Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co President and CEO Jan Madeja

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: With the overall recovery in the industry especially in the premium segment, our business dynamics have returned to a positive trend to date since the second quarter of this year. Understanding the dynamic situation worldwide, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future growth of our industry.

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: If I may share a few words from Mercedes-Benz’s point of view, I would say customer-centricity is the core of everything we do, digitalization is empowering our business and product offerings, we have cautious optimism about the future, and sustainable mobility is our goal.

We are currently in the midst of an unprecedented industry transformation, with technology-empowered innovations, evolving user demands and worldwide uncertainties adding to the complexity of the auto market.

In this context, we have further realized the importance of solidarity, flexibility and keeping our focus on the core. Customers have been and will always be the very core of the auto market, despite the changes taking place in the industry. Therefore, we initiated Mercedes-Benz Premium Customer Care Golden Rules to serve our customers in China, echoing their aspirations for a premium service experience. This is a guiding principle for us all, from OEM to retail staff.

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

A5: In China, CSR is also part of our sustainability endeavors. 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund. Covering environmental protection, the culture of driving, educational support, culture and arts and social care, we are dedicated to contributing to the social development of China.

The auto industry has always been an integral part of social development. We attach great importance to sustainability with a vision. Our “Ambition 2039” plan aims to have plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles account for more than 50 percent of car sales by 2030, and to have a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet by 2039. We are confident that we can offer the most desirable product offerings with more new energy vehicle options on top of our internal combustion engine models on the journey to mission-free and sustainable mobility.

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: China is home to the largest, youngest customer group worldwide, and is at the frontier of digitalization. For them, we are continuously working to empower our product portfolios and work mechanisms with digital features. Our newly opened Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, where the S-Class is produced, fully benefits from advanced digital technology with internet-of-things, 5G technology and our MO360 digital ecosystem, and has realized paperless operating and carbon dioxide neutral operations.