You have to run a smart race in China! 🏃🏼♂️🧠🇨🇳 I had the chance to share insights on China’s rapidly evolving market with ther German business newspaper Handelsblatt. Here’s a quick snapshot of my key messages: 1️⃣A Market Distorted by Discounts: Chinese manufacturers have seized their opportunity in electric mobility and gained market shares - but at a high cost. Their EVs are being sold at huge discounts making it challenging for anyone to generate sufficient profit from EVs in China. ▶️We are not pursuing growth at any price in this unhealthy environment. Our success metric is profitability, not simply market share. 2️⃣Ability to Balance Sales as Key Advantage: Almost all “new forces” rely solely on the electric car market, often selling at a substantial loss or not at all. ▶️We can balance our sales. The market transforms towards EVs at a rapid pace but ICE vehicles will still play a significant role. With our profitable models, this is where we generate funds for our transformation while simultaneously accelerating our e-offensive. 3️⃣Eyes on 2030, Not Just Today: In this fast-paced and distorted market, starting quickly doesn't guarantee finishing first. The key is who will have secured a strong market position by the end of the decade. And for that, you have to run a smart, sustained race. ▶️We have a strong plan for the future, our Target picture 2030. And we’re heading into a “delivery mode.” While we plan with 2 challenging years ahead, we are preparing for a major technology leap and product launch wave from 2026 onward. By 2027, our Group will have introduced a total of 40 new models in China, 20 of which will be New Energy Vehicles. 4️⃣China as a Strategic Global Asset: As the leading market for EVs, digitalization, and autonomous driving, China offers unique opportunities. While a lot of international companies pull back, we are integrating ourselves into the local ecosystem even more with our "In China for China" strategy. ▶️Not having a strong presence here would mean missing out on opportunities. The knowledge we are building up there helps the entire Group. This is why our position in China serves as a strategic advantage for us on a worldwide scale. Thank you Handelsblatt and Lazar Backovic for the conversation.
Andreas Krüger
2mo
Lieber Ralf Bradstätter, weiterhin viel Erfolg, aber insbesondere Durchhaltevermögen. Der eingeschlagene Weg ist richtig.👍💪
Felix Hamer
2mo
Why would your opening statement mention discount distortion on EVs when the actual discounted goods in China are ICE vehicles? #alwaysbecharging just looking at some recent China stats (please check the left where you are actually still the #showrunner), who would believe you when you told them you were selling ICE vehicles without discounts?
Prashant K.
1mo
Volkswagen India how can I reserve 50 cars on your site but still be told reservations aren't possible? Looks like the Certified Pre-Owned program is just a timepass for the public! Transparency and honesty are clearly missing here. I’ll be sharing a video to expose the truth! #Volkswagen #CPO #CustomerService #Transparency
Absolutely true Ralf👌 i am convinced that the competence and knowledge that china has been established in EV and Digital technologies will support the groups acitivities in building up global successful product portfolio. Happy to cooperate😎
Hasan S.
2mo
Wish you were in China from 2020 to avoid the current slump, nevertheless with you and Mr Ulbrich, company will turn better in coming years
Inspiring👍Hard but worthy to try, good luck 🍀
Wir sind bereit, werden liefern und unsere Launch-Krone verteidigen! 👑
Manfred Schmoelz
2mo
Great outline and approach! Consistency always pays off! 👍🏻
Reporter Mobilität beim Handelsblatt / LinkedIn TOP VOICE 2022
2moThanks for sharing the interview and taking my questions in this tough times, always good talking to you, Ralf Brandstätter! Good luck for your mission for VW in Beijing. There is a ton of work ahead.