GM Volt is For Idiots! Says Audi Boss.


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The first impression of the comment made by Audi America president Johan de Nysschen raised eyebrows all over the world. "No one is going to pay a $15,000 (Rs 7 lakhs) premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla,” said De Nysschen. "So there are not enough idiots who will buy it."

De Nysschen was speaking to to veteran American journalist Lawrence Ulrich when he commented that there will be few customers who will be willing to pay estimated $40,000 (Rs 18 lakhs) asking price for the Volt. The Volt goes on sale in Europe as the Vauxhall or Opel Ampera.

Later, De Nysschen decided to play down his comment via Audi’s Facebook page. “Let me clearly state that in my opinion, electric vehicles will be part of the future transportation of society – but only if we go about it the right way. In fact, Audi is working on electric vehicles," he said. He also stated that he does not specifically remembers saying “Volt is a car for idiots.” He apologized for not being clear about the fact that he is not opposed to electric vehicles.

He nuanced his statement further, explaining that the 50% premium that the Volt commands over equivalent gasoline cars, is too high for anyone to buy. Hence, the car must be subsidized which may not may economic sense.

Cartradeindia

 
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ooh so the heat is on from big players, wow.Surely GM created much hype and news with their upcoming launch Volt with their superior technology and battery as well but pricing has been on quite higher side as to which GM said would capture market in this financial scenario around globe, surely this heat is going to come.
Lets see how much voltage VOLT gives after launch.
 
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That's not done man! How could the Audi President make such a statement ?
How could he compare a electric vehicle so advanced to a corolla ?
If he was disappointed with the pricing that's ok but new technologies don't come cheap and if he thinks so why doesn't Audi come up with a cheap performance electric vehicle ?[anger]
 
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I think, his point was people can buy a new Toyota Corolla for $15,000, which is the premium amount for the electric car. The estimated price is $40,000, which means if GM can cut off the premium, the price will be $25,000 which is a very attractive figure!
 

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