Rebirth 99 to become a car giant

[Interruption: Feiyu Motors changed its name to Future Motors! 】

Cao Yang has mentioned intelligence and networking on many occasions before.

Lin Cheng still had some impressions.

This mainly depends on how far the intelligent network connection center can achieve it.

The efforts Lin Cheng can make on his own are relatively limited.

The concept of unmanned chemical factories has been mentioned abroad. It is nothing more than using robots to replace labor as much as possible. With the cooperation of Nanshan robots and Nanshan equipment, although it may not be completely unmanned, it will definitely be less human. There is no problem.

In this regard, Lin Cheng is not under great pressure.

But like integrated die-casting, he was a little confused about what it meant.

It stands to reason that die-casting is a very old and traditional processing technology.

Very few car manufacturers will promote the casting process as a special highlight.

In order to avoid going in the wrong direction in the future, Lin Cheng still asked more questions and said: "Mr. Cao, what does this integrated die-casting specifically refer to?"

"The manufacturing process of traditional car bodies is mainly divided into four major links: stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly."

“OEMs purchase various stamped structural parts made by various suppliers, assemble and weld them together to form the car’s body-in-white assembly.”

"Integrated die-casting redesigns the multiple independent parts that originally need to be assembled in large structural parts, and uses a super-large die-casting machine to directly obtain complete parts in one die-casting process, significantly reducing the stamping and welding processes, and optimizing the performance of structural parts. , production efficiency has been greatly improved.”

"Integrated die-casting is an all-round upgrade to the traditional die-casting process."

"The processing time of a large die-casting machine is usually 80-90 seconds, and it can complete the production of 40-45 castings per hour. The number of castings produced per day is close to 1,000, while the traditional processing process takes 1-2 hours, which has obvious advantages."

"At the same time, there is also a further improvement in quality, because the reduction in the number of parts has greatly reduced the accumulation of errors."

"To give a specific example, the perimeter of the front wheel cover is welded from hundreds of stamped parts, with hundreds of welding spots."

"If integrated die-casting is used to produce the front wheel cover assembly, the number of parts will be reduced to one, the number of welding points will also be greatly reduced, and weight reduction will be achieved."

"This is a huge improvement for the production efficiency of our electric vehicles."

"The cost of electric vehicles is likely to be a problem that everyone has to face in the future. The introduction of some cost reduction methods that are different from traditional fuel vehicles is something that must be considered in advance."

Cao Yang knows that the concept of integrated die-casting may be a bit too advanced at this time.

Many people don't even think that integrated die-casting has any advantages.

Lin Cheng thought of a question that many people had thought about, and said: "Mr. Cao, if some parts of the car body are integrated into die-casting like this, the cost of after-sales maintenance will be very high."

"If one part is broken, the entire assembly may need to be replaced."

Cao Yang also heard a lot about the topic Lin Cheng talked about in later generations.

It sounds like this statement makes sense, but in fact, after quantitative confirmation, the situation is far from that serious.

"First of all, we can use integrated die-cast parts, mainly the front and rear wheel covers, including the front and rear longitudinal beams; and then the front and rear floors."

"General minor accidents and scratches will not cause damage to the bottom plate after integrated die-casting, unless it is a major accident involving a high-speed collision."

"Once the integrated die-cast rear floor needs to be replaced, it must be a major accident. At this time, the first thing to consider is the safety of the passengers in the car, not the cost of vehicle maintenance."

"And in this case, even if integrated die-casting is not used, the maintenance cost is still very high."

"Considering that such occasions are relatively rare after all, when consumers buy new cars, few people will consider this issue."

"That is to say, those of us in the automobile industry are quite worried about this thing."

"Another point is that after the integrated die-cast parts are damaged, even if the repair cost is indeed higher than the repair cost of parts made by traditional processes, this part of the cost pressure will not be directly passed on to the car owners."

"Once such an accident occurs, the insurance company will be responsible for the after-sales repair costs, and the car owner does not need to worry. Unless the car owner does not purchase insurance."

"Of course, in the long run, insurance companies are not stupid, and they may make some adjustments to the premiums for electric vehicles."

