Audi Exec Says Only Idiots Would Buy Volts; Chevy Says That's a Dumb Remark
By Scott Doggett September 3, 2009
In an interview earlier this week, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen (right) dismissed the upcoming Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid as "a car for idiots."
He said that few consumers will be willing to pay $40,000 -- the Volt's estimated base price -- for a car that competes against $25,000 sedans and conventional hybrids. Nor, he noted, is the Volt a luxury car whose green-technology costs will be excused because it also delivers prestige or performance.
"No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla" in terms of prestige and performance, he said. "So there are not enough idiots who will buy it."
More than a few people at Chevrolet took offense. In an interview with Green Car Advisor, Volt spokesman Rob Peterson said:
"I'm pretty surprised somebody would make such a bold statement that challenges the intelligence of anybody in the EV movement, and especially those people who are anxiously awaiting the Volt. It just doesn't seem like a real bright statement."
It'll be interesting to see how well the Volt sells. The vehicle is slated to start appearing in showrooms in very limited numbers at the end of next year.
LEAVE A COMMENT
He kind of has a point. Or maybe it's foreshadowing of the US auto industry. $40,000 for a hyper efficient compact.
Have you looked at the price of Audi's lately? He has no reason to bitch about a $40K car.
Quite the elitist snob, isn't he? Until they produce the Audi shown in I,Robot, I never had any attraction to the brand beyond the old Quattro. Even less now.
ADD A COMMENT