Audi of America’s boss Johan de Nysschen has moved to play down his earlier comment that the Chevrolet Volt is "a car for idiots".
De Nysschen made the comment to an American journalist, but has since clarified his stance via Audi USA’s Facebook page.
In the post, he highlighted the economic argument against purchasing GM’s plug-in hybrid family car, but chose not to comment further on the kind of person who might buy one.
“The 50 per cent or so price increase that the Volt represents over a similar gasoline car cannot be off-set through the savings from reduced fuel consumption,” he said.
The Audi boss also acknowledged that his own company is exploring electric power, such as the R8 ePerformance car that is expected to appear at this month’s Frankfurt motor show.
“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."
De Nysschen also apologised if he had been "unclear" about the fact that he isn’t opposed to electric vehicles, and said he didn't remember specifically saying the Volt is a car "idiots".
Richard Webber
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