Audi 2011 Annual Report Download - page 70

realize it is what their prosperity and
innovation capability depend on,
enabling them to become more
independent. This is a healthy hunger
for progress, which I would like to see
more of in Germany, as there was in
the past.
Prof. Smith: In researching my book,
I found that the future holds enor-
mous opportunity for carmakers.
Demand is about to rise signifi cantly.
However, this could also create serious
damage. How does Audi propose to
navigate between these two poles?
Stadler: Technology is the key. Our
engineers are working relentlessly
on innovations enabling more
sustainability. We aspire to be the
best partner for tomorrow’s society.
The last word, of course, will be the
customer’s. By the way, may I ask
what kind of car you drive?
Prof. Smith: My all-time favorite was
an Audi TT built in the year 2000.
We now drive an SUV because we
have a weekend home in the woods.
But I promise you: my next car will
be electric.
Stadler: Purely so?
Prof. Smith: Yes. I don’t fi nd a hybrid
convincing – two half cars don’t
necessarily make one good new one.
Stadler: Electric propulsion will bring
on the next quantum leap, especially
in battery technology. A range of
150 kilometers is simply not enough.
We are aiming to double battery
performance by the year 2020.
Between now and then, we will be
using hybrids as an interim solution.
Prof. Smith: For my daily commute to
the University of California, the kind