Although the information transmission today is incomparable to that in 2023.
However, mobile phones have basically become popular among adults, and managers of various companies also work on computers at work.
Nanshan Group refuses all customer visits during this period, which will naturally cause various speculations.
BYD, which has very close ties with Nanshan Group, first felt the difference.
"Mr. Wang, I originally planned to go to Nanshan Group to visit their machine tool workshop in two days to confirm the progress of some of the equipment of the OEM production line they produced for us."
"But they said that they have not been accepting visits from customers for the past week. They did not give a specific time when normal visits will begin."
"There seems to be something wrong with this situation."
In BYD's canteen, Zhong Qiang and Wang Fu had lunch together and chatted.
Although the sales of the S6 model did not meet expectations due to various reasons.
But they have already started preparing for the launch of annual replacement models, and they will also use hot stamping technology.
And this time they are not using 12 point parts, but 14 points.
It has to be a little more than the H6 model.
"It really doesn't seem like a normal thing to refuse to accept a customer."
"It doesn't seem to have happened in the past many years, right?"
Wang Fu soon had some guesses in his mind, but he did not say them directly.
A person of his level can naturally quickly judge the real reasons behind some things through the superficial phenomena.
"We have been cooperating with Nanshan Group for several years, and we have never encountered this situation once."
"The key is that what we visited was not a confidential workshop, but they refused any visit."
"Mr. Wang, Nanshan Group probably has some heavyweights inspecting it this time."
"It seems that their development momentum has been recognized by the higher-ups."
Zhong Qiang naturally thought of the questions that Wang Fu could think of.
After all, this is the only reason that can explain it.
"Objectively speaking, the development of Nanshan Group in recent years is indeed very impressive, with various new technologies emerging one after another."
"The most important thing is that our new technology has really caught up with or even surpassed the level of our international counterparts."
"Rather than something to fool people."
"On this point, there is still a gap between BYD and them."
Wang Fu is a person who is very confident in himself.
But he is not confident enough to be arrogant.
If you don't engage in automobiles, you won't know. After you do it, you will realize how powerful Nanshan Group is.
So far, we have not heard of any major quality defects in the engines and gearboxes provided by Nanshan to BYD, as well as the parts provided by Nanshan to other OEMs.
This is very rare.
After all, for a car, the most likely thing to go wrong is the powertrain.
Even among various recalls or complaints, more than 30% of the problems are related to the powertrain.
Nowadays, Nanshan Group can almost see no complaints in this regard, which is very rare.
BYD has only started producing cars in the past two years, but car companies such as Chery and Geely have many years of experience.
Comparing models using Nanshan powertrain and models using other solutions, the difference in data is even more obvious.
"Nanshan is indeed very powerful. I heard that they have developed a 3.0T twin-turbocharged engine and an 8AT automatic transmission."
"Xingchen Motors will use a powertrain like this. If there are no problems, it would be great."
"In the entire automobile industry, although I heard that Aisin and ZF are developing 8AT automatic transmissions, they have not been installed on mass-produced models so far."
As the director of the purchasing department, Zhong Qiang has a deeper understanding of the auto parts industry.
Sometimes, he even feels that it is not easier to produce some parts than to produce a complete vehicle.
Just like the engine and gearbox.
"Nanshan was able to develop so many parts in such a short period of time. It is also necessary for us to increase our research efforts on parts."
"Even if we cannot reach the level of Nanshan Group, at least we must have the R&D and production capabilities for most key components."
"Otherwise, when everyone uses Nanshan Group's powertrains and components, it will be difficult to differentiate."
Although BYD and Nanshan Group are currently in the honeymoon period of their cooperation, Wang Fu is also very worried.
In particular, the sales of the S6 model were lower than expected, which made him realize the importance of differentiation.
Of course, that's not to say that the S6 model failed.
It's just that because the F6 model was so successful in the past, everyone's expectations for the S6 are higher.
Now this expectation has not been fulfilled, so I am a little disappointed.
"Mr. Wang, in the future, can we consider developing two manufacturers simultaneously on some models with relatively good sales volume?"
"In this way, everyone will have more direct competition, and more technical design details should be opened to us."
"Our R&D personnel can also learn more during this process, and the final procurement cost can be reduced."
Zhong Qiang boldly proposed a new plan.
In the early days of a company like Nanshan Group, the purchasing department must have liked it very much.
Because it can help you solve most parts supply problems.
But as the company develops, Zhong Qiang will definitely feel that a powerful supplier like Nanshan Group is not that obedient.
