Latest news with #GernotDöllner
Car and Driver
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Audi Isn't Abandoning Gas Engines for EVs by 2033 Like It Planned
Audi is removing its planned 2033 all-EV deadline, according to a report by Autocar. Last year, the company decided to put more funding into developing hybrid technology. Sure to please Audi performance fans, there's the potential for future gas-powered RS models. Last year, Audi softened its plans to wind down a transition to an entirely electrified lineup, suggesting that plug-in hybrid technology was worth developing as a bridge to EVs. Still, the company's official stated plan was a full EV range by 2033, so no more internal-combustion-powered Audis. Now, as reported by Autocar, that deadline is off the table. The EV Deadline Is Dead Citing an interview with Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, Autocar notes that the decision to continue developing combustion engines is part of keeping the company's lineup "flexible." The new short-term plans include a new lineup of gas-powered vehicles, hybridized or not, to be rolled out by next year. There's no new deadline for full electrification, but Döllner said he expects Audi to still be producing gas-powered cars past 2033. View Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver These plans are likely dependent on the market, as EU laws have a set target date of full electrification by 2035. On this side of the Atlantic, about 12 percent of Audis sold in the United States were EVs. Globally, that percentage rises to 30 percent, with total figures slightly ahead of Mercedes but lagging BMW. Audi will still be putting R&D money towards its all-electric vehicles and no doubt benefiting from the Volkswagen Group's broader strategy. However, there's perhaps a little hope here for those who weren't quite ready to throw in the towel on gas-powered performance Audis. View Photos audi New Gas-Fed RS Models? Indications are that RS versions of gas-powered Audis will still be on the table. Audi's performance division has delivered some hugely characterful motors over the years, from the RS6's twin-turbo V-10 to the TT RS's snorty turbocharged inline-five. Speaking of the Audi TT, Döllner didn't entirely close the door on speculation that it might return, perhaps accompanied by its big brother, the R8. He said it was too early to talk about such things, but that there might be a chance to be surprised in the future. Don't hold your breath, but the gas-powered four-ring circus hasn't left town yet. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Another electric U-turn: German car giant scraps promise to end development of petrol engines
A major German car firm has become the latest auto manufacturer to perform a dramatic U-turn on its electric vehicle commitments, writing off its promised to stop developing internal combustion engines (ICE) in 2033. Instead, the Bavarian-based marque will continue to make both ICE cars and plug-in hybrids into the next decade, as part of a 'completely new' fuel-powered line-up. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the brand's revised plans, explaining that 'flexibility' is the new direction Audi will take so it can see how 'markets develop'. The German car giant had originally planned to build its last ICE-only car next year with the new-generation Q7. However, it suggested earlier this year that petrol and diesel models could run for longer. Audi is just the latest in a line of legacy car brands to backtrack on commitments to sell only fully electric cars from 2030, with Volvo, Porsche, and Fiat all announcing plans to extend sales of ICE and hybrid cars into the next decade. It comes after the UK Government watered down its own ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in April, allowing manufacturers to continue selling hybrids – both conventional and plug-in – until 2035. Döllner said in an interview with Autocar: 'Audi is launching from 2024 to 2026 a completely new line-up of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and that gives us complete flexibility for at least another seven, eight, maybe 10 years, and then we will see how our markets develop. 'We have already decided to extend the production beyond the communicated end dates of the past.' The CEO, who took to the helm at Audi in September 2023, explained that the 2033 deadline was made by Audi's previous management and that a slowdown in EV adoption in key global markets has forced the car company to reassess its deadlines. Last year, EVs accounted for less than 10 per cent of Audi's global sales, despite the fact it is one of the manufacturers to have broadened its range of battery-powered vehicles. Döllner had already hinted in March that this year Audi would decide on a new timeline for phasing out ICE cars, and that the firm had invested substantially in new-generation hybrid technology. Audi will lead development of all Volkswagen Group hardware and software architecture, basing its EV platforms on the US manufacturer Rivian's architecture through a joint venture. This will be fed into future plans for other VW Group brands, including Porsche, Skoda, Bentley and others. The first Audi models to use the architecture will arrive in late 2027 and 2028, Döllner confirmed. The new Audi A5 plug-in hybrid will be revealed next week as one of 10 new PHEV models due in 2025. The A3, A6, Q5 and Q3 will also receive plug-in hybrid variants this year. This is good news for British car buyers who are able to purchase hybrid and plug-in hybrid car until 2035 following Keir Starmer's decision to relax EV sales targets in April. Being able to buy a hybrid