"We can consider how to deal with this in the future, and it is not impossible to even consider establishing the group's own auto insurance company in the future."

"For example, Ford Motor Co., their auto finance and insurance-related businesses have contributed relatively large profits to the group."

"Even from another perspective, if the use of integrated die-casting technology can bring enough buzz, it will actually be considered a success."

"Sometimes, black and red are also red."

After Cao Yang said this, Lin Cheng didn't argue anymore.

However, this kind of thing has never been done before, and it is definitely a very big challenge for part design.

Even the large-tonnage die-casting machine required for integrated die-casting needs to be discussed with Nanshan Equipment in advance to see if it can be made.

Otherwise, you need to buy it from outside.

"Mr. Cao, then I will first coordinate the work of various business departments and finalize some plans for future automobiles as soon as possible."

"Which parts will be the first batch of integrated die-casting objects, I will report to you at another time."

Lin Cheng could sense Cao Yang's persistence in integrated die-casting, so he didn't insist on it.

Xingchen Auto takes the traditional route and adjusts to the new electric vehicle market in the future.

Walking on two legs seems like a good idea.

And just when Future Auto was making a lot of noise in China, there were also some reactions from abroad.

Toyota, which has always wanted to hit the number one spot in the industry, began to seriously discuss the layout of electric vehicles.

"Xiao Lin, the North American headquarters is communicating with Tesla to discuss the plan to purchase batteries from Tesla for our models."

"What do you think about this matter?"

Tetsube Kobayashi used to be the head of Toyota Motor's North American headquarters. When it comes to the situation in the American market, Katsaki Watanabe is still willing to listen to his views.

Especially during this period, China reported that Nanshan Group had established an electric vehicle company and seemed to be vigorously developing electric vehicles.

This made Watanabe Katsuaki pay more attention to this aspect.

"So far, electric vehicles have not really formed a large-scale mass production trend in any country."

"Tesla has been working in the field of electric vehicles for a relatively long time."

"Although they were not born as a professional automobile OEM, in the past few years, their electric sports car has finally been officially mass-produced and delivered."

"I heard that Tesla is also developing a new model internally, and there should be more differences by then."

"So for the purpose of keeping abreast of various industry trends, I think we can consider contacting Tesla to see if there are any opportunities for cooperation."

"Even in the North American market, an electric car can be launched using Tesla's battery packs."

Xiao Linzhe thought for a moment and then gave his own suggestions.

The American market and the Japanese market are very different, and the models Toyota Motor launches in the two markets are also quite different.

Even the development direction of new energy is different.

For a long time, Toyota Motor has mainly focused on hydrogen energy vehicles as its strategic development direction in Japan.

With hybrid vehicles as a transition, electric vehicles are not their main research object.

However, Katsaki Watanabe is also worried that if electric vehicles become really popular in the future, it will not be an option if Toyota's understanding of this field is very weak.

"Well, what you said makes sense."

"Then fly to the United States in person and have a serious discussion with Tesla to see how the two sides can cooperate."

"Tesla has now chosen to cooperate with Mercedes-Benz to use Tesla's battery packs in electric vehicles on SMART."

"This shows that they should not refuse to cooperate with other OEMs."

"After all, for them, if the number of battery packs is too small, the cost should remain high."

"If the cost is not reduced, electric vehicles will definitely have no future."

Watanabe Jiashi quickly gave his judgment.

This matter no longer allowed him to dwell on it any longer.

Take action as soon as possible to avoid being left behind by the Nanshan Group.

"President, do we really not want to study lithium batteries ourselves?"

"In the future, nickel-metal hydride batteries should not have much future in electric vehicles, and they can only be used in hybrid systems."

As a large automobile company, Toyota must have an internal team that researches batteries.

However, the current focus of research is on nickel-metal hydride batteries, which has no future.

At least Kobayashi Zheming thinks so.

"Don't worry. Whether it's ordinary lithium iron phosphate batteries or ternary lithium batteries, I think they are just transitional products. When more promising batteries are available, we will consider researching them."

"Now let's take a look at Tesla's development in the United States."

