Audi of America boss says that the Chevrolet Volt is “a car for idiots”

Posted: Sep 03, 2009
 Email 4 Comments

Johan de Nysschen

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen loves fuel-supping diesel engines. In fact, he loves them so much that he dismisses General Motors’ upcoming Chevrolet Volt as “a car for idiots,” saying that very few consumers are willing to pay $40,000 for a car that competes against $25,000 compact sedans and conventional hybrids.

“No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla,” he said according to MSN Autos. “So there are not enough idiots who will buy it.”

de Nysschen said that most hybrids and electric-vehicles are more about making a statement.

“They’re for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are,” he said.

Audi will be catering to those enlightened souls at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show with an all-electric concept based on the Audi R8.

We’re wondering what Bob Lutz has to say about all this

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: MSN Autos


Share |  Email  Print |

Tags: , , , ,




Subscribe & Connect

Connect with us on any of our social profiles below.

Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

  • zermatt

    I have to think that people that are buyers of Audis are not potential Vapor owners.

    de Nysschen is wrong about potential Vapor owners being idiots; they are more likely to become Buick owners and that is something altogether different.

  • Pat

    I honestly agree with de Nysschen's statement. Who is going to pay $40k or even $30k for the Volt when they can get something fuel-efficient for low $20ks

  • zermatt

    I have to think that people that are buyers of Audis are not potential Vapor owners.

    de Nysschen is wrong about potential Vapor owners being idiots; they are more likely to become Buick owners and that is something altogether different.

  • Pat

    I honestly agree with de Nysschen's statement. Who is going to pay $40k or even $30k for the Volt when they can get something fuel-efficient for low $20ks