Best-selling car brand AXES plans to turn all EV as it ditches 2033 deadline & vows to keep making petrol motors
Hybrids will be prioritised instead
U-TURN Best-selling car brand AXES plans to turn all EV as it ditches 2033 deadline & vows to keep making petrol motors
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A MAJOR car brand has axed its plans to become all electric by 2033, with a deadline no longer in sight to move away from petrol motors.
Previous plans for the company were to end development of internal combustion engines next year, with £23.9 billion worth of investment.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
The Audi Q8 e-tron was the brand's new electric flagship which started production in 2022
Credit: AFP
There is now no fixed plan for German car manufacturer, Audi, that initially hinted at launching no new ICE cars from 2026.
CEO Gernot Döllner told Autocar he was not involved in communicating the end date, and that decisions were taken by previous management.
Speaking about the decision to revoke the deadline, Döllner suggested his belief in "flexibility" was behind it.
This includes flexibility around Audi's high performance RS models, with potential for them to become gas-powered.
"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."
The manufacturer is expected to see a greater focus on developing hybrid technology, which they see as a bridge to EVs.
New short-term plans therefore include a new lineup of gas-powered vehicles to be rolled out next year.
Döllner also confirmed development of all Volkswagen Group hardware and software architectures would be lead by Audi, hoping for larger models in the future.
On top of that, the next-generation SSP platform in development would see the Group move to "software-defined" vehicles to hit the market for the first time in late 2027 or 2028.
Audi launches NEW superfast charging hybrid with eye-watering price
Audi will still direct R&D money towards it's all-electric vehicle strategy.
There is an all-electric A3-sized model reported to be in development for 2026.
However, complete abandonment of gas-powered Audis is not expected any time soon.
It is also unlikely Audi would create its own version of an entry-level electric car as has been done by Volkswagen, Skoda or Cupra, Döllner revealed.
The Sun have contacted Audi for comment about the change in plans.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Now passengers can play Pictionary on your Audi's dashboard screen - but is it a distraction drivers don't need?
Gaming in cars has become something of a trend of late. With the arrival of electric cars that [arguably] feel fairly samey to drive - delivering instant torque, no sound, and a relatively soulless experience compared to a combustion engine equivalent - manufacturers are under pressure to make their vehicles more appealing in less conventional ways. And that includes turning them into games consoles on wheels. Various manufacturers already have gaming capabilities built into their latest in-car infotainment systems. However, all of these are restricted to the vehicle being stationary as to not distract the driver – or run the risk of them playing along while behind the wheel. But that's now changed. Audi has become the first auto brand to provide gaming facilities that can be activated while the car is in motion, although it says the driver can't see them. The deal with American toy-making giant Mattel now means you can play Pictionary and Who Wants to be a Millionaire in your A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron or Q6 e-tron while on a motorway schlep or school run. Its arrival has essentially sounded the death knell for I-spy. But is the inception of gaming on the move simply a cracking way to keep the kids entertained on long journeys, or could it be yet another huge distraction for drivers whose attention is already been drawn away from the road by an abundance of technology in their cars? Audi's gaming platform is provided by developer AirConsole. It allows up to four occupants with smartphones to connect to the in-car screens using a QR code. They can then compete in a number of quickdraw games. There are 15 to choose from in total from launch, including that all-time favourite, Uno! And more are available with AirConsole's extensive back catalogue consisting of hundreds of options, ranging from puzzles and quizzes to racing and sports. However, to access the full suite, customers will likely need to pay a monthly subscription. In the US, this is $4.99, so it's likely to be a fiver here. All games are 'cloud-based', meaning they don't need to be downloaded, and they can be played on pretty much every device and platform available, from computer-based browsers to smart TVs. Its recent switch to the automotive space has been a successful one, having already signed deals with Audi's rival BMW and parent manufacturer Volkswagen. Currently, the service is only available in cars with Android-based infotainment systems running as their operating system – which could rule it out for brands incorporating Apple's new Car Play Ultra dashboard system. The latter takes over the entire digital space in the cabin, including the temperature controls and the driver's instrument cluster, with Apple's new system debuted by Aston Martin this month. Is it another dangerous distraction for drivers? The AirConsole interface is downloaded from the Audi Application Store. Passengers can then take part in group games during journeys. The game sequence is shown only on screens that are located in the direct field of vision of the front and rear passengers - and will strictly not be visible to the driver. How does it claim to guarantee this? Once the gaming system has been selected, the car's infotainment brain automatically selects Audi's 'Active Privacy' mode. This acts like a digital curtain, preventing the driver from taking part. AirConsole boss Anthony Cliquot explained: 'By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritises safety - by not distracting the driver - we're taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences.' However, with up to four people shouting out answers, potentially reading out the questions, and almost certainly squabbling about one or another cheating, it would be naïve to