"Look at General Motors. It started developing electric vehicles very early. It spent a lot of money in vain. Is there any reward in the end?"

"Leave this kind of innovative work to American Automotive, and when the market becomes clearer, we can quickly follow up."

This view of Watanabe Yoshiaki should represent the opinions of many Japanese companies.

Japanese companies do not like to engage in innovative research and inventions. They prefer, or are better at, making products better than others through excellence based on existing technologies.

For example, Honda's engines have always had a good reputation.

In fact, they just add some micro-innovations on the basis of relatively mature engine concepts, and then they are better than those of other brands.

Another example is the various small precision companies in Japan, which generally do not produce innovative products.

Even people have been researching the same type of products for decades, and then made this segment a global leader and obtained high returns.

"Then I will arrange personnel to track and grasp the industry situation in a timely manner."

"Listen to relevant reports every six months, and then respond based on the situation."

Watanabe Yoshiaki has already made his words so straightforward, so Kobayashi Tetsuaki naturally has no objection.

In Japanese companies, it is not popular to talk back to leaders.

Most of the time, obedience and execution are more important than anything else.

…

The emergence of future cars has touched Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, not to mention Liu Tianwu in Yangcheng.

At the beginning, Liu Tianwu was not sure what Nanshan Group wanted to do by establishing Future Automobile.

Is it because there are policies coming out now, so we take advantage of this shareholder trend to do some marketing first and take advantage of the hot spots?

Or do you really think that the future is dominated by electric vehicles, and Nanshan Group is preparing to make efforts in electric vehicles?

However, as he learned more and more information, Liu Tianwu couldn't sit still.

"Xiao Luo, help make an appointment with Mr. Cao. I want to go over and have a face-to-face communication."

"Then at the Nanshan Industrial Park, we previously considered preparing the land for Jaguar Land Rover. Please advance the relevant follow-up work as soon as possible."

“Even if it’s not used in the end, it doesn’t matter if it’s just empty as a reserve.”

"We cannot wait until a project comes before we hurriedly consider which piece of land to attract people."

The construction of electric vehicle factories in the future is a bit sudden for Liu Tianwu.

Previously, he paid attention to when Xingchen Motors would expand production and when it would need to build a new factory.

As for Jaguar Land Rover, it goes without saying.

But there are no particularly ideal results.

He thought there wouldn't be any new car factory projects here in Yangcheng in the short term.

Who knew that suddenly, Future Auto would come up with a plan to build a new factory with an annual output of 200,000 electric vehicles.

This time, if the Future Auto factory was lost again, Liu Tianwu felt that he would definitely be scolded.

Especially since key component manufacturers such as Nanshan Batteries and Nanshan Auto Parts are all located in Yangcheng, Liu Tianwu would not be able to forgive himself if the project could still be snatched away by automobile cities such as Shanghai Modu.

Therefore, he is ready to take the initiative and put forward some of the conditions discussed at the Yangcheng office meeting this morning as soon as possible.

We will strive to finalize the new factory project for future automobiles in the near future.

"The leaders are already making arrangements. If the car is needed in the future, we can start arranging for the construction team to enter next month."

"We will handle the remaining procedures while we are building."

For many projects in this era, it is relatively common to go through the formalities while building the project on the sidelines.

Normally, there won't be any problems.

Especially when it comes to key projects like future cars.

"In addition to land preparation, what else do you think we can come up with that is more sincere to attract Mr. Cao?"

Before communicating with Cao Yang, Liu Tianwu also wanted to listen to Luo Yi's advice.

After all, Liu Tianwu is very busy at work. Although he is very involved in Nanshan Group's affairs, his understanding of Nanshan Group is really not as deep as Luo Yi's.

For example, Luo Yi has the contact information of many middle and senior leaders of Nanshan Group, and from time to time he will find opportunities to have a meal with them.

People from Nanshan Group are also happy to know Liu Tianwu's secretary. It will be much easier to ask Luo Yi for help with some things.

For example, if a family member is sick and needs to find a chief physician in a key hospital, or if the family has a child's degree problem, there will always be times when he needs help.

For these matters, as long as you go to Luo Yi, you will generally get satisfactory answers.

After going