Porsche China President and CEO Jens Puttfarcken

Q1, What are your expectations for the auto show?

A1: The Beijing auto show is the first international auto show in 2020. We aim to present Chinese customers and fans with the very best that Porsche has to offer, while simultaneously conveying positive energy for the post-pandemic era.

Q2, With the pandemic slowing down, China’s automotive market has started to recover in the second quarter. What do you predict for China's auto market in the near future? The current recovery trend shows a “V” shape in sales, what do you think would be in the next stage? A “√” shape, a “W” shape, an “M” shape, or a “√¯” shape?

A2: We have certainly had a challenging year due to the novel coronavirus. At the same time, we are in the middle of a great industry transformation involving electrification and digitalization. China’s auto market is undergoing a process of maturation, so it is normal to experience a certain amount of volatility. We’re fully confident in the long-term growth of the Chinese auto industry, in line with the country’s newest phase of its reform and opening-up policy.

Q3, Can you use a few keywords to describe your predictions for the Chinese and global automotive industries in the next five years?

A3: Structural transformation, electro-mobility, digitalization, intelligence, connectivity

Q4, The virus has drastically affected people's lives. It has also caused people to rethink many aspects of life, including their way of traveling, and business management. From your perspective, what are the most important lessons we can take away from this pandemic? Can you also use a few keywords to summarize the impact?

A4: We have endeavored to manage the crisis systematically and responsibly. From day one, our motto has been to actively use this time as an opportunity – so that we can emerge from it even stronger. The decisive factors are courageous decision-making, cohesive team work and having the correct strategic direction for the future.

We focus on the basics. A crisis shows very quickly both how stable and how flexible a company’s structure is. We have made greater use of the opportunities provided by digital media in communication, collaboration and also digital experiences for our customers. We want to benefit from all these experiences in the future in a sustainable way.

Q5, What do you think about the social responsibilities that the automotive companies have taken during the epidemic?

A5: I am encouraged to see that we have successfully overcome any difficulties by working together. And it’s experiences like this that can have a lasting effect on society — to everyone’s benefit.

Q6, In the post-epidemic era, how will China's position and role be affected in the global automotive industry? What do you think the players should do next?

A6: I have been deeply impressed by the courage, resilience and creativity I have seen from Chinese people in the face of this pandemic. I’m excited to see that China is emerging from this pandemic stronger than ever.

China is and will play a more important role in the auto industry. If a manufacturing brand wants to be successful worldwide in the future and be able to cope with all the new trends we see in terms of connectivity, digitalization, electro mobility and automated driving, then you have to be successful in China first.

We’re confident that we will come out of the crisis strengthened, moving full speed ahead into the future – empowering our customers to enjoy a fascinating sports car world with superior products and services.