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Audi CEO Duesmann: "An end date for combustion engines makes it easier for everyone"

In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Audi CEO Duesmann calls for a clear exit scenario, an increase in the cost of CO2 emissions, and a focus on battery-electric propulsion.

Determined in Ingolstadt: Audi CEO Duesmann wants to leave the premium competition in the dust - and soon catch up with Tesla. Starting in 2026, new models will only be electric. | Photo: Audi
Determined in Ingolstadt: Audi CEO Duesmann wants to leave the premium competition in the dust - and soon catch up with Tesla. Starting in 2026, new models will only be electric. | Photo: Audi
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Johannes Reichel

In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann advocated for a fixed phase-out date for combustion technology, increased costs for fossil fuel engines, and a clear focus on battery-electric technology in cars. "We need to move away from CO2. And an end date makes it easier for everyone than if we just drift along," explained the CEO of the Ingolstadt-based VW subsidiary. The tax system must make CO2-emitting drives more expensive, which would make owning electric cars more attractive. Only in this way can the transformation be a success, Duesmann further demanded.

This must be the focus of the new government, in addition to expanding renewable energies by accelerating processes for wind and solar. One must also not get lost in the diversity of solutions, but prioritize battery-electric drive for cars. There is no alternative to this.

"As long as we pump fossil fuels out of the ground, we are extracting the CO2 balance of the past millions of years from the earth. And this puts the climate out of balance."

Currently, the only way to keep the CO2 footprint as small as possible is with electricity, according to Duesmann. Although saying goodbye to the combustion engine is difficult, it is necessary. The Audi CEO sees e-fuels as a possible alternative only in the long term, because there would have to be an excess of green electricity available. "Whether combustion engines will even be produced by then is very questionable," Duesmann continued. He sees no future for combustion engines. Duesmann considers it unlikely there will be a counter-movement.

"Climate change is so obvious that it makes most people at least think about it," believes Duesmann.

Technologically, Duesmann assumes that they will catch up with the e-pioneer Tesla. They have removed the hurdles and plan to introduce new models with electric drive only from 2026 onwards. On the subject of charging infrastructure, he advocated for the expansion of fast-charging options even in urban areas. Gas stations should be used as fast-charging hubs. Furthermore, there should be urban planning areas where cars do not drive, but a compromise should be found with people’s need to commute into the city.

"Clogging up the city with cars is certainly not our philosophy," explained Duesmann.

He spoke in favor of initiatives to create safe bike paths. The goal must always be to reduce CO2 emissions. Concepts like car-sharing or ride-hailing are interesting but still financially challenging. In contrast, Duesmann is rather skeptical about autonomous driving in the city, but they design the cars' software architecture for it and see a large market.

 

Translated automatically from German.
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