He may be referring to overall, not just standard cell performance. It would be hard quantify the efficiency of lithium as a whole, due to many factors such as more efficient motors (Ie Brushless in power tools). People need to understand that cars are a small driver in the lithium market. The demand for Innovation comes from the masses, IE cell phones and other basic electronic devices.
I would say just guesstimating (I hate to do this) but he is definitely right on the money. At the shop we now are able to run full blown machines that require not only a high constant flow but also insane peak draw as well. This has never been the case, or if it has it's been for very brief periods of time. Again this is just my industry but I do see a very apparent correlation.