The “big names” in the automotive industry say that new energy vehicles are difficult to develop

On April 2nd, the Boao Forum for Asia held an automotive industry sub-forum. The Chinese and foreign automotive entrepreneurs attending the conference stated that the development of the global automotive industry is facing the dual pressure of energy and environmental protection. The industry has actively developed new energy vehicles and has certain basic conditions. However, it is still difficult.

Zhang Yuxin, director and executive vice president of Volkswagen Group (China), stated that the development of new energy vehicles is a common challenge facing the global automotive industry. The development of electric vehicles will face challenges due to the impact of battery technology, cost, and supporting facilities. It is hoped that the industry will strengthen cooperation.

Zhang Fangyou, chairman of China Guangzhou Automobile Group, said that the company's exploration in the field of new energy vehicles has achieved certain results. In the case of unsatisfactory R&D of pure electric vehicles, the “extended-range” electric vehicles developed by the company as an interim solution are expected to be put into trial operation soon. However, whether or not it can finally achieve industrialization depends on the results of trial operations. The support of policies, the improvement of supporting facilities, and the habits of people are the prerequisites for the industrialization of new energy vehicles.

The first vice president of PSA Peugeot Citroen Gregory Olivi said that due to factors such as weak battery life and inadequate facilities, it will take some time for EVs to be vigorously promoted. He expects that by 2020, 80% of the cars sold will still be internal combustion engine technology. For new energy vehicles, Gregg Olivia said that hybrid cars have better prospects than pure electric vehicles.

Despite the pressure of energy and environmental protection, the business community is still very optimistic about the global automotive market in the future. Toyota Watanabe, senior advisor of Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan, said that the world auto market is facing a very big opportunity in the future. He said that there are about 1 billion cars in the world, with an average of about 7 people owning a car; China has about 100 million cars, with an average of about 13 people owning a car; and an average of 1.2 people in developed countries such as the US and Japan have a car. . With the economic development, the global automotive market will continue to grow.

Zhang Fangyou also stated that China’s auto ownership per thousand people is lower than the global average, and it is also lower than the average level in developing countries. There is a rigid demand in China’s auto market and an upward trend remains. "To deal with the automotive market is full of confidence." Zhang said.

Greggova Olivier is also optimistic about the Asian market represented by China. He said that more and more business growth of the company comes from Asian markets such as China, India and Southeast Asia. Currently, half of the company's business comes from Asia. At present, the company strengthens cooperation with Chinese companies and establishes R&D centers in China to develop new products for users in China, Russia, and Latin America.