It's not like a private enterprise with an annual turnover of only tens of millions, which is so troublesome.
“After the number of units reaches a certain level, we can consider this approach.”
"But except for a small number of cars that use multiple parts, such as wheel rims and hub bearings, other parts are still not suitable for such a solution."
Wang Fu is naturally aware of the benefits of Zhong Qiang's plan, but the time is not yet ripe.
Zhong Qiang saw that his initial goal was achieved, so he naturally stopped dwelling on this topic.
Instead, he started talking about the performance of new cars launched by other OEMs in the automotive industry during this period.
However, they did not talk about the Nanshan Group anymore, but many people in other OEMs were discussing the Nanshan Group.
"Mr. Zeng, I heard news that a leader is going to inspect Nanshan Group."
"The time should be in the recent period."
Yangcheng Automobile Group, Zhang Jiaqi took the initiative to share a piece of news with Zeng Guangda.
As the person in charge of Yangcheng Automobile Group, he is obviously well-informed.
"Going to inspect Nanshan Group?"
"Basically, people from Lingnan Province, Yangcheng City, or brother provinces and cities come to visit every week. Is this normal?"
Zeng Guangda was a little surprised as to why Zhang Jiaqi told him this matter today.
When did he care so much about Nanshan Group?
"If it's just a normal inspection, it's nothing."
"But this time the situation is different. People from Nanshan Group now go there every day to confirm safety issues."
"You should understand what this means."
When Zhang Jiaqi said this, Zeng Guangda finally came to his senses.
It seems that Nanshan Group is really different.
"Mr. Zhang, is it possible to invite the leaders to Yangcheng Honda or Yangcheng Toyota for inspection?"
"If we develop our own brand, there will naturally be no problem with this proposal. But let's forget it now."
Zhang Jiaqi would not get into trouble at this time.
"The establishment of the Yangcheng Automotive Research Institute is already in progress, and several teachers from Lingnan University of Technology have expressed their willingness to join formally or handle some related business part-time."
Zeng Guangda is now in charge of the independent brand affairs of Yangcheng Automobile Group, and is naturally very aware of the relevant progress.
"Is there any progress on purchasing a platform from another company?"
"If we want to build a car, at least the engine must be made by ourselves, not purchased from outside."
Zhang Jiaqi's opinion is very clear.
In his opinion, engine production may not be that difficult.
After all, Nanshan Group has never produced engines before, isn't it now producing engines well?
"We are already in contact. There is a company in Europe whose platform is more suitable, and we are currently in contact."
"However, we are currently a bit short of manpower and need to continue to increase our efforts in recruiting personnel."
"Otherwise, we have to design the entire vehicle and develop the engine, which may not be able to cope."
Zeng Guangda naturally wanted to take this opportunity to ask Zhang Jiaqi for some resources.
"Judging from the earnings in the first half of this year, it should be pretty good."
"If you need any personnel, arrange for them to be recruited as soon as possible."
Zhang Jiaqi felt a rare sense of relief.
Invisibly, Yangcheng Motor's independent brand project has accelerated a lot.
…
(For reasons that everyone understands, this inspection will naturally be mentioned in one sentence. Veterans understand)
June 16, 2005.
Amid the expectations of the entire group, Cao Yang, as general manager, introduced the development of each branch of the group to a group of visitors.
Everyone also went to Xingchen Automobile to visit the prototype of Ziweixing.
This model, which has been popular on the Internet for some time, was also photographed for the first time by a reporter from China Channel.
As a reporter from China Channel stationed in Yangcheng, Fang Sisi naturally participated today.
And she was also personally responsible for part of the filming tasks.
That night, part of these filming content appeared in the China Channel report.
At the same time, Xingchen Auto naturally took this opportunity to release part of the appearance of Ziweixing.
So that night, after the news was broadcast, Autohome received a soft article from Xingchen Automobile.
"Editor-in-Chief, the appearance of this Ziweixing is really amazing. It feels more beautiful than any other model on the market now."
He Ling looked at the pictures on the computer and couldn't help but hold the computer over and show it to Yu Yu, who was still working overtime.
"Before, I could feel the extraordinaryness of this coupe when I saw the spy photos. Now when I see the photos without camouflage, the visual enjoyment is even more extraordinary."
"It seems that Mr. Cao has never let anyone down."
After Yu Yu joined Autohome, he naturally had a good understanding of the history of Nanshan Group and Cao Yang's past achievements.
The best-selling pickup trucks from Ford and General Motors now have the appearance designed by Cao Yang. Naturally, she has heard of this.