into the middle of the next decade is aimed to provide motorists with a stepping stone before committing to fully electric driving. Hybrids give drivers some zero emissions running but a petrol engine when long mileage journeys are called for. Audi's other plans include discontinuing the A1 supermini and Q2 crossover – smaller models sold in global markets – and instead bringing in a standalone EV roughly the size of an A3 in 2026. This is set to be the entry point for Audi's future range, taking the place of the Q1 and Q2. Döllner also said that the German firm 'will not invest heavily in new diesel generations' as its current TDI models are compliant with the EU's Euro 7 emissions regulations, so these will continue to be brought to the market – a market which is currently declining. Which manufacturers have abandoned EV-only deadlines? Volvo backtracked on its promise to sell only fully electric cars by 2030 due to a fall in demand for battery vehicles in September 2024. Instead, it's now aiming for 90 to 100 per cent of its global sales to be either pure electric or plug-in hybrid by the end of the decade. Porsche, also owned by VW Group, has watered down its aims for 80 per cent of sales to be all-electric by 2030, moving to a plan that involves selling its existing Cayenne SUV with combustion engines into the next decade. Mercedes-Benz is another German car giant that has announced it too will extend the production cycle of one of its biggest-selling combustion cars due to concerns about EV take-up. The A-Class hatchback, which was due to be retired by the end of 2024, will continue to be built through to 2026 as part of a more 'flexible' Mercedes strategy for transitioning to EVs.
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Audi Is About To Change The Look Of Every Car It Makes
Audi Wants To Make 'A Bold Step' Forward A couple of months ago, German automaker Audi launched a new Chinese sub-brand called AUDI, and its creations will look unlike anything the mothership in Ingolstadt builds. But soon, even the cars created for Europe and America will look completely different, according to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Speaking with Autocar, the CEO confirmed that the first concept under new design boss Massimo Frascella will be revealed this year, and this 'bold step' will not just be a fantastical idea of what could be; future concepts will only be shown to the world if they have true production intent. Audi Is Looking Forward, Not Back 'We won't show design studies anymore,' said Döllner. 'When we show things, [they] will be substantial. Every concept we show will have a product decision behind it.' The CEO added that the brand 'would look to the future and the strengths of Audi design, for clarity and to bring that to the future, not copying the past.' He went on to praise the work that Frascella has already done in his first year, saying that he and the designer agree on 'a clear vision for Audi design.' It will be interesting to see how Audi maintains its individuality while moving its design forward. Its Singleframe grille outline has defined many a vehicle since the mid-2000s, and LED lighting design has been a big part of the brand's identity. LED and OLED lighting will only get more complex, and Audi has always been at the forefront of the tech, but how it will use its innovations in a novel manner will surely be a challenge. Why Audi Needs A Fresh Approach Source: Kyle Edward/Autoblog Audi's recent designs, including the 2026 Q3 that launched this week, have all been moving in the same direction over the past few years, drawing at least some inspiration from the e-tron GT EV. While the latest A6 sedan also embraces some of those styling tropes, most of its styling remains derivative of past designs under the nameplate. As for SUVs, while these have almost all adopted a split headlight design and a full-width taillight bar that was once very impactful and trendy, the playbook has been overused, and with so many nondescript SUVs of all descriptions adopting similar styling strategies, Audi's look is no longer as unique. Just naming an automaker that doesn't incorporate these elements is difficult. Thus, it's time for a fresh new concept to inform all future cars, regardless of body style. Döllner didn't say what size or sort of car would be used to introduce the conceptual design language, but given their popularity, we suspect a crossover/SUV will debut the new looks. Audi managed to adapt elements of the original R8 supercar to several mainstream models, but we doubt Audi's vision of the future will be grounded in something as niche as a sports coupe of any description. Whatever we see and whenever we see it, any cosmetic changes will take time, and not all of the automaker's range has fully evolved yet, so much of the current design language will survive for a few years to come. The Q7 three-row SUV, for example, still needs to adopt the current look. Audi's previous design boss, Marc Lichte, was in the job since 2014 until last year, so Frascella's perspective will certainly shake things up. Responsible for cars like the modern Defender, the Italian designer knows how to blend old with new in an authentic manner. Here's hoping he can inject just as much appeal with the Audi design concept. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Audi Delays ICE Phase-Out, Will Launch More Gas Cars
