Because of the matter of being a car sponsor for the 2008 Olympic Games, the relationship between Nanshan Group and Volkswagen is somewhat tense.
Although the cooperation between the two parties was not completely severed, it cooled down rapidly.
In the past six months, Nanshan Group has not received almost any new Volkswagen project.
As a luxury brand under Volkswagen, the importance of Audi is undoubtedly beyond doubt.
As the design director of Volkswagen, De Silva is personally responsible for the design of Audi A6, Audi R8, Audi TT and other models.
Especially the Audi TT is Silva's proud work.
De Silva once said: "In order to find the correct proportions of the car, we made two one-to-one models, but it still felt like something was missing, it was not elegant enough."
"I don't remember how many times the waistline was modified."
“But I definitely went into the studio a few times and tweaked it, millimeter by millimeter, day after day, until I felt it was perfect.”
"This representative waistline stretches from the front fender to the rear of the car. This is where the soft figure comes from."
However, such a classic Audi TT has now become the object of ridicule. How can he bear it?
"Silva, are you sure there is nothing wrong with the Audi TT's body design, right?"
As the pictures of the collision between the Audi TT and Ziweixing quickly spread throughout Germany and even Europe.
Even Chairman Piëch, who had retreated behind the scenes, couldn't help but call Silva to confirm.
"I am very sure that there are no problems with the Audi TT's body structure. The combination of an all-aluminum body and part of the steel structure can fully achieve the purpose of weight reduction, and the strength also meets regulatory requirements."
This is not the first time this question has been asked.
So Silva's attitude is also very firm.
However, it is useless to be firm. After all, from a results-oriented perspective, the Audi TT cannot beat a coupe produced by a Chinese car company.
This made Piech feel very embarrassed.
“Is the concept of an all-aluminum body really the most suitable?”
"I heard that the Chinese car used a lot of hot stamping parts, and it is very strong."
"So during the collision, there was almost no deformation in the cockpit."
There are quite a lot of German netizens who know a lot about cars.
Therefore, various posts and reports will contain some technical knowledge.
Otherwise, it will appear dry and without content.
Therefore, the fact that Ziweixing uses a large number of hot stamping molded parts has completely spread.
There is even a voice on the Internet that the aluminum body is not strong enough.
"I admit that hot stamping parts have their own unique advantages in strength, so we have begun to use them extensively on Volkswagen brand models."
"But the aluminum body can also meet regulatory requirements in terms of strength."
Silva kept emphasizing that the all-aluminum body could meet regulatory requirements, which made Piech gradually lose interest in listening.
"Consumers are not concerned about whether you can meet regulations. They are more concerned about our Audi TT, whose body strength is not as strong as that of Huaxia Automobile."
"The cost of an all-aluminum body is very high, and consumers don't think it's very good."
“I hope the design department will give it serious consideration as to whether we should continue to expand the use of all-aluminum bodies in the future.”
Invisibly, this collision caused Volkswagen to re-examine the necessity of all-aluminum bodywork more than ten years in advance.
However, Cao Yang definitely doesn't worry about this matter.
At this moment, he was listening to Zeng Tingting reporting to him the latest round of Ziweixing's publicity plan.
"Mr. Cao, this unexpected collision has made our Ziweixing unexpectedly famous in Germany."
"I think we can take this opportunity to give Audi a good ride."
"I have asked people to sort out a lot of reports from the German media and collected relevant pictures."
"After a simple re-editing, it can be published on the domestic Internet."
"But it's a pity that there is no video of the collision, otherwise it would have become even more popular."
Naturally, Zeng Tingting would not miss the opportunity to take advantage of this hot news.
The Germans have provided so much propaganda ammunition for Star Motors, it would be a pity to waste it.
"Anyway, our relationship with Volkswagen is very tense, and they have no intention of continuing to expand cooperation with us."
"In that case, let's give Audi a good try and let everyone know that the quality of Ziweixing is outstanding."
Although the people from the north and south will definitely be very popular in China in the future, Cao Yang is not afraid at all.
Nanshan Group is not a soft persimmon either.
On the surface, the relationship between the two parties began to cool down because Xingchen Motors snatched the most important reception car from Volkswagen, one of the car sponsors of the Olympic Games.
In fact, it has a lot to do with Nanshan Group's support for the development of domestic independent brand car companies.
