Editor? |? Jane (female name)
Produced? |? Bangning studio
Although the surge in market demand in China has given Audi a shot in the arm, it is still difficult to offset the losses caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. Audi CEO Marcus Duzman (Markus? Duesmann) said.
The 5 1 year-old executive also denied the possibility of going to Wolfsburg to take a more important position at audi ag, Audi's parent company.
Recently, Duzman and Automobilwoche reporter Frank? Johnson discussed the above topics. Automobilwoche is a car? Sister publications of news Europe.
Duzman said that Audi looks good in July, August and September. On a global scale, September is the strongest month for sales in the whole year. The situation in China is particularly good. It is even predicted that China's annual sales will increase compared with previous years, but at present, the world has failed to make up for the serious losses in April and May this year.
Regarding electric vehicles, Duzman said that within five years, Audi will have 20 battery-driven models.
As for the fuel car, he thinks it needs to exist for some time. The future of internal combustion engines will eventually become a political issue, so the world will not decide at the same time. For different markets, it is necessary to turn to electric vehicles and modern and efficient internal combustion engines. In the foreseeable future, many customers will continue to need internal combustion engines, and Audi will continue to strive to improve its efficiency. The goal is still to achieve carbon dioxide neutrality in 2050, which is consistent with the Paris climate agreement.
What Duzman is most looking forward to is shaking hands again after the epidemic, because it is "more cordial and enthusiastic".
The following is the interview record.
In April this year, you started to be the CEO of Audi, at the time when the factory was closed due to the COVID-19 epidemic. After leaving BMW, it will take 18 months to start Audi's work. Did you expect such a big change in the environment?
This epidemic is still frightening. However, since mid-March, I just took advantage of this leisure opportunity and spent two weeks collecting information in Ingolstadt (a city in southern Germany). At that time, all factories in the country were forced to close. I was dumbfounded by the sudden situation, and I was at a loss. I could only watch it happen in surprise, but the crisis management team cooperated with the labor Committee to complete an arduous task. The result is very good.
What about now? How's the recovery going?
July, August and September look good. On a global scale, September is the strongest month for sales in the whole year. The situation in China is particularly good, and we even expect that the annual sales in China will increase compared with previous years. However, despite the best efforts of our sales system, we still failed to make up for the serious losses in April and May this year.
When do you think it will return to the pre-crisis level?
It will take a long time. At present, consumers in many countries are still reluctant to spend. I expect it will take about two years to fully normalize.
You are the CEO of Audi, the director of R&D, the president of China, the director of R&D of Audi AG, and the chairman of the supervisory boards of Lamborghini and Ducati. You have played a leading role in the Artemis project of driverless electric vehicles and automobiles. Software department. Do you think one person can do all these jobs?
Audi ag's philosophy is "breaking through technology and enlightening the future". Our task is to inject vitality into this oath and make it as clear as possible. This is why we started Artemis project and established Car at the company level. Software? Departmental reasons.
It makes sense for the company to put me in charge of research and development. This arrangement is very suitable for achieving the purpose of the company's philosophy and will be very effective. Although it is a bit difficult to deal with all these, special measures are needed in special periods. Today is a very special period for the automobile industry. Fortunately, I have a strong team to support me.
From 20 12, you are the seventh R&D director of Audi. How long do you think you will stay in this position?
I will keep doing this until I am sure that I have a suitable succession plan. You can't avoid the fact that the company is in turmoil, especially in the field of development. At present, I will do my best to ensure that everything will run better in the future and maintain our continuity in the field of research and development.
You are regarded as Herbert Diss, CEO of audi ag. A potential successor to Diess). Is this a step in your career planning?
I made it clear that there is no such possibility. I am very happy in Audi, which is my dream job. I'm moving from Munich to Ingolstadt, and I intend to stay here. This is my company.
What did you learn from the new crown pneumonia epidemic? Is Audi changing the supply chain to avoid possible bottlenecks in the future?
I tend to think that the current supplier structure is strong enough. We occasionally encounter one or two difficulties, but all suppliers basically perform well. Everything is going well so far. On the supply side, it will not affect the toughness at all. I am very satisfied with the cooperation between suppliers. I don't think it's necessary to make any big changes.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Daimler and BMW accelerated their cost-cutting plans. Audi's plan is only to cut 9,500 jobs, and these policies were determined before the outbreak. Do you think these measures to reduce costs are enough?
There are no other plans. We have always insisted on ensuring that all jobs will be in 2029.
In fact, most of the growth momentum comes from China, and Audi already has some factories in China. Are you sure Germany doesn't need to increase some short-term staff (temporarily reduce working hours)?
Our German factory also benefits from sales in China, because the supply from Europe to China is also increasing. Of course, European factories should mainly rely on the European market, but the demand in Europe is still sluggish. Fortunately, our factories in Ingolstadt and Inner Kassoum are doing well. We even increased the frequency in September. We are very confident that we have no plans to increase short-term staff this year.
What about 202 1?
The only thing we are worried about is another wave of epidemic. I hope it won't happen again. If there is another epidemic, the situation will be difficult to say. However, at present, we have confidence in next year.
At present, the demand for electric vehicles has greatly increased. So far, Audi's product lines are only e-tron and e-tron. Sportback two electric models, 202 1 only e-tron? GT and Q4? The electron accelerator is launched. Did you miss this wave of bonuses?
Of course, the sooner the better. The topic of electric vehicles has recently attracted much attention. I think we will still be on time. In five years, we will have 20 battery-driven models, which will put us in a very favorable position.
Do you have a detailed plan?
We launch at least one new electric vehicle every year, and it is at different levels and market segments. We will launch new models according to the whole product line.
What the hell are you doing now?
We can't discuss this now. At present, I only expect e-tron? GT, 202 1 listed at the beginning of the year. This car is bound to cause a sensation. This is also my favorite car.
So this car will also be your next company car?
Sure!
How long do you think the gas truck will last?
I think it will take some time. The future of internal combustion engines will eventually become a political issue, so the world will not decide at the same time. For different markets, it is necessary to turn to electric vehicles and modern and efficient internal combustion engines.
Will Audi also turn to electric vehicles and efficient internal combustion engines?
We have a very systematic electrification strategy. But in the foreseeable future, many of our customers will continue to need internal combustion engines. Therefore, we will continue to strive to improve their efficiency. Our goal is still to achieve carbon dioxide neutrality in 2050, which is consistent with the Paris climate agreement. We are working hard in this direction.
Does this also apply to diesel vehicles?
In fact, among all internal combustion engine power systems, diesel engine is by far the most efficient. However, due to the problem of tail gas treatment, diesel engines have also become very expensive, resulting in not every sub-model has a suitable price choice. As many of our customers still like diesel engines, we will continue to provide them.
What do you expect most after the epidemic is over?
Shake hands again to greet each other. Personally, I like shaking hands. I miss that feeling so much. Shaking hands is not the same as nodding or bowing, but more kindness and enthusiasm.
This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.