Gas Power Is Sticking Around At Audi A few years ago, Audi said it would stop selling gas-powered cars in 2033. At that point, many major automakers had set plans in motion for their own discontinuation of gas models, but many have realized this move was a bit premature. Audi's CEO has now confirmed that the German brand is backtracking on the 2033 decision. Instead, it will keep developing new ICE models for the foreseeable future, with no definite date at which ICE models will cease development. Source: Audi RS6 engine Flexible Powertrain Choices Essential Gernot Döllner, Audi CEO since 2023, told Autocar that he 'had not been the one to communicate the end date' of the brand developing new ICE models; rather, this was a decision taken by previous management. Explaining why he changed the brand's strategy, Dollner said he 'believes in flexibility' when it comes to powertrains. 'Audi is launching from 2024-2026 a completely new line-up of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and that gives us complete flexibility for at least another seven, eight, maybe 10 years, and then we will see how our markets develop. We have already decided to extend the production beyond the communicated end dates of the past.' This will be music to the ears of Audi enthusiasts, especially fans of the brand's high-performance RS division. While models like the RS e-tron are exceptionally quick, they can't match the emotional qualities of an RS6 or RS7 with their V8 power plants. Döllner Doesn't Rule Out Return Of R8 And TT Döllner made some interesting statements about Audi's Formula 1 team, saying this team would 'inspire us to think about road cars of the future.' Asked specifically about the return of the TT sports car and R8 supercar, he said the company was 'thinking about everything… we are car guys, let yourself be surprised. There is room for Audi in such fields. We are evaluating different options but it's a little too early to talk about that.' This is not the first time Döllner seemed keen for a TT revival. And, while rumors of a new, all-electric R8 were swirling a few years ago, that came before Dollner's statement that Audi will continue developing gas engines. In light of this, a new gas-powered R8 isn't entirely off the table, but it will likely feature some level of hybridization. While some enthusiast brands like Jaguar are going all-in on an electric future, we're pleased to see that Audi has been willing to change course. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Audi Changes Its Mind. Will Make Gas Cars For Another 10 Years
Next Monday, June 23, will mark three years since Audi pledged to launch its final gas-powered cars in 2025 and transition to selling only EVs starting in 2026. At the time, the Volkswagen Group's luxury brand also vowed to end production of combustion engine vehicles by 2033. While it left the door open for ICE to continue in China beyond that date depending on demand, Audi was expected to become an electric-only brand in all other regions. That's no longer the case. CEO Gernot Döllner told Autocar magazine that Audi is likely to continue producing gas-powered cars until around 2035 and possibly beyond. He explained that a strong product rollout through 2026 will give the brand the flexibility to continue selling ICE vehicles for at least 'another seven, eight, maybe 10 years.' He didn't rule out extending production past the middle of the next decade, though he emphasized it would depend on customer demand: 'Then we will see how our markets develop. We have already decided to extend the production beyond the communicated end dates of the past.' The previous announcement was made under the then-CEO Markus Duesmann. Gernot Döllner took over in September 2023. While Audi was forced to discontinue the Q8 E-Tron and close a factory due to poor sales, its other EVs are gaining traction. In the first quarter of the year, Audi delivered 30.1% more fully electric vehicles compared to the same period in 2024. EV demand rose to 46,371 units, though BMW nearly doubled that with 86,449 electric cars sold in the same period. Still, Audi outpaced Mercedes, which delivered just 40,706 EVs. A new entry-level electric model , expected next year in the A3 segment, should help increase EV adoption thanks to its lower price compared to the Q4 E-Tron. But combustion engines aren't going away anytime soon. New models such as the A5, A6, and the Q3, unveiled just yesterday , are likely to remain on the market well into the 2030s. Most of the newcomers will also get hot derivatives with the S and RS badges. It's still unclear what Audi will do if the European Union upholds its plan to ban new combustion-engine car sales starting in 2035. The company may phase out ICE models entirely or continue producing them for markets not subject to the EU's draconian regulations. Photo by: Chris Rosales / Motor1 All European automakers will need to confront this challenge, and they likely won't wait until the mid-2030s to make a decision. Strategic choices like this require long lead times due to their far-reaching implications. Mercedes, which once considered going EV-only in certain European markets as early as 2030, has also walked back that goal and plans to continue offering ICE vehicles well into the next decade. Among the three major German luxury brands, only BMW has never committed to a phase-out date for combustion engines. The company has consistently emphasized consumer choice and pointed to the still-lagging charging infrastructure. Audi and Mercedes are full steam ahead with electrification, but now recognize that the transition will take longer than initially anticipated, and are adjusting their strategies accordingly. The Latest From Audi: Audi Put The Windscreen Wiper And Turn Signal Controls Together. Here's How They Work The New Audi A6 Plug-In Hybrid Has a Decent Electric Range Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
