MILAN – The big manufacturers have so far taken the most important step in the transition process, but this is only one aspect of the question ». This is the premise of Andrea Crespi, general manager of Hyundai Italy, when he talks about the incentives currently in force in a more general perspective as a stimulus for the evolution of mobility. «Without stimuli, processes cannot be activated and the transformation taking place in the automotive sector is something epochal and extraordinarily complex. This is why I am convinced that incentives are always and in any case useful, even beyond the commercial aspects ».
What does it mean beyond the commercial aspects?
«We have to decide if we want to lower CO2 emissions and if we want to do it always, every day, not only when it is convenient or there is an opportunity to talk about it. We think that in Italy we have one of the oldest circulating parks in Europe; this is a situation that “must” be changed, but it cannot be done in a few days. The problem must be tackled as a whole and over time in a strategic way, supporting change “.
Is Hyundai in a favorable position in this sense?
«Our brand has made a great effort in all sectors and in all paths of the energy transition. We produce and sell highly advanced traditional cars and have developed all electrification technologies: light hybrids, petrol and diesel, full hybrids, hybrids with rechargeable batteries, up to pure electric, battery and hydrogen. Hyundai has invested 15 billion to be the leader in zero-emission mobility and plans to remain so in the future ».
So do you think you are in the best position to ride the transition, with or without incentives?
«Hyundai, for its part, is in the ideal conditions to face the evolution of the market. The important thing, however, is that the transition is supported by the unity of purpose of all the operators involved according to a medium-long term vision “.
Explain to us better.
“I mean the builders, the legislators and the energy producers. The right thing about this government initiative on purchase grants is that, within the limits of the allocation, it is not a commercial but inserted in a strategic framework that accompanies the transition ».
Do you think the public is ready for all this?
“Consumers are fundamental actors of change; certainly a change of mentality is also needed and perhaps we have all made the mistake of not making it clear that transition is not a choice to be privileged but a necessity, which is part of a general strategic framework for the good of all. It is not easy: it takes time and more information, I would say a lot of information, as long as it is punctual and correct ».
In your opinion, is the commercial part of the automotive world prepared for this?
«This is the important effort that concerns the training of all operators. In Hyundai, precisely by virtue of being able to offer all possible advanced mobility solutions, we have made an exceptional effort to ensure that the network is in a position to inform the customer in the most correct and transparent way, also by countering any mistaken beliefs ».
It has always been thought this way to sell …
«Maybe it was like that, but today it is no longer possible and the incentive is an opportunity: whoever sells must accompany the customer, understand his real needs, not force his hand. There is the great traveler who at the moment cannot give up diesel, perhaps mild hybrid, but there are also many people who travel a few thousand kilometers a year and for whom an electric Kona is the most rational and economical solution already. now. This is why we have institutionalized “long test drives”, in order to allow the customer to truly experience the use of a different type of car; these are things that are not appreciated by taking a tour around the dealership ».