Hyundai Motor Group China President Kwang-guk Lee

Q1, What are your expectations for the auto show?

A1: The Beijing auto show is an important indicator of the recovery of the global automotive industry and will greatly boost both industry and market confidence. At the same time, the theme of this year’s show is Smartly Leading the Future, which is a stage for the entire industry to showcase the achievements in smart technology.

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: Although the sales growth rate of the automobile market has slowed in recent years, the market has matured and opened many possibilities for exploration. Chinese consumers have huge consumption demand. The demand for safe, healthy and environmentally friendly travel is also increasingly prominent. Of course, the Chinese auto market, which is deeply integrated into the global industrial chain, will inevitably be affected by external uncertainties such as the recurrence of the epidemic. However, the impact of these unfavorable factors is controllable. I think the Chinese auto market will maintain moderate growth and achieve structural adjustments with a more reasonable and healthier layout.

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

A3:Clean travel, connected travel, free travel

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: The first is the code. Fighting the epidemic is both our biggest challenge and our biggest responsibility. The second is stress resistance. Due to the sharp decline in consumption and the poor sales of the entire auto industry, operating pressure is inevitable for many. At this time, both companies and individuals must maintain an optimistic attitude and drive themselves with positive energy. The third is innovation. During the outbreak, travel restrictions and online consumption have exploded, making online car purchase a new choice for communication between auto companies and consumers.

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

A5: The relationship between enterprises and society must be symbiotic and mutually prosperous. Chinese enterprises have not only made great contributions to the country’s economic development and prosperity, but also made great progress and achievements in undertaking social responsibilities.

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: In the post-pandemic era, the Chinese market will play three key roles. The first is relieving fear. The recovery of the Chinese market undoubtedly gives people hope. The second is circulation. The outbreak has blocked the global automotive industry chain. The recovery of the Chinese market will help restore the flow of the industry chain. The third is to pump up momentum. The recovery of the Chinese market has shown new consumption trends. People’s awareness and demand for environmental protection and health are becoming more profound. There is no doubt that China will play a core driving role in the global automotive industry chain, and it will also be favored by visionary and ambitious multinational auto companies. They will continue to increase their investment in capital, products, and R&D.