You have to give him credit, Johan de Nysschen does not beat around the bush. He just goes straight in for the kill.
If you did not already hear, it was alleged that back in September Nysschen said the "Volt is a car for idiots." Well, leave it to Audi's top gun to throw down again. And he's not saying sorry, at least yet.
Detroit News reports:
"Washington -- Audi's top U.S. executive warned that political leaders have "fallen in love" with electric vehicles even though it could take two decades before they are in widespread use.
At a speech at the National Press Club today, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen reiterated his belief that vehicles like the extended-range plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt are not currently financially viable without government support.
General Motors Co. plans to start selling the extended range vehicle that will travel up to 40 miles on battery power late next year.
"The 50 percent or so price increase that the Volt represents over a similar gasoline car cannot be offset through the savings from reduced fuel compensation," de Nysschen said. "The only way to offset the extreme premium is through taxpayer-funded subsidies."...
Is Nysschen right? Is the U.S. government becoming too cozy to the idea of electric vehicles? Or, is the Audi chief bias due to their huge investment in diesel technology?
Let us know, SPIES!
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