The Germans were always a bit sceptic or downright hostile when it came to the great car electrification. Now they get jolted. Better late than never, says Audi and announces their first Plug-In Hybrid for 2014. Of course, the announcement can’t be done without the usual Volkswagen/Audi brand of heavy hubris.
“By 2020, we want to be the leading maker of premium EVs,” said Franciscus van Meel, Director of Electromobilitystrategy (yep, you have read right) at Audi. What, 2020? We thought everything will be done by 2018? Maybe the electromobility stuff will get two more years.
Next year, the A8 will be available as a hybrid, a hybridized A6 will follow, reports Automobilwoche [sub]. They don’t have the cars yet, but they already have a sub-brand for them: “etron.” What Quattro is for permanent 4WD, etron will be for electrified Audis. There will be an etron R8, and an etron Q5. And a little more hubris: “We work under the assumption that by 2020, our etron volume will be in the six figures,” said the Director of Electromobilitystrategy.
Excuse me, where’s the fuse box?
By 2020 we in the USA will be happy just to get whatever cars the Chinese decide they can spare us (with extra cup holders).
for all the circuitry does this mean Audi will no longer be the only German made German car? let the chinese/japanese/koreans keep their stuff. it’ll make the recalls easier. I’m keeping what I have ; 80 Benz 300TD ; 84 Audi Coupe GT ; 85 Vanagon ; 86 Scirocco. at least I’ll be able to get to work … if I still have a job !