Latest news with #Döllner
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
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.
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Best-selling car brand AXES plans to turn all EV as it ditches 2033 deadline & vows to keep making petrol motors
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 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, CEO Gernot Döllner told 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. Read More Motors News " "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 New short-term plans therefore include a new lineup of gas-powered vehicles to be rolled out next year. Most read in Motors 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 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 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 The Sun have contacted Audi for comment about the change in plans.
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Major car brand to keep making petrol and diesel cars snubbing 2033 deadline
Not only is the popular brand going back on its electrical vehicle (EV) promises, it is also is streamlining its model lineup and won't renew some of its most popular and iconic models One of the biggest automotive manufacturers of luxury vehicles has made a dramatic U-turn on its commitments to transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). Audi has seemingly abandoned its own 2033 deadline to end the development and sale of motorcars with internal combustion engines (ICE) — and no longer even has a fixed date for such a plan. The German car giant has revealed it plans to continue producing ICE and plug-in hybrid vehicles well into the next decade, as part of its 'completely new' fuel-powered range. In April 2025, the UK government reaffirmed its commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, allowing only hybrids and zero-emission vehicles after that date. By 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully zero-emission. Flexibilities in the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate will help manufacturers with the transition, providing continued support for investment and jobs as the UK moves toward a cleaner, electric future. Recently, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner told Autocar: "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.' However, as part of its "Vorsprung 2030" electrification strategy set out in June in 2021, Audi promised to switch to electric vehicles and phase out ICE production by 2033, with then-CEO Markus Duesmann stating: "Audi is ready to make its decisive and powerful move into the electric age." Döllner also confirmed that Audi will take the lead in developing all Volkswagen Group hardware and software architectures for larger vehicles in the future — basically anything the size of an A5 or bigger. Meanwhile, Audi is streamlining its model lineup and does not intend to replace the A1 and Q2 models. The Q3 and A3 will serve as the entry-level options, while the A8 will be the flagship on the "low car" side. The Q7, Q8, as well as a possible Q9, will cap the SUV and crossover range. The Audi CEO also said that an all-electric model about the size of the A3 was under development for 2026, but there are no plans for Audi to produce its own version of the Volkswagen ID 2, Skoda Epiq, or Cupra Raval entry-level electric vehicles. Döllner added that the brand's new Formula 1 team would "inspire us to think about road cars of the future", referencing the potential for specific models to bridge the gap between road and race cars — Audi expects to benefit from advancements in efficiency and hybrid powertrain management resulting from the new F1 engine regulations, which is likely to influence future road cars. When asked whether the Audi F1 team 's involvement could signal the return of models like the R8 and TT, Döllner responded: "[We are] 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."
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
No End In Sight For Audi ICE Cars After CEO's U-Turn
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. 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 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. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Audi A1 and Q2 retire next year to make way for new entry EV
Polo-based A1 is Audi's smallest model Audi will retire the A1 and Q2 next year and launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement for its two cheapest models. Described as a model that sits underneath the Audi Q4 E-tron, the German firm's upcoming cheapest electric car is set to effectively serve as an EV alternative to the Audi A3 hatchback and Audi Q3 crossover - and is the smallest electric car in Audi's product plan. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner told Autocar that the firm "will end production of the A1 and Q2" in 2026, as had previously been announced, "and there definitely will be no successor for the A1." However, "we will have models in the lower A-segment", he added, referring to the designation Audi uses for cars of the A3's size and positioning, "and we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". Döllner said it was too early to give any details of the new car's technical make-up, but given the Volkswagen Group's new SSP platform for electric cars is not due to make production until 2028, it is likely to share the MEB architecture with the Q4 and all EVs from Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra. "A really positive part of our strategy is that in the A-segment, we rely on Volkswagen Group synergies. We use platforms shared with other brands and [integrate] Audi differentiation in terms of Quattro and power and technology. "That strategy is very healthy and we will move on with that. That will also be our strategy in the battery-electric age." Based on the details that have emerged, a starting price in the mid- to high-£30,000s is expected for the new Audi and the model is likely to straddle the boundary between hatchback and crossover, not unlike the new Skoda Elroq to which it is set to be closely matched in size and shape. Döllner has previously referred to the new car as a "wondeful, unique, independent concept". Because the new model will not serve as a direct replacement for the outgoing cars, it could wear a new badge – and a resurrection of the long-dormant A2 moniker is one possibility. Döllner would not be drawn on naming plans for future additions to the line-up but said it was "thinkable" that the brand could redeploy historic names. Like the Q4 E-tron, Audi's new small EV will be a more overtly premium proposition than its platform-mates from the VW Group's 'Core' portfolio, with interior technology, materials and design cues that link it to the larger, more expensive Audi models. Döllner said: "I believe that Audi is the right brand to show premium from the A- to the D-segment. There are not many brands in the world, but I think Audi can have a true premium offer in the A-segment. We will come up with highly emotional and attractive models also in the lower segments." ]]>