Now, designing the appearance of one's own car company will naturally not be any worse.
However, the appearance of a car is not so easy to design.
Especially if everyone is satisfied, it is even more difficult.
Nowadays, it is not easy to be able to surprise people with several models in a row.
"Yes, with this look, if the price is not too exaggerated, I think many people will like it."
"Especially the current powertrain solution, the 3.0T twin-turbocharged engine + 8AT automatic transmission is also very competitive."
He Ling feels that Ziweixing is very consistent with her own aesthetic.
But she also knew in her heart that this car was probably not something she could afford.
"Hurry up and revise this article and send it out first."
“I feel this article will be very popular among consumers.”
China Television Station has already released the video, so Autohome will naturally speed up its action.
Otherwise, it would be embarrassing if other websites end up taking the lead.
…
"It's so beautiful!"
Lian Furong had just gone to work when he noticed that several people were looking at the Autohome website on their computers.
An enthusiastic colleague next to him took the initiative to tell him that Xingchen Motors Ziweixing was on China TV and its appearance was announced online.
As a result, he just glanced at it and couldn't move his eyes away.
Then he just held the computer and took the initiative to find Wang Ying.
Naturally, he would not miss such a good opportunity to interact with the boss.
"Mr. Wang, do you think it's possible for us to ask Mr. Cao to help design a car model?"
"In this way, not only will the appearance be very stunning, but it will also avoid quarrels with other car companies."
During this time, the first round of the lawsuit between Great Wall Motors and Honda Motor over the H6 model's copying of CRV's appearance has already begun.
Although it did not cause much turmoil in the automobile industry, it had some impact within Great Wall Motors.
"If Mr. Cao's design drawings were so easy to obtain, other companies would have already taken action."
"In the past, for the development of Nanshan Group, he could help Ford and General Motors design pickup truck models."
"But we never designed cars or SUVs for them again."
"No domestic car company has the opportunity to obtain this opportunity."
"If Nanshan Group had not established Xingchen Motors, maybe there would be hope if we work hard."
"Don't think about it now. There's no need to give it a try."
Wang Ying is also sober in the world.
Know what things can be done and what things don't make any sense.
"That's true, the chance is indeed equivalent to zero."
"But this Ziweixing is really beautiful, fashionable and elegant."
"I feel that maybe their plan to sell a limited edition of 10,000 units is really possible."
As the head of the sales department, Lian Furong has a relatively accurate judgment on the appearance of car models.
Obviously, in his opinion, Ziweixing has no opponent.
"It is indeed extraordinary that Mr. Cao can lead Nanshan Group to develop to its current scale."
"Even if you don't create a company, you can become quite famous just by relying on your design skills."
"It's even possible to become the most famous car designer in China."
Wang Ying is a person who knows the goods.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the appearance of Ziweixing.
Even if designers from General Motors, Ford, or even Mercedes-Benz and BMW were to design, it would be impossible to do better.
"This inspection is obviously very unusual."
"I feel that no matter how Xingchen Automobile develops in the future, it should have a place in the domestic automobile market."
"Fortunately, their positioning is completely different from ours, otherwise the competition in the auto market would be even more intense in the future."
When Wang Ying said this, she couldn't help but secretly rejoice.
Facing competitors such as Chery and Geely, she is still very confident.
But when it comes to Xingchen Automobile, she really has no confidence.
In terms of appearance, Great Wall Motors cannot compare.
It is even more incomparable than the engine and gearbox.
Even compared to other configurations on the car, Great Wall Motors does not have any advantages.
How can you compete with an opponent like this?
"Mr. Cao probably realized that if he entered the self-owned brand market, no one else would be their opponent."
"By then, it is estimated that no one will use Nanshan Group's parts and components. In total, we may not be able to make more money."
"It would be better to keep going like this. Xingchen Automobile takes the high-end route and has no competition with us."
"In a short period of time, no one will mind continuing to use parts from Nanshan Group."
"Even in the long run, if Nanshan Group is very competitive in some parts, everyone will continue to use them."
"In the end, Nanshan Group's vehicle business, auto parts business, and even equipment business will prosper and become the only one in the domestic automobile industry."
Lian Furong's analysis is obviously very accurate.
And from his words, we can actually feel that when people from domestic independent brands look at Nanshan Group, they already regard it as a stronger entity than themselves.
This is actually what Cao Yang wants to see.
"Well, what you said makes sense."
"We'll see what other moves Xingchen Auto makes later."
"You should ask someone to collect and sort out the various actions of Xingchen Automobile since its establishment, and study it carefully."
"Maybe we can find some places worth learning from."
