Cars

Electric Vehicle Pioneer Advocates for Petrol Power in the Future

Published

6 seconds ago

August 30, 2026

EV company founder says petrol power is the future

Founder of the Rimac electric hypercar brand and CEO of Bugatti, Mate Rimac, has said the future of high-end supercars is not electric, with petrol-powered vehicles to remain in high demand even as mainstream models become increasingly electric.

Speaking to CNBC, the Rimac founder and Bugatti Rimac CEO suggested exotic supercars are entering a “Swiss watch phase”, where high-net-worth buyers are shunning the latest tech for more conventional mechanical and handcrafted models.

“For normal cars, normal people, the vast majority will be electric, [but] the upper segment, like sports cars and upwards, are going to stay combustion for a very long time, exactly like watches,” Mr Rimac told CNBC.

“Only like five per cent of watches are made in Switzerland, but that’s where 90 per cent of profits are made. An Apple Watch or any kind of smartwatch can do so many more things, but no one will pay $200,000 for it.”

Customization in Luxury Car Brands

Luxury car brands like Porsche, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz have recognized the growing trend of customization among consumers. Porsche offers special request options through its Sonderwunsch department, Maserati provides custom-made services via its Fuoriserie division, and Mercedes-Benz caters to bespoke requests through its Manufaktur program.

Rimac, the founder of a renowned car company, expressed his vision of creating the world’s best and most exciting cars while maintaining profitability. He emphasized the importance of craftsmanship and artistry in modern vehicles, highlighting the celebration of human skills over sheer performance metrics.

According to Rimac, the evolving automotive landscape focuses more on the ingenuity and beauty of cars rather than just speed and performance. He noted the shift towards appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry behind each vehicle, showcasing a blend of innovation and aesthetics.

For car enthusiasts looking for a unique and personalized driving experience, the option to customize luxury vehicles offers a way to express individuality and taste. By tapping into the bespoke services offered by these prestigious brands, customers can elevate their driving experience to a whole new level.

Explore the Bugatti showroom for a glimpse into the world of luxury and customization in the automotive industry.