General Motors has responded to Audi of America’s boss Johan de Nysschen’s claims that the Chevrolet Volt was “a car for idiots”.
Speaking to veteran American journalist Lawrence Ulrich, de Nysschen said that few customers will be prepared to pay the estimated £25,000 asking price for the Volt, which will go on sale in Europe as the Vauxhall or Opel Ampera.
Audi boss: 'The Volt is for idiots'
Audi boss clarifies Volt attack
"No one is going to pay a $15,000 (£9000) premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla,” said de Nysschen. "So there are not enough idiots who will buy it."
In response, GM spokesman Rob Peterson claimed the firm was surprised he had chosen to insult fellow car enthusiasts.
“Very surprised Mr de Nysschen was so quick to insult the intelligence of electric vehicle and Volt enthusiasts,” he said. “Not so surprised that Audi is taking a bold stance given their entrenched diesel position. EVs will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and tailpipe emissions – if that's being "hoodwinked by our government" then count me in.”
De Nysschen has 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". Audi will unveil its own electric car concept at the Frankfurt motor show next week.
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Re: GM: 'the Volt isn't for idiots'
I kinda follow Dan's thinking here. I mean, don't you think Audi's (VW's and family) are a "tad" overpriced?? As for residuals, well I couldn't reply to that any better...
Re: GM: 'the Volt isn't for idiots'
The Volt was out of date a few years ago (when was it when we first heard of it? - I think about 2005) - and it still isin't even on sale.
If GM are thinking that this car is going to save them, then they are idiots.
My opinion: I think this is going to be the biggest motoring flop since the Ford Edsel (if it ever actually does go on sale).
Re: GM: 'the Volt isn't for idiots'
I think they are probably delighted. The comments show how worried Audi (and no doubt others) are by the Ampera/Volt.