In the past, Volkswagen's Santana, Jetta, Passat and Magotan were all very easy to sell.
However, as independent brand car companies such as Great Wall, Chery, Geely, and BYD began to use a large number of Nanshan engine and Nanshan gearbox parts, the quality level improved rapidly.
Naturally, sales are also rising.
As the leader of China's auto market, North and South Volkswagen were naturally the first to be affected.
The most troublesome thing is that the engine provided by Nanshan has much better parameters than the engine of Volkswagen of the same level.
So far, there have been very few market complaints.
However, the price of models of the same size is twice as high.
Under such circumstances, more and more Chinese consumers will definitely choose independent brand car companies.
"Mr. Cao, why don't we simply find an A6L, the best-selling Audi in the country, just like Great Wall Motors did before, and have a high-speed collision to let everyone see who is safer?"
Just touch porcelain.
Who wouldn't?
Zeng Tingting is now not afraid of offending Volkswagen at all.
"Your proposal is definitely effective, but it can easily make everyone feel insecure and offend a bunch of car companies."
"If it is an accidental traffic accident and there are suitable videos or photos, the effect will be much better."
"I suggest that the sales department communicate with some insurance companies to see if we can get some first-hand pictures of car accidents from them."
"You never know when it will bring us unexpected joy."
After all, Nanshan Group still needs to rely on external customers for food.
There are some methods that Great Wall Motor can use, but if Nanshan Group uses them, the side effects will be a bit serious.
But if it were a photo of a normal car accident, there wouldn’t be much to say.
"Then I will arrange it in this direction first."
"Then we will go to England again tomorrow, and we will almost be ready to return home."
This business trip has been going on for almost a month.
This long-term absence will naturally have a certain impact on the development of Nanshan Group.
Just like the development of new models of Xingchen 2 and Xingchen 3, a lot of technical bottlenecks have been accumulated recently, and Cao Yang needs to go back and provide guidance.
"The listing activities in several major countries have been completed."
"We can just take a quick tour of the remaining countries."
…
People in the Chinese automobile industry have become a little numb to the fact that Ziweixing has been making headlines every now and then.
It seems that I haven’t seen news related to Ziweixing for several days, and I feel a little uncomfortable.
However, for Liu Tianwu, this is a good thing.
It can be said that the development of Xingchen Automobile is relatively smooth, and the future is promising.
"Mr. Cao, I didn't disturb you, did I?"
Thinking that he had secured the 1,000 acres of land needed for the Xingchen Auto Test Track, but the owner had not been in the company for a month, Liu Tianwu couldn't help but call Cao Yang to confirm.
He is also waiting for Cao Yang to hold a groundbreaking ceremony after returning to China so that everyone can see Panyu's big move in the automobile industry.
After all, a test track covering an area of 1,000 acres is definitely a big move for China at this time.
Although the investment and output are not as exaggerated as those of car factories, they are more attractive to other car companies.
"Boss, I answer your calls 24 hours a day, no need to disturb you."
Looking at the sun rising high outside, Cao Yang knew that Liu Tianwu had fully considered the impact of the jet lag.
Otherwise, I might have received the call while I was sleeping.
"The land for the test track has been approved, but this is different from building a factory. The district will not provide you with three connections and one level."
"Let's see when is the right time for us to hold a cooperation agreement and a groundbreaking ceremony?"
Liu Tianwu actually wanted to ask Cao Yang when he would return to China.
But it's just a different way of asking.
As an enterprise that contributes the most to the district's GDP, Liu Tianwu wants to know the latest situation of Nanshan Group.
Although Cao Yang could go over to inspect when Cao Yang was away, there was a lot of information that the people below did not dare to share casually.
So Liu Tianwu simply stopped going to Nanshan Group to embarrass those executives.
"Thank you for the leadership's support and coordination. This is really good news."
"I will return to China next week. I will ask someone to contact Secretary Luo to check our time, and then arrange everything as soon as possible."
After hearing Cao Yang's accurate words, Liu Tianwu was not too verbose.
If you have anything to say, we can wait until we return to China next week.
Cao Yang, who was preparing to return to China, also began to sort out the gains from his overseas trip.
See if anything is missing.
To avoid having to leave the country in a hurry after returning home.
It's uncomfortable to sit on a plane for more than ten hours at a time, even if it's first class.
Especially for Cao Yang, he has always been willing to fly.
The feeling of weightlessness during takeoff and landing made him very uncomfortable.
