This: In Europe we are already leaders. Even in the United States we have been second in recent months and in China we are growing rapidly. We believe that we will become the market leader in electric vehicles … We do not want to withdraw, for example, from Latin America, where electric cars will probably not be the solution to climate change. In Latin America, the natural way forward is to use CO2-neutral biofuels, which are still combustion engines. That’s why we don’t say we end production of [internal combustion engine] so soon because we will need them in some parts of the world. Electrification is not the solution everywhere.
This: It has already gotten worse. We hoped we would have relief after the summer holidays, which didn’t happen because in Malaysia we had really pretty big issues with Covid. Some of our suppliers, the rear ends of our suppliers, are mainly in Malaysia and three plants were severely affected. We believe that we will overcome this situation towards the end of the month and then we should see relief. Semiconductors will probably be missing for several months.
Now let’s talk about standalone technology. Because I know that while we’re all in transition to electricity, this is something you’re really passionate about. How will the adoption of autonomous technology go?
This: We see a much bigger transition for the industry when cars are becoming self-employed, because cars will be used differently and will be used by more people. You can send your children or grandparents in a car somewhere. Now imagine!
There is a lot of business potential and there is still a long way to go. Probably, our first fleets will hit the market in 2025 and the first private vehicles to run autonomously also in 2025 or 2026. But now it’s time to invest and get ready. And that’s what we’re doing.
One of the big investments you’ve made recently is the rental company Europcar. Is this to help with autonomous driving and the idea that many people will share cars in the future?
This: Yes, sharing is important. Autonomous is a different game because we believe that robotaxis will play an important role, but private cars will also be shared … we believe that there is a lot of growth potential.
The best starting point for this mobility platform are without a doubt the car rental companies. They are already profitable today. And if you add rentals, compartments, short-term leases, even the fleets of our car loans from our retail organization, you can imagine a huge mobility platform.
Of course, Volkswagen is very competitive with Tesla. There have also been many parallels drawn between you and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, especially because of your very active presence on social media. Have you taken a sheet out of your playbook?
This: [Laughs] No, you know I don’t see any parallels. I really love what he does. I think he’s a brilliant guy. And it really makes a difference. He is changing the world with his companies.
I really like that he is thinking a lot about the future. He is thinking a lot. And he’s a brilliant guy. But we are very different. It is very focused on Tesla, in its history. I am running a large traditional company, which we try to prepare for the future. And I think we need different characters too. I like it a lot, but I think we are very different.
Is it true that they ever tried to hire him as CEO of Tesla?
This: I do not know. I do not know [laughs].
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.