Audi CEO Says Gas Engines Have a Future Well into the 2030s, at Least in the U.S.
Car and Driver
March 2, 2026
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Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has emphasized that gas-powered engines will remain relevant well into the 2030s, particularly in the U.S., as electric vehicle (EV) sales struggle to gain momentum. In an interview with Car and Driver, Döllner highlighted Audi's decision to adopt a more flexible approach to powertrains, balancing hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies due to shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics. This strategy reflects the broader uncertainty in the automotive industry as it navigates the transition to electrification.
The U.S. market has seen a significant decline in EV sales since the elimination of federal tax credits in late 2025, leading automakers like Audi to reassess their EV strategies. While global markets such as China and Europe are rapidly adopting battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the U.S. remains dominated by ICE-powered SUVs and pickups, making gas engines a critical part of Audi's lineup for the foreseeable future. Döllner acknowledged that while EV adoption is lagging in the U.S., this does not render the market irrelevant but instead underscores the need for a diversified approach to powertrains.
Audi plans to refine its existing platforms to incorporate more hybridization, rather than developing entirely new ICE-based architectures. This approach aims to maintain flexibility and adaptability as the industry evolves. However, Döllner noted that a key decision regarding future ICE platform development will likely be made in the early 2030s, depending on demand, particularly in the U.S. For smaller vehicles like the A3, Audi expects a full transition to electric power by the early 2030s due to stricter emissions regulations in Europe and China.
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 3/2/2026