Stones from other mountains can attack jade.
Wang Ying obviously feels that many things of Xingchen Motors are worthy of learning by Great Wall Motors employees.
When the time comes, if you use this set of things you have learned to deal with other peers, it may have unexpected effects.
Lian Furong was naturally aware of this, so he immediately started arranging people to implement Wang Ying's instructions.
…
"Mr. Zhu, this is the latest appearance picture of the new car released by Xingchen Motors. It has a 45-degree side view, front and side pictures."
“The internet is currently filled with praise for the car’s appearance.”
"Combined with the positioning of Xingchen Automobile, this car called Ziweixing will probably have a huge impact on our high-end models of Hongqi and Spring City Volkswagen's Audi A6."
"Especially for yesterday's inspection, Xingchen Motors was allowed to go to Huaxia Station that night."
"In the future, it may bring considerable competitive pressure to us in terms of official vehicles."
Tao Wen came to Zhu Zhengfeng's office early in the morning.
As the director of the brand public relations department of Spring City Automobile Group, she not only has to pay attention to the news of various models under Spring City Automobile Group in the media, but also the overall trends in the automobile industry.
Especially the actions of her competitors, she had to track and grasp them in a timely manner.
The Xingchen car that suddenly appeared on China Channel last night, and the related articles and pictures that quickly spread on various car channels that night, caught her attention.
"Who designed the appearance of the Xingchen car?"
"Giugiaro?"
"Pininfarina?"
"Or Botong?"
In the entire automobile industry chain from automobile design, manufacturing, sales, after-sales service to automobile scrapping, automobile design, as the "leading" link in this industry chain, determines to a large extent whether a model can compete in the fiercely competitive world. Win hot sales in the market.
As the boss of Spring City Automobile Group, Zhu Zhengfeng naturally has a certain understanding of the automobile design industry.
Especially as Giugiaro, Pininfarina and Bertone are known as the world's three major automobile design companies, Zhu Zhengfeng certainly knows about them.
"According to our understanding, this Ziweixing model was probably designed by Cao Yang, the general manager of Xingchen Motors."
Tao Wen carefully answered Zhu Zhengfeng's question.
She knew that this answer was definitely not what Zhu Zhengfeng wanted to hear.
In China, no matter in the past, present or future, there is no car company whose models are designed by the general manager of the company himself.
In other words, no designer in China has ever created a car company by himself.
This point is still very different from that of various established automobile companies.
Whether it’s Mercedes-Benz or Porsche, or Ford or Honda, which of its founders doesn’t understand design?
But when it comes to China, this logic no longer applies.
"Cao Yang designed it himself?"
"He couldn't have hired someone to design the appearance just for fame and reputation, and then publicized it by saying he designed it himself, right?"
When Zhu Zhengfeng said this, Tao Wen was a little embarrassed.
Of course she knew the answer.
But she didn't dare to continue telling the truth.
So after struggling for a few seconds, she had no choice but to answer awkwardly: "It is possible."
"After all, young people are less stable and care more about fame."
"Although this car looks pretty good, it has an obvious coupe style and is not suitable for an official car."
"You don't have to worry about whether it will have any impact on our Hongqi or Audi A6."
"Besides, the official car market cannot be entered just by having a good-looking car design."
"Except for the local area of Yangcheng or Lingnan Province, the official car market in other provinces does not have a share of their Xingchen Automobile."
"Even if we are willing, even in Lingnan Province, there will be no share of Xingchen Automobile in the official car market."
As the general manager of China's first automobile company, Zhu Zhengfeng spoke with confidence.
After all, although Spring City Motors is just a car company, their influence in China is definitely not limited to just one car company.
Over the years since the company was established, how many people have left Spring City Motors to provide talents for other ministries, commissions, provinces and cities?
"Yeah, that's true."
"I'm just worried that Xingchen Auto will cause something bad."
"After all, other domestic automobile companies have a track record of their development rhythm and context."
"But when it comes to Star Cars, there's a lot of uncertainty."
"It's hard for us to analyze what their next move will be and what it will look like in the future."
Tao Wen explained from the side.
However, Zhu Zhengfeng was obviously not interested in hearing such an explanation.
He waved his hand directly to indicate that he had other things to deal with.
…
"Metz, this is the latest information about Xingchen Automobile that Changan Ford has just compiled."
"I think you'd be interested."
Ford, Chris received a call from Thomas early in the morning.
Then he happily went straight to the office of design director Metz.
"Is there any new news about the car designed by Cao?"
