Bentley Motors Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong & Macao Managing Director Kim Airey

Q1, What are your expectations for the auto show?

A1: Though China’s auto market faced a difficult beginning to 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the great support of our customers and stakeholders as well as our strong product range have allowed us to come back quickly and stronger than ever in China. We look forward to rolling out the most advanced products to meet their needs.

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: Our confidence in and dedication to the China market have never wavered. We are delighted to see the market start to flourish again. China is the biggest car market in the world and one of the largest markets for premium and luxury brands.

China has proven itself to be an important engine of global economic growth, manifesting strong resilience and growing signs of recovery. We remain confident about the future.

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

A3: Innovation, sustainable, development

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: During these trying months, amid the harsh COVID-19 pandemic, we stood steadfast alongside our Chinese customers, other stakeholders and our Bentley staff to overcome the most difficult of times together. We are honored to see our Chinese customers continue to embrace Bentley, with strong order banks continuing in this market.

During the outbreak period, we learned to constantly revise and implement new safety measures that kept us in compliance with local policy guidelines, so that we could continue to offer products and convenient services to customers while safeguarding the well-being of all of our stakeholders.

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

A5: Corporate social responsibility should be all about action. We have worked closely with the Bentley headquarters in Crewe to share best practices of and insights on the most effective epidemic prevention procedures. In China, we also implemented a series of stringent measures that ensured the safety of our stakeholders and customers while allowing operations to move forward safely and productively.

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 plays a leading role in sustainable mobility across the globe, and the outbreak has shown us the strong resilience of the Chinese market.

During the unprecedented challenges currently being faced worldwide, the fast-recovering China market is playing a vital role in stabilizing the global industry. The gradual recovery of the auto market, opportunities created by policies promoting greater opening-up, sustainable practices in the new energy vehicle sector, and booming market demand are all strengthening China’s crucial position in the global market. We are confident that China will continue to play a vital role and positively impact the global market.