Rainer Mathes：electric car new chance

An industrial expert said at the China-Europe Auto Symposium (CEAS), which was held on September 22nd and September 23rd in Shanghai, that the developing of electric car will provide new opportunity for Chinese carmakers.

Dr.Rainer Mathes,Prime Research Managing Director

“There is no market leader in the new-energy car area at the moment,” said Rainer Mathes, the chairman of Prime Research Group, which specializes in industrial research, “so the electric car could be the greatest opportunity for Chinese companies.”

During his speech at the CEAS, Mathes said that the financial crisis will accelerate the green revolution of the auto industry, “now people are very conscious about the environment pollution and contribute that mainly to the auto industry,” said Mathes, “the carmakers need to take more responsibilities of environment protection, and that is a great challenge.”

Green, small and economical will be the top three factors that decide the future of the auto industry. “These factors are closely connected, for example, the car featured by energy efficiency is always more environment friendly,” said Mathes. “What’s more, a small car probably means a lower price.”

“In order to produce the green car, we must find new energy, and the hybrid power and electric power could be the ideal options,” said Mathes, “the cars like PRIUS from Toyota and the electric car from GM, are getting greater attention from the market.”

Mathes also talked about Chinese carmakers’ role in the global market. “Compared with 5 years ago, the Chinese carmakers are more focused by the media, and motor shows are the best way for Chinese carmakers to promote themselves,” said Mathes, “for example, Chinese carmakers have drawn much attention from the Russia market, and some European countries including German have now great interests in Chinese carmakers. Maybe we can make a conclusion, that the Chinese carmakers will become the focus of the global market soon.”

“Another positive tendency is that, the image of the Chinese carmakers has improved significantly,” added Mathes, “that is not only for the consumers, but also for the foreign competitors. The price and energy efficiency are gaining the Chinese carmakers more and more applause.”

“The companies like Geely and Brilliance have launched their own-branded concept vehicle, and BYD are now cooperating with VW to develop new models,” concluded Mathes, “electric car is totally a new game, you don’t need to catch up with others, but instead show your influence in this area.” (Translated by Shanglai)

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