Green development and the promotion of new energy vehicles (NEVs) have always been key focal points for Guangdong over recent years.

In an interview with Newsgd.com, Dr. Jochem Heizmann, a Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, highlighted innovation, digitalization, education and international exchange when talking about cooperation with Guangdong.

Dr. Jochem Heizmann was here to attend the International Consultative Conference on the Future Economic Development of Guangdong Province (ICCFED) on Sept 21, during which he gave suggestions to the Governor of Guangdong on the development of the province.

Volkswagen is one of the old friends of the conference. The enterprise and its representative, Dr. Jochem Heizmann, have participated in three consecutive ICCFED since 2013.

Governor Ma Xingrui met Prof. Jochem Heizmann, member of the board of management of Volkswagen AG.[PhotoICCFED office]

Newsgd.com: What suggestions has Volkswagen provided to the Guangdong government?

Dr. Heizmann: The auto industry as well as the whole of society are now facing a wide range of challenges, such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, environmental challenges and the rise of self-driving cars... To keep innovating, our suggestions for the ICCFED include 5 major points:

First is to establish think tanks to create even more outside-the-box thinking and advice.

Second, since future mobility is about more than the production of new electric vehicles. We also need to take into account customer demands, a sustainable power supply, an established charging infrastructure and a sufficient supply chain open to all suppliers.

Third, the improvement of living standards for all through smart urban planning, including autonomously driven cars and convenient mobility services.

Fourth, nurture future innovation through advanced technical and environmental education, which will also further secure employment and upskill future-proof jobs.

Fifth, have a dependable and predictable regulatory framework, protection of intellectual property, open access to the market, a level playing field and fair and open competition, since these are the prerequisites of all further high-tech developments.

On the afternoon of 20th September, Professor Jochem Heizmann, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, arrived at Guangzhou White Swan Hotel. [PhotoICCFED office]

Newsgd.com: Volkswagen Group China’s Foshan plant is expected to be expanded this year. Will this help Volkswagen cope with the awaited NEV policy?

Dr. Heizmann: Our Foshan plant is a landmark example of environmentally sound production and will play a crucial role in the enterprise’s e-mobility strategy. It stands for saving energy and water while producing less waste.

Through the expansion, we’re strengthening the plant’s capabilities in terms of production, efficiency and innovation. We look forward to innovative mobility services, more local partnerships and further development in Guangdong.

Both China and Guangdong have been placing emphasis on the development of NEVs, and released relevant policies most recently. We are prepared to deliver 400,000 NEVs to the Chinese market, including plug-in hybrid cars and pure battery cars, by 2020; and 1.5 million NEVs – mostly pure battery cars – by 2025.

Newsgd.com: What is Volkswagen’s future plan for cooperation in Guangdong province?

Dr. Heizmann: Volkswagen Group China is ready to work with Guangdong in all areas of smart and sustainable mobility of the future. And all this must also go hand-in-hand with a holistic environmental strategy.

The next step we plan to digitalize all processes of our Foshan plant and achieve even higher efficiency. Consequently, in terms of production we must further educate our people in the areas of digitalization and AI technologies, as well as in the use of environmentally friendly technologies.

This is why we propose to nurture advanced technical and environmental education in Guangdong province. Volkswagen Group China has already started an environmental education program in schools across the country. Simple things can bring great gains to the world around us – for the benefit of all. We are ready to learn and share ideas.

(By Jasmine Editor Olivia, Simon)