"Mr. Cao, the main purpose of our trip abroad this time is to participate in Ziweixing's launch event and promote 8AT."
"Judging from the current situation, both tasks have been completed ideally."
"Especially in the United States, the engine business has also experienced unexpected success."
"According to this pace, the growth related to the engine export business alone will contribute more than 5 billion yuan in growth next year."
"At that time, 8AT can also start to exert its efforts and should be able to contribute at least a billion in revenue."
"As for the sales of Ziweixing, as of yesterday, we sold 143 units in the United States, 162 units in Europe, and 52 units in other places such as the Middle East. Sales in overseas markets have reached 357 units. vehicle."
"Combined with the number of vehicles sold domestically, the number has exceeded 1,000."
"According to this pace, we will be able to complete the sales of 10,000 limited edition Ziweixings in just five years."
Zeng Tingting is naturally aware of what she has gained from this business trip.
During this period, she slept no more than 6 hours a day and gained several pounds.
"I think the biggest gain is that Ziweixing and 8AT have become famous."
"In the past, our Xingchen Motors only had a certain reputation in China, and no one overseas knew about it."
"But with all kinds of news in the past month, our Ziweixing has also gained a certain reputation overseas."
"Otherwise no one would buy it."
Mi Ying feels that the intangible gain is the greatest gain.
This is something that is difficult to measure in terms of money.
"Indeed, whether it's the results at the New Nordschleife, the collision with the Audi TT, or the implantation of "Transformers", it means something extraordinary to Ziweixing and Xingchen Motors."
Ji Hua couldn't help but nodded beside him.
In his opinion, Nanshan Transmission’s 8AT will be more difficult to sell at the beginning.
After the market thoroughly proves its superiority, there will be no need to actively promote it, and customers will come to inquire.
After all, there is currently no one in the world that can do anything similar to Nanshan Group in terms of 8AT technology, and there will only be a few in the future.
And when the technical level is equivalent, the cost can be lower than that of Nanshan, so there is almost no shadow.
In this case, although it makes sense to promote 8AT, the height is relatively limited.
"Cooperating with Ford Motor and General Motors on engines should also be very beneficial to our cooperation in the next few years."
"At least until Xingchen Automobile develops and grows, our group's auto parts business can continue to grow."
"But this time the relationship with Volkswagen should have gotten worse."
"Mercedes-Benz and BMW have not expressed their intention to use our 8AT."
"I estimate that these German car companies will take some actions against us in the future."
What everyone just said is good news, but the bad news cannot be ignored.
So Zeng Tingting directly showed the situation that everyone would have to face in the future.
"We can't make every car manufacturer like it. If they want to take action, then let them do it."
"We'll see who has more means then."
Cao Yang is not afraid of competing with other car companies at all.
He has tricks to deal with Japanese car companies.
He also has tricks to deal with German manufacturers such as Volkswagen.
Sure enough, when they returned to Yangcheng, Porsche's design director took the initiative to call him and share the latest news he had learned.
"Are you saying that Volkswagen has made an internal decision that all new models in the future will no longer use auto parts from Nanshan Group?"
Although Cao Yang knew that Volkswagen would definitely take action, he did not expect that the news would actually come true.
"Yes, the collision between the Audi TT and the Purple Star caused quite a stir within Volkswagen."
"Even Chairman Piëch, who has been rarely seen, returned to the company to open a board of directors."
"Volkswagen has regarded Nanshan Group as the biggest obstacle and challenge to its development in China."
Although Lai Ping is Porsche's design director, the relationship between Porsche and Volkswagen is complicated, and a lot of information is known to each other's top executives.
"It is also an honor for me to be able to make Volkswagen so active."
Cao Yang made no excuses.
Conflicts of interest are the most difficult to reconcile.
Unless Nanshan Group gives in completely.
But how is that possible?
Why?
"Mr. Cao, Volkswagen's influence in China is still relatively large, especially their two partners, which cannot be underestimated."
"You should pay more attention."
"If there is a chance, I will go to China to communicate with you again."
Lai Ping released his goodwill in time, chatted with Cao Yang for a while, and then hung up the phone.
But Cao Yang started making arrangements immediately.
…
"Mr. Li, I heard that your Emgrand will soon launch a high-end version that uses a large number of hot stamped parts?"
