Bart Smits:redesigned C30 to launch next yr

[Editor's Note] On November 23, 2009 Guangzhou Motor Show Press Day officially started. 50 press conferences were held, more than 70 cars made their debut and 32 concept cars were introduced. The above fact signaled the booming of Chinese car market this year came to a new climax. Major auto brands at home and abroad were fully prepared for Guangzhou Motor Show with their prominent car models. Sohu Auto has interviewed nearly 60 car enterprises chiefs in live studio at Guangzhou Auto Show so that we can report some special news of Guangzhou Auto Show, car models and car enterprises for you. The following is the record interview of Bart Smits: China Sales Director of Volvo Car Corporation.

Bart Smits: China Sales Director of Volvo

Sohu Auto: Hello, every Sohu’s netizen. Here is Sohu Auto’s interview room at Guangzhou auto show and today it is honorable for us to have invited Mr. Shi Mingbo, China Sales Director of Volvo Car Corporation. First would you please tell us about exhibition situation of Volvo Car Corporation at Guangzhou Motor Show? Are there some amazing models that impress you deeply?

Bart Smits: Hello, all netizens. First of all, this is my third time to participate in the Guangzhou Motor Show, the recent redesigned C30 will be launched at the show, which is supposed to officially launch at Chinese car market in the second quarter of 2010. Last time we have launched S80.

Sohu Auto: Could you give us some details about the redesigned C30?

Bart Smits:  Firstly, sales of C30 in China were satisfying since introduction and it also appeals to many people who are inclined to pursue fashion and have good taste. Actually we have redesigned the appearance of C30 especially the front face and the rear. The redesigned C30 has brought whole new generation idea of designing brand as well as elements.

Sohu Auto: Could you tell us about the sales situation of Volvo in Chinese car market?

Bart Smits: Considering that we have launched S80L and some other strategic models, we are very confident that sales in China this year would continue to be in growth.

Sohu Auto: So far, the most successful model of Volvo is the S80, so could you tell us about the reason for sales success of this car?

Bart Smits: First I want to say is that S80 is a mid-level luxury car made specifically for Chinese car market. As a matter of fact we have done enough market research and have listened to the opinions of our dealers. Previously S80 was a pure imported model in China. After the production in China, S80 has been redesigned to longer wheelbase model. Through all adjustments we want to meet the demands of Chinese car market and Chinese customers, and we can see that this model has received a positive response in China. This year our market share in China has increased by 170%, which illustrates that S80 has received recognition in China.

Sohu Auto: In China's luxury car market, in terms of sales or the number of products Volvo is not one of the most mainstream brands. May I ask what Volvo’s long -term targets is in China’s luxury car market?

Bart Smits: First of all, we are considered to be a fast growing auto brands. This year's sales growth in China especially proves more and more Chinese consumers tend to recognize Volvo. Now our corporation plans to more effectively enhance the reputation of our brand, which will be the direct effect of the process of our future brand. In addition, the Volvo brand's unique security technology has been recognized by many Chinese consumers and we will hold more activities with our dealers and Volvo China so as to let Chinese customers to know more about us. Our dealer network in China will also expand, which allows us to give Chinese consumers better services. Meanwhile our dealers will do more market activities in all major markets so that Chinese consumers could have further in-depth understanding of our brand and products.

Sohu Auto: How many models of Volvo are being sold currently in China?

Bart Smits: First of all, let’s talk about product line of Volvo. Volvo has extensive product series in Chinese car market. We have sedans such as S40 and S80, and we also launched new Jeep S60, together with the original C90 the production line of us is very rich. At present, there are 86 dealers located in 73 cities. Additionally our further development should base on the upgrade of our dealer network and we are determined to provide better service to Chinese customers. We will be also concerned about the expansion and upgrading of second and third line market.

Sohu Auto: How Volvo views the development trend of luxury car market next year?

Bart Smits: Before the interview, I predicted the expansion of Chinese car market would reach 15%, but now it is difficult to do a precise estimate, because it depends on Chinese government's policy on auto industry, and whether the current incentives for small displacement cars will be maintained or not. When it comes to luxury car market, the increase of China’s luxury car market could be higher than the growth rate of the overall Chinese car market. According to current statistics, luxury cars account for 4% and it still has considerable room for development.

Sohu Auto: In last year's Guangzhou Auto Show, many manufacturers had low expectation of Chinese car market. Were they all wrong?

Bart Smits: There might be a very important background, thanks to last year's financial crisis, everyone was somewhat cautious.

Sohu Auto: This year many auto manufacturers are faced with a capacity problem, is there any difficult for arrangements in yield of Volvo S80 and S40?

Bart Smits: First of all, our cooperation with Changan Ford operates well, not just Volvo, we hope to get more support for capacity, so that sales competition could maintain.

Sohu Auto: At present, how long it will take to mention S80?

Bart Smits: S80 currently has five models, some dealers still have a small inventory of 09 model. S80 buyers now need to wait for a month. Other cars may take a bit longer to be mentioned and may be two months.

Sohu Auto: Ok, very grateful! (Translator: Qinghua Wade)

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