suggest there isn't an additional distraction risk of technology of this kind. A recent study by the RAC revealed that almost two thirds of motorists admit they've made mistakes while driving because they've been distracted behind the wheel. With drivers already tempted to take their eyes off the road by ever-increasingly capable smartphones - at the risk of being issued a £200 fine and six penalty points if caught doing so - and many diverting their attention to larger, more convoluted touchscreens, technology is already having a concerning impact on behaviour at the wheel. But despite the emergence of tech, the biggest distraction is still a human one. The motoring organisation's poll of 2,691 UK drivers earlier this month found that conversing and interacting with passengers remains the biggest trigger for dangerous distraction - named by 43 per cent of the panel as the reason for why they've almost had a shunt. More broadly, 63 per cent of the panel admitted making mistakes due to having their attention diverted away from the task of driving for one reason or another. Surely, the inception of gaming only exacerbates the risk. With all occupants' eyes on the screen so close to the driver's periphery, and the rousing competitive conversation in such proximity to an individual trying to concentrate on the road, this technology - despite its claims of failsafe measures - adds to an existing abundance of distractions luring motorists from the job in hand. Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart says any technology that promotes game playing when a vehicle is in motion 'carries a level of risk' Having seen the details of the new AirConsole system, road safety charity IAM RoadSmart and its director of policy and standards, Nicholas Lyes, told This is Money: 'Technology that promotes game playing while the vehicle is in motion carries a level of risk. 'The driver should be focused on the driving task, rather than on the game being played by passengers. 'Momentarily being distracted by a brainteaser or passengers shouting answers out loud while trying to navigate a tricky junction can reduce awareness of what is going on around the vehicle, potentially increasing the risk of a collision. 'Like everything, it's important the driver mitigates against these risks.' We reached out to AirConsole to better understand how it is limiting driver distraction. Cliquot told us: 'When the vehicle is in motion, the experience is intentionally designed for the front passenger only. 'The game library is curated to include single-player titles that minimize distraction, and we deliberately exclude party games or any content that could draw attention away from the road. 'We also recognise that passenger entertainment, whether from tablets, phones, or built-in screens, can be a potential source of distraction for the driver. 'However, by integrating gaming directly into the car's system, we can design for safety from the ground up: limiting interaction to appropriate contexts, adapting content, and ensuring drivers aren't encouraged or able to participate while the vehicle is in motion.' Audi also provided a - very brief - statement on the potentially distracting nature of the system. A spokesperson said: 'Technical solutions have been put in place to allow passengers to enjoy games safely.'
Auto Blog
14 hours ago
- Auto Blog
This Is The Cheapest Audi In America
The cheapest Audi mostly lives up to the brand's high standards With rising car prices not helped by tariffs, many people need to make sacrifices when shopping for new wheels. That could look like buying used instead of new or considering a car from a lower segment than you initially intended. For anyone looking for affordable luxury, the options are particularly scarce, but the cheapest new Audi in America demonstrates that you can still get a premium ride for under $40,000. Let's see what this model is and how it compares to a key BMW rival. Audi reveals sporty new A5/S5 with an emphasis on design Watch More The Cheapest New Audi Is The A3 Sedan Source: Audi Beginning at $38,200, the base A3 Sedan is the most affordable new Audi and one of only a few new Audis that still start at below $40k. This price applies to the Premium 40 TFSI derivative, and the MSRP excludes a destination charge of $1,295. Interestingly, the least expensive Audi just about undercuts the cheapest BMW, which is the 228 Gran Coupe. The BMW starts at $39,600 for the 2026 model year and can be considered a direct rival to the Audi. Both are subcompact four-door models that aim to bring a prestigious badge and upscale feel to a wider audience. But can this cheap Audi still be called a luxury car? Let's find out. Design: More Cohesive Than BMW Rival Unlike its BMW rival, the A3 goes the more traditional sedan route and is not a four-door coupe. It looks very much like a shrunken A4, which is no bad thing. For the 2025 model year, the A3 received mildly revised styling, such as a restyled grille and headlights. The cheapest Audi sedan model looks less awkward than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Only two colors are standard on the base Audi, those being black and white. Metallic shades will add $595 to the bill and include Navarra Blue, Progressive Red, and District Green. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The following exterior features are standard: 17-inch alloy wheels Full LED headlights Panoramic sunroof Heated and power-adjustable mirrors LED taillights with dynamic turn signals For a sportier look, the $1,750 Black Optic Package adds 18-inch bi-color wheels, a sport suspension with a slightly lower ride height, and black exterior trim. Although the standard alloy wheels look a bit small, nothing about the cheapest Audi screams entry-level; it's a classy and neatly styled small sedan. Interior: High-Tech Design But Limited Space Audi interiors have been class-leading for many years, although we're hesitant to say the same of the A3. Yes, you get dual display screens with crisp graphics and a distinctively designed dashboard, but there are just enough harder plastics to remind you that this isn't an A4. The back seat isn't great for tall adults, either, but few sedans of this size can be described as spacious. Not being one of Audi's newest models, there are appreciably