Metz took the computer handed over by Chris and expressed his guess before reading the content.
After all, the two of them had just discussed the spy photos of Xingchen Motors' new car some time ago.
That appearance is definitely very lethal.
It was just disguised by spy photos, so there was no way to see the whole picture, which made Metz itchy.
"You guessed it right, the appearance of the new car Cao brought us this time is as stunning as ever."
When Chris said this, Metz had already opened the folder, clicked on the URL link provided in the document, and saw the Autohome article.
"hiss!"
As soon as he saw the 45-degree side view of Ziweixing, Chris couldn't help but tremble.
As Ford's design director, he saw countless car styles.
But none of them had such a big impact as Ziweixing.
It’s really rare to find a car that makes you put it down at first sight and makes you fall in love with it.
Not to mention that this car comes from China.
That makes it a little more mysterious.
"beautiful!"
"From the front of the car to the body to the rear, there is no place where people can find fault with the design."
"Even luxury models such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, which are world-famous for designing new car appearances, have no products that can compete with this car."
"Even if you didn't say that this is a product of Xingchen Automobile, I would think that Ferrari has started making coupes."
"Or maybe Porsche has launched a new model."
"Chris, it's such a waste that this model was produced in China."
"If you give us a Ford car and use it in a Jaguar brand model, it can definitely become Jaguar's flagship model and help Jaguar Land Rover get out of the current crisis."
In 2005, Jaguar Land Rover was still a brand owned by Ford Motor Company.
But instead of making any contribution to Ford Motor Company, it fell into a state of loss.
The key is that this situation seems to be getting more and more serious.
"Metz, this model is very beautiful and amazing."
"But it's not as exaggerated as you said, right?"
After listening to Metz's words, Chris felt that this guy was exaggerating.
Isn't it just a new model?
Even if the design is more beautiful, that's all.
Why does it feel like you have discovered a new world?
"Chris, you are in charge of purchasing. You may simply think this car looks good."
"Then there's no particular idea."
"But I'm different. I'm a designer. I'm the design director of Ford Motor Company."
"I know better than anyone how difficult it is to design such a new car."
"I'm sure that simply relying on the appearance of this model, there will be no problem selling 10,000 units in its life cycle."
"This Cao from the East can always bring us surprises."
"It's a pity that he is no longer willing to design new cars for other car companies."
Having said this, Mace showed a very regretful expression on his face.
So far, Ford has not completely emerged from the impasse.
The situation is even more difficult than the previous two years.
If the F150 hadn't been relatively popular and contributed a lot of profits to Ford, it is estimated that Ford's losses this year would have further made history.
"If you really say it like that, then wouldn't Cao Chuangcheng's Star Car really be successful?"
"Will China really have a luxury brand of its own by then?"
Chris's face was full of doubt.
How difficult is it to establish a luxury brand and do it well?
He is very vocal.
Obviously, he doesn't think there's room for new luxury brands now.
"I dare not judge whether it will succeed, but it will definitely not fail."
"No matter how bad it is in China, Xingchen Automobile will definitely have a place."
"You have to know that in addition to being able to design a beautiful new car appearance, the technology of the engine and gearbox is also very powerful."
"According to what we have learned before, this model of Xingchen Motors will be equipped with a 3.0T twin-turbocharged engine and an 8AT automatic transmission."
"Let's not talk about the engine for now. There shouldn't be any domestic model in China that has higher power than it."
"The key is the 8AT automatic transmission, which until now has not been equipped in any mass-produced new car."
"When the time comes, this model called Ziweixing will be the world's first model equipped with 8AT."
"This alone is very difficult."
When Metz said this, Thomas further realized the extraordinary nature of the Star Car.
He is very clear about the level of Nanshan gearbox.
Ford's current gearbox factories directly use Nanshan 6AT technology.
In this case, it is entirely possible for Nanshan Transmission to say that it has developed 8AT.
"According to what you said, I think it is possible to suggest that the company increase cooperation with Nanshan Group in the Chinese market?"
"Maybe there will be an unexpected surprise then?"
Chris is the kind of person who doesn't want to do anything early.
As long as cooperation with Nanshan Group is beneficial to him personally or to the company, his enthusiasm will be relatively high.
"I think we can find an opportunity to propose something to the CEO."
"It doesn't hurt anyway."
After listening to Chris's words, Metz thought about it for a while and felt that this idea was feasible.
Due to policy reasons, all automobile giants need to find local companies to cooperate with when entering the Chinese market.
In this case, can there be some cooperation with Xingchen Motors or Nanshan Group in the future?
(End of chapter)
