Based on the talk by Klaus Maier, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.
Despite the impact of the financial crisis, China has already overtaken the US as the world's largest auto market in May this year.
While a few months ago the outside world was not certain about China's economic recovery, I still made a plan for sufficient car imports in March 2009. If at that time I had not had enough courage or enough confidence or good judgment in the Chinese market, and had adopted a more conservative strategy instead, we could have had no cars to sell in March!
Encouraged by the government-led economic stimulus program, we expect China's auto production and sales to reach 10 million cars in 2009. Therefore, no matter how volatile the global automobile market is, China still has the world's best growth opportunities.
At present, the Chinese market has shown signs of recovery. With a series of Chinese government policies to stimulate consumption and the introduction of the revitalization plan for the automobile industry, we believe that confidence is rebounding on the whole market.
For Mercedes-Benz, China has become the world's most important strategic market, at the same time it is also the hope of the world, and we look forward to China sending a positive signal to other markets in the world.
However, in China, a market with such rapid development and unique characteristics, miss just one day and you miss a lot. To adapt and seize market opportunities here is a major challenge for policy makers. One must be future-oriented and have good judgment, as well as a good grasp on the market to accurately adapt to changes in the Chinese market and make the right decisions. Luckily, we adapt and keep pace with the rhythm.
There will be no change to three things of our commitment and investment strategies. Firstly, DaimlerChrysler's global R & D and investment in new technologies will not change. Secondly, our commitment to the Chinese market will not change. Thirdly, our commitment to our social responsibility in China will not change.
Financial crisis has brought a test to the Chinese market, and the crisis also means change. When the market is forced to make corresponding adjustments to changes in economic environment, it also means a positive catalyst to the development of the industry. In the world's most dynamic market, we can not afford to miss even one day.
By People's Daily Onlinehttp://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2009-06/15/content_274530.htm
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article