Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has released a series of quotes that affirms that the world of mobility desperately needs to be rid of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the manufacturer asks how traditional OEMs measure up against new competitors such as Tesla in the world of electromobility.
With regards to electromobility, Duesmann says climate change is caused by the fossil fuels we’re extracting from the ground. That has to stop. We need a fossil-free society.
“E-cars are by far the most efficient technology in propelling us toward an electricity-based society.
“Plug-in hybrid technology bridges the gap, smoothing the transition to all-electric driving. As such, it still has a place for the next few years. That said, the goal to reach must be 100 percent e-cars. Only that means we’re carbon neutral.”
The world of electric cars is highly competitive, which is something that Duesmann acknowledges. On this, he says “Technology is key to solving the world’s problems. The Volkswagen Group has the financial clout to provide answers to all these technological questions. That’s why I have no doubt that we – Germany, the German automotive industry and the Volkswagen Group – stand a good chance of still being number one in ten years’ time.
“We are still in a strong position in China and the Volkswagen Group is the market leader there. So, I’m not worried about the future, but we are keeping a close eye on what’s going on there. After all, e-mobility also offers new competitors the chance to showcase pretty decent cars.”
Infrastructure is a big topic when it comes to ownership and market implementation of electric cars. On this, Duesmann affirms that “Audi is investing in electric vehicles, and that means we are also investing in charging infrastructure. Wherever there are cars, there has to be the charging infrastructure. We really can’t overdo it when it comes to creating this charging infrastructure. Maybe it’ll be even more convenient than today’s gas stations. I’m convinced that governments and companies together can get us there.”