still a decent number of hard buttons for key controls, but the odd gear shift controller isn't as easy to use as a normal one. The following features are standard in the base A3: 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen Six-speaker sound system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Three-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery and heated front seats Leatherette door armrests Lane departure warning High beam assist The cheapest BMW is a little better specified, getting a driver's-seat memory function, parking assist, and a Harmon Kardon sound system as standard. However, the Audi does have an extra zone for the climate control system. The Audi's $1,700 Convenience Package is worth a look for features like adaptive cruise control, driver's seat memory, parking assistance, and wireless phone charging. Performance: Quick Enough, And AWD Comes Standard Source: Audi The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the A3 Sedan produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. For the 0-60 mph sprint, the Audi needs a claimed six seconds, only a tenth quicker than the base BMW 228 Gran Coupe which has standard front-wheel drive. The more expensive AWD version of the BMW takes 5.8 seconds, so there's not a big enough difference here to decisively pick one car over the other. To drive, the A3 does a good job of matching its larger siblings. Handling is competent and grip is plentiful, while the ride is easily comfortable enough for the daily commute. The spirited turbo-four also has more than enough punch for the A3's light body. Efficiency is fair but not class-leading. The A3 returns 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined, whereas its BMW rival with AWD gets 26/38/30 mpg. That difference may only be significant if you do a lot of driving. There's Another Affordable Audi To Consider Source: Audi If you don't want a sedan, the base Audi Q3 crossover isn't much more expensive than the A3. It begins at $39,800 before the destination charge and options, and also has AWD as standard. With 228 hp and 251 lb-ft, the Q3 is more powerful than the A3, but its larger body and greater weight mean it needs 7.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. If you want to have more fun behind the wheel, get the A3, but the Q3 does have a much larger trunk. Bear in mind that Audi has recently revealed an all-new Q3, so it might be worth waiting for that if you're looking for a relatively affordable small Audi. Summary: Audi's Cheapest Car Has Few Flaws Source: Audi Considering its price, there's not much that Audi's cheapest car does wrong. Yes, it's more cramped and isn't built to the same standards as an A4, but other than that, it delivers a driving experience that one would expect from the brand. It's comfortable, refined, and makes the most of not much power. It's also cheaper than its BMW and Mercedes rivals, especially considering the standard quattro AWD system. But perhaps the cheapest Audi's main rivals lie beyond other German subcompacts. Cadillac's CT4 is more powerful and more fun to drive, for instance, while the Acura Integra comes with a satisfying manual gearbox and more features. But if nothing but a German badge will do, the Audi A3 is a solid bet. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Iconic carmaker unveils new ‘cutting edge' EV with speakers in its HEADLIGHTS & blistering 1,360hp engine
It may be the brand's fastest and most aerodynamic yet TOP RIDE Iconic carmaker unveils new 'cutting edge' EV with speakers in its HEADLIGHTS & blistering 1,360hp engine Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC carmaker has just revealed the design for their new four-door electric vehicle as a replacement for one of their other motors. It features some exciting "cutting edge" technology, as an EV alternative with speakers in its headlights, and a 1,360hp engine. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The headlamps of the new Concept CMG GT XX include speakers Credit: Alamy 3 It is a Concept car by iconic Germany car manufacturer Mercedes Credit: Alamy 3 It has no rear window, with carbon wheels completely closed off for improved efficiency Credit: Getty The new Mercedes-AMG XX is a concept car that has been unveiled by the popular car manufacturer, with a production version expected soon. The design features a range of cutting edge motor and battery technology for the all-electric car to replace the current Mercedes-AMG GT Four Door. It is expected to be the most aerodynamic, as a main focus, and one of the fastest cars Mercedes has ever made - even more than their Forumla-1 inspired AMG One. There will be due to the 1,360hp from three new electric motors fitted into the vehicle, giving it a combined power output of one megawatt. This means the new AMG XX will be able to reach a top speed of 224mph, which is 5mph faster than the AMG One. Whilst a zero to 60mph has not been revealed for the car, it is likely to have the fastest accelerating power of any car from the brand. It will therefore be more powerful, and lighter than a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and may even break the 2.0-second barrier. Other exciting features include speakers in the headlights, carbon fibre bucket seat customised to passengers body shapes using 3D printed foam panels, and chequered flag ambient lighting on the interior. The speakers will be able to make different noises at low or fast speeds, and warn pedestrians of the cars presence. There is no rear window on the car, but there is a panel between the taillights which enables owners to customise their own message on the back. Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with 'superscreen' passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move As an electric car, the AMG XX is expected to be four times more powerful than the latest Tesla at 850kw DC. That means in just five minutes, the car can be charged 20-80 per cent, if a station that supports it can be found. Although no official figure for the car's range has been determined, it is expected to get around 300 miles on a single charge. It is uncertain when the new Mercedes-AMG XX Concept will go on sale, but it has surely inspired production for a car to go on the market in the near future.
