Herbert Deiss, CEO of Volkswagen Group, said in an interview on Monday that he thought he and Tesla, Inc.CEO Elon Musk "has no resemblance".
"I think he's a very smart guy," Dees said. He's really different. He is using his adventures to change the world. "
Dis appreciates Musk's long-term vision, but admits that there is an essential difference between the two.
"he is far-sighted and he is a very smart man," Dees said. But we're very different. He is very focused on Tesla, Inc. and on his story. And I run a large traditional company, and we try to prepare for the future. "
"I think we still need different personalities. I like him very much, but I think we are very different. "
Deiss revealed in an interview that cars with internal combustion engines will still have a place in Volkswagen's strategy because cars with internal combustion engines are still needed in some parts of the world.
"for example, we don't want to withdraw from Latin America, where electric cars may not be the solution to climate change," he said. In Latin America, the natural way to develop is to use carbon dioxide-neutral biofuels. "
Deiss also revealed that Volkswagen's first self-driving cars will be available in 2025, and the first self-driving private cars are expected to go on sale in the same year or 2026.
Deiss acknowledges the role of robotic taxis in the future, but he also says private cars will be shared and have potential for growth.
As for the continuing shortage of semiconductors, Deiss said the situation is worsening. He said Volkswagen suppliers in Malaysia have been struggling to cope with the novel coronavirus outbreak at three factories.
Mr Deiss laughed off the question that Mr Musk had hired him as CEO of Tesla, Inc.. It was reported in April that Deiss had received an offer from Tesla, Inc., but did not explain why he did not accept it.