Chevy Volt, Is It For Idiots?
Audi's viral remark about the Volt being for idiots and that electric vehicle proponents are intellectual elitists is raising a lot of question about the company. Is there any truth to it?
The gist is that a advanced plug-in hybrid, PHEV like the Volt, or in GM lingo an extended range electric vehicle, E-Rev is an impressive piece of technology, but is Audi of America's President Johan de Nysschen calling it a car for idiot out of line?
Volt For Dummies. Johan de Nysschen is a straight forward person and has invested a tremendous amount of energy, time and funds in the research of advanced diesel internal combustion engines, ICE design. He has also raised a few eyebrows when he said the Volt will fail and that anybody who buys it is an idiot. While competitors wish the Volt to fail, is it wise to call its would-be buyers "idiots"? He even goes a step further by saying EV lovers are: "intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are." At least we know where Audi stands with its dislike of EVs. He claims he does not remember having said this but that it was in line with his thinking.
Audi Out Of Touch? This could also shows that Audi does not understand the changing market. Diesel will not last forever and it is understandable a car company who has placed their bets on it might feel skittish. Yes, $40,000 for a car that is not "luxury" is a lot but the buyers are bleeding edge technology early adopters, a totally different type than Audi is used to.
If diesel pollutes less than gasoline, its performance has been steadily rising and offers a challenge to hybrids. What Nysschen is not seeing is the bigger picture that many consumers are tired of gas polluting engines whose money goes to foreign iffy lands. These people want to make a statement. Of course, if you were heavily invested in internal combustion engines, ICE, you might be a little defensive in front of disruptive technologies. Ideally, why not use diesel in the Volt? It would be cheaper and greatly improve its mileage.
Comments