As part of our recent User Summit visit to Wuhu, the home of Chery, we were lucky enough to get 15 minutes in front of the President of Chery International, Mr. Zhang Gui Bing and Vice President of Chery International, Mr. Chen Chun Qing. Here’s what we asked.
Q: Share more information about EV’s as a proportion of your current export and how you expect this sector to change in the coming years.
“Last month, in China we were number 4 and this month we are maybe going to sell around 80,000, which in China is number 3 or 4. We want, at the end of the year, to pass 100,000 units. This volume will move us to number 3 or number 2.
During the Summit we discovered that Chery international has currently entered 114 countries with more on the horizon. While in terms of numbers, there is a 53% (domestic) 47% (international) proportion split.
“[As for the expected changes] it is hard to say as the infrastructure is different in different countries for EVs, and there is a move to PHEVs. So in Chery we are very focused on this side too.”
Q: The automotive landscape is changing very rapidly, what challenges do you see for you as a brand and also the automotive landscape in general in the future. Basically, what do you see as your biggest challenges?
“I was actually thinking about the issues this morning. Every day, things change. Some countries such as Europe and America, the population is ageing, but in other countries there are many more younger generations driving, this makes a difference. Also, there are too many new technologies coming out and although people are interested in travelling with vehicles with new technology, much of it they do not touch. Along with this, there is a lot of price fighting.
So sometimes we need to evaluate the customer demands and decide what [technology] is needed. Of course the safety must stay, we must continue with our very good foundation.
This is one side of the challenge. The other side is communication with the local governments. If we can be a good community to the local government, society and tax, I’m sure they’d be happy to use Chery.
But I think we can face all the challenges.”
Q: Is there any truth to the rumours that Chery is acquiring Maserati and if not, is there any interest in acquiring an international brand?
“There are many stories. Chery has come to a new stage, we have good technology and good platforms. For example Freelander is a good brand and now with Chery platform and technology, we are able to design a new model for Freelander.
Also, we are in the process of signing a contract with another brand so I cannot divulge who that is. There are many OEM’s coming to Chery. When we announce it, we will deliver the information to you first.”
Q: How do you look at the smaller markets like New Zealand, and how important are they?
“International markets [large and small] are important to Chery and they are all very good to help us in our learning. It is a right hand drive market too, which is also important. Omoda/Jaecoo in New Zealand is a subsidiary company, and another step in globalisation.”
