German Handelsblatt: Interview: Audi boss: “Whoever develops the last combustion engine has to spend a lot of money”006572

Markus Duesman

The Audi boss in the electric SUV Q8 E-Tron.

(Photo: AUDI AG)

Audi boss Markus Duesmann is not shaking things up with the combustion engine phase-out. “Our farewell to the combustion engine is certain,” said Duesmann in the Handelsblatt interview. The renewed discussions in Brussels, initiated by Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing, to avoid a ban on internal combustion engines in the European Union at the last second, do not change Audi’s decision. With a view to the discussions in Brussels, Duesmann said: “We would like to see technology clarity from politicians.” Audi wants to sell the last combustion engine in 2033.
The Audi boss is skeptical about the push by competitors like BMW to stick with the combustion engine for longer. “Anyone who develops the last combustion engine has to spend a lot of money,” he says. With falling quantities and stricter environmental regulations, the costs would rise significantly.
Duesmann has been head of Audi for three years. In terms of balance sheet, the premium subsidiary of VW has developed well since then. Last week Audi presented a record profit of 7.6 billion euros. However, sales are falling.

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