The End of a Firm EV Deadline

Audi has stepped back from its earlier commitment to go fully electric by 2033. While the German automaker had previously outlined a complete shift to EVs within the next decade, a new report from Autocar reveals that this target is no longer fixed. In a recent interview, CEO Gernot Döllner explained that maintaining flexibility in the lineup is key — and that includes keeping internal combustion engines in production for the foreseeable future.

Rather than phasing them out, Audi is preparing to launch a new generation of gasoline-powered vehicles, some of which may not even feature hybrid systems. There’s no updated timeline for full electrification, and Döllner hinted that gas-powered Audis will continue to roll off the production line well past 2033.

Electric Push Slows, Market Demand Speaks

This shift appears to be driven by both consumer demand and regulatory timelines. The European Union’s mandate for all new vehicles to be electric by 2035 remains in place, but regional markets vary. In the U.S., just around 12% of Audi sales are electric models. Globally, that number climbs to 30% — ahead of Mercedes-Benz but trailing BMW.

Audi still plans to invest in electric vehicle development, continuing to benefit from the Volkswagen Group’s broader EV initiatives. However, this strategic pivot leaves room for enthusiasts who aren’t ready to say goodbye to traditional engines just yet.

Could More Gas-Powered RS Models Be on the Horizon?

Performance fans have reason to stay hopeful. Audi’s RS division — known for producing some of the brand’s most iconic combustion engines, like the RS6’s twin-turbo V10 and the TT RS’s thrilling inline-five — may still have new petrol-powered machines in the pipeline.

As for the future of beloved nameplates like the Audi TT or R8, Döllner didn’t rule them out entirely. He noted that it’s too early for any announcements, but teased that surprises could still be in store. One thing’s clear: the age of gas-powered Audis isn’t over just yet.

source: caranddriver

The new station wagon from Wolsburg’s portfolio has both a sporty spirit and comfort, adding loads of practicality. Owners can store 611 liters of luggage with raised seats and 1642 liters after folding. It is no problem to order a towbar – the model can tow a trailer load up to 1.9 tons. It will be available from mid-August 2021 only for Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland.

Thanks to 320 hp, 420Nm and 7-speed DSG transmission, powered by 4×4. Weighing 1630 kg, the Golf R Variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds (0.2 seconds slower than the hatchback) and reaches a top speed of 250 km / h.

Customers will be able to buy the station wagon with a starting price of €51,128 and €71,579 for the model with all the extras.

Skoda aims to surpass Ford and Toyota, with the goal of being among the five best-selling brands in Europe by 2030. This was stated by CEO Thomas Schaefer. This is part of Skoda’s plan and the strategy will be achieved by “further strengthening the brand’s position in the entry-level segments,” Schaefer added.

Schaefer referred to the new small Fabia car, which will go on sale later this year with a starting price below 14,000 euros ($ 16,750).

Skoda is currently the 8th brand in Europe in terms of sales based on data from 2020 from the ACEA industry association, which reports registrations in the markets of the European Union, EFTA and the United Kingdom.

The brand is also rolling out sales of the Enyaq full-electric compact SUV, its first model based on VW’s MEB platform.

Skoda will have to overtake Ford and Toyota to reach the top five. The Volkswagen brand was the best-selling brand last year, followed by Renault, Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Skoda sold 643,019 cars in Europe last year (2020). Of course, sales fell during the pandemic, but the carmaker increased its market share to 5.4% from 4.8% a year earlier.

Skoda was the second best-selling brand in the Volkswagen Group’s portfolio throughout Europe during the year.