the battery-pack is out of warranty(80-100k miles).
    So who do you think will take the hit on this come trade in time? It sure ain't going to be the dealer!
    Second item is ya stuck with having your vehicle serviced by the dealer.
    Another overlooked item is Joe's Garage is not going to want to service these white elephants. Dealers are out on a limb when sending their techs to school because they can very easily find a better paying shop or start their own once they get certified.
     
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