The sixth generation of T series aims at 10% market share Wu Ke is optimistic about the new opportunities of the "two-child" policy

◎ Per reporter Cong Gang

On May 26, Volkswagen launched the sixth generation of T series models, including the new Metro Multivan and the new Kailuwei multi-functional commercial vehicle New Caravelle, with prices of 418,800 yuan to 549,800 yuan and 351,800 to 388,800 yuan, respectively.

As a classic model of Volkswagen with a deep history, the T series model has become a popular symbol in many markets, but in the face of China's emerging high-end MPV market, especially the increase in the sales of Toyota Alpha and the strong debut of Mercedes-Benz V-Class, how can Volkswagen's sixth-generation T series models maintain a competitive advantage? It's a challenging question.

Marcus Wilke-Tyczka, General Manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles China, gave a clear answer, "We want to maintain more than 10% market share. ”

Wu Ke believes that in China, people's expectations for the quality and performance of luxury MPV are getting higher and higher, and the T series models with great potential will have broad room for development.

In addition, for factors such as the liberalization of the "two-child" policy, what kind of opportunities will be brought to the MPV market, especially high-end commercial vehicles, Wu Ke also had in-depth exchanges with the "Daily Economic News" reporter (hereinafter referred to as NBD).

The "two-child" policy will boost the development of MPV

NBD: From the sales experience of T5, what is the proportion of enterprises and individual users?

Wu Ke: According to the sales situation of T5, the proportion of enterprise and individual users is half, so we expect that T6 users will also show the same proportion. Judging from past experience, even if business people or enterprises buy the new Metaway utility vehicle for business travel, on weekends, this car will also be used for personal leisure or family travel.

NBD: China's liberalization of the "two-child" policy is an opportunity for the MPV market, will high-end commercial vehicles like Matway also usher in new opportunities?

Wu Ke: The "two-child" policy will indeed bring opportunities and growth potential to the new Maitway multi-functional commercial vehicles, and will continue to boost the development of China's MPV market.

The same is true for the high-end MPV market, and I believe that with the government fully liberalizing the "two-child" policy, consumers will have more diversified demands for the allocation and layout of space seats in the car in the future, and there will be higher requirements for vehicle flexibility. The newly launched new Kailuwei multi-functional caravan has two layouts of 4 rows of 9 seats and 3 rows of 8 seats, and is available in two different versions, the Comfort Edition and the Comfort 4WD Edition, which are ready to meet the diverse market needs.

NBD: We found that when the "two-child" policy was not liberalized in 2014, the annual growth rate of China's MPV market was very high, and the growth rate in 2015 fell back, how do you think about the future trend of the MPV market?

Wu Ke: Liberalizing the "two-child" policy will have a positive effect, which is not necessarily effective in the short term, but has a gradual positive impact as the needs of families grow.

Regarding the changes in the sales growth of the MPV market, we should first consider the macroeconomic environment. In the second half of 2014 and 2015, the growth rate of China's market economy slowed down, which slowed down the pace of financing and investment of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, and the macroeconomic environment will inhibit the growth of market demand to a certain extent.

The user ratio of new Maitwei multi-purpose commercial vehicles and new Kailuwei multi-functional caravans is 50:50, that is, individual users and corporate users account for half of each. In the future, the demand for MPV models in the family will grow day by day, and I believe that the MPV is a model that is very suitable for the Chinese market.

Aim for 10% market share

NBD: What is the share of T-series models in the high-end MPV market? What are the advantages of the newly launched T6 products compared to competing models?

Wu Ke: In China's high-end MPV market, Volkswagen's commercial vehicle share accounts for about 10%, and we hope to further increase the existing market share on this basis. 10% is a very important target node, we hope to be able to break through 10% in the future, which is our goal in the Chinese market.

In the high-end MPV market, the sixth-generation T-Series models have their own competitive advantage, combining safety, flexibility and comfort.

Not only that, but it also has a deep historical accumulation. More importantly, as an original German import model, the sixth generation of T series models adheres to excellent car technology and excellence in quality, which will help it win the favor of dealers and customers. So, when doing brand marketing, we will pay more attention to these characteristics, and I believe it will become a benchmark model for this market segment.

NBD: How do the sixth-generation T-Series models face increasing market competition?

Wu Ke: The sixth generation of the T Series has its own advantages, that is, flexibility, safety and comfort. Other models can't offer such great versatility and such a comprehensive overall service. The sixth-generation T-Series models have a very flexible spatial layout. For example, the new Metaway utility vehicle is equipped with 12-way electric adjustment front seats with heating and electric waist support, and the driver's seat has a memory function, which can save 3 different driver seat states. The two independent rear seats in the second row also have a rotation function, which helps passengers freely divide the space in the car. This is an experience that other models cannot offer.

Each model has its own market positioning. For Volkswagen, we want to offer our customers such a full-featured product. The sixth generation of the T series models perfectly presents our product concept.

NBD: For the sixth-generation T-Series model, there are still more than half a year of sales time this year, what are your expectations for its sales?

Wu Ke: There will be a process of upgrading this year, so this year's expectations are basically the same as last year's expectations. Of course, we are optimistic about the prospects for the future. As mentioned earlier, we will guarantee a market share of more than 10%.