Aston Martin Lagonda Asia Pacific&China President Michael Peng

Q1, What are your expectations for the auto show?

A1: The Beijing auto show has served as a weathervane around the world. It represents the recovery and vitality of the entire auto industry in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. We are proud to participate in the Chinese market. Now that the worst of the outbreak is behind us, we are ushering in new development opportunities.

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: The achievements of China’s economy in the post-pandemic era are extraordinary, and the weight of the Chinese auto market in the global industry is unquestionable. Especially in the process of market recovery, the consumption upgrade trend is showing a broad market prospect. We are confident of achieving substantial growth.

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

A3: Consumption upgrade, energy saving, emission reduction, interconnection, individual needs

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: Regardless of sales, after-sales or the market, during the outbreak, especially at the most serious stages, we return to the essence. Starting from the things that most concern our customers and business partners, we will do our best to optimize work plans and processes, while providing good services. Looking back, it seems that the outbreak did not cause us to be more distant. Instead, it created a series of touching little actions that brought us closer to our customers.

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

A5: The operations of most companies were affected during the pandemic. Cash flow and profits have also declined. We should do a good job in the resumption of work and production of the enterprise itself, by trying not to lay off workers or stop work and reduce allocations, so that the interests of the owners are not affected. We also want to ensure that the interests of employees and both upstream and downstream industries are not affected too much by the outbreak. That is the top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.

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 2020, the global pandemic has greatly changed our way of life, regardless of the industrial form or lifestyle. We also see that China’s auto industry still has great opportunities, and it is still the world’s most promising market. The outbreak has overturned many past marketing laws by greatly promoting the process of digitalization. Many economic activities, business affairs and even lifestyles are rooted in the online model, which may permanently change the marketing methods of the automotive industry.