We don’t claim to know the personal histories of every auto executive, but it’s doubtful few other corporate presidents grew up racing modifieds in South Africa. Johan de Nysschen smiles broadly as he remembers, “We gave those guys running small-block Chevys hell with used five-cylinder Audi 100s we brought down after they were done in the DTM.”
On Diesels
“Diesel is a technology that is ready now to help reduce fuel consumption. Everything is already in place to take advantage of diesel. We’ve shown that it can work, but in general there is a problem in communications that so many people still think of diesels as being dirty. There are those in California that want to see all diesel engines banned. If you continue to make decisions based on misinformation, this will impact the way we’ll go in the future.
On Hybrids
“Hybrids are but one answer to the bigger question of moving forward. There will be a full range of solutions to the question that include diesel and hybrid and pure electric cars. This is one reason why Audi will introduce hybrids in the future. There are some people who drive in a manner that makes sense for a hybrid.”
On Energy Policy
“It wouldn’t be a bad thing for the U.S. to use less energy overall, but because energy is relatively inexpensive due to the country’s energy policy, there is no economic incentive for U.S. consumers to cut back.
“As part of this moving forward in the U.S., nuclear power must be looked at to supply additional electricity that will come along with electric cars. The power has to come from somewhere. Also, if the U.S. wants to support energy independence, they should not tax diesel fuel more than gasoline. It just doesn’t make sense.”
On Society
“We all want a greener world, and there will be no single technology that represents the only way forward. It will be many technologies that take us into the future. People must realize that you can’t go from the ox wagon to the space shuttle in one step. It just can’t be done. We can’t just jump to all electric or all fuel cell vehicles.”
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