As the second shareholder of the Yangcheng Huaqiang Factory, Cao Yang naturally knows the situation of many other OEMs in the industry.
After all, if you don’t want to buy domestic hot stamping parts at high prices or use expensive parts from Benteler, you can only buy them from the Yangcheng Huaqiang Factory.
Great Wall Motors has already tried sweeteners, and other manufacturers are naturally interested.
Especially after some comparison, it was found that although the cost of hot stamping parts has increased, the increase is not exaggerated.
Therefore, whether it is Geely's Emgrand or BYD's S6, they have begun to use hot stamping parts during their facelifts.
"Indeed, it will be officially launched next month."
"When it comes to the supply of parts, I still need to ask Mr. Cao to help communicate with Huaqiang Factory."
"Their production capacity is quite tight now."
The production efficiency of hot stamped parts is relatively low, and stamping is done about three times per minute.
Not to mention comparing with PRG and TRF processes, even compared with TDM process, it is far behind.
In this way, the production capacity of a production line in one day is only that much.
When production increases rapidly, it is normal for supply to exceed demand.
Of course, this is definitely not the scene Li Su wants to see.
"Huaqiang Factory is already adding production lines, and several factories will invest in new hot stamping production lines in the future."
"So the production capacity issue should be resolved soon."
Cao Yang chatted with Li Su for a while, and the other party couldn't help but ask: "Mr. Cao, do you have any marketing suggestions for the new Emgrand after the model change?"
Domestic OEMs have already felt the marketing level of Xingchen Auto.
Obviously, they are a level higher than other manufacturers.
Just look at the popularity of topics related to Xingchen Automobile on the Internet, and you will know one or two.
"Don't tell me yet, I really have some thoughts on this matter."
"Although the plan is a bit cliché, the effect should be very good."
When Cao Yang said this, Li Su immediately became interested.
He is not afraid of clichés, as long as they are effective.
"In the current mid-size car market, Accord, Camry, Passat and Teana should be the most popular."
"Among them, Honda's Accord has begun to use some materials with a tensile strength of 980mpa in advance due to the previous collision between CRV and H6."
"As for the Camry, as Toyota's flagship model, the materials used are not bad."
"But I think there is something we can do with Volkswagen's Passat."
"I heard that their body design is based on the requirements of collision regulations."
"But in order to reduce costs, some suppliers directly use some ordinary steel plates instead of high-strength steel plates."
"Of course, this is just a rumor, Mr. Li, just listen to it for now."
"But I think we can give Emgrand and Passat a try to see how each performs."
When Cao Yang said this, Li Su immediately understood why he just said "cliché".
Great Wall Motors has already used this trick.
Even in the past year, there have been no car companies making similar moves.
However, the effect is not that ideal, and the comparison is not that big of a difference.
But if Passat really uses ordinary steel plates instead of high-strength steel plates as Cao Yang said, then the contrast between Emgrand and it may be huge.
The publicity effect will naturally come up.
"The China Automobile Center has suffered a loss before. Now it must be a little sensitive to such a collision, and it won't be tested easily, right?"
Li Su was very moved, but felt that this plan might not be able to follow Great Wall Motor's original formula.
"Mr. Li, have you seen the pictures and reports online about the collision between the Audi TT and Ziweixing a few days ago?"
Cao Yang did not answer Li Su's question directly, but changed his direction.
Li Su is also a smart person, so of course he understood it immediately.
"Mr. Cao, you mean that we direct and stage a car accident and let the Emgrand and Passat collide?"
"It doesn't seem impossible."
"It's just a little bit dangerous."
Li Su quickly weighed the feasibility of this matter in his mind.
Compared with tests in the laboratory, the performance in actual car accidents is sometimes more impactful.
Especially these days, those who can afford a Passat are considered rich to some extent.
The richer the person, the more he cherishes his life.
As long as everyone knows that the safety performance of Passat is not as good as Geely's Emgrand, not only will the sales of Passat drop a lot, it will free up a market.
The key is that Emgrand's popularity and trust can definitely rise to a higher level.
This can be done.
"For safety reasons, it doesn't need to be occupied by people. It just needs a simple modification."
"Anyway, when the relevant news leaks out, it will be posted by 'netizens' and some passers-by themselves."
When Cao Yang said this, Li Su understood clearly.
No wonder Xingchen Motors has made headlines every now and then this year. Cao Yang has a very active mind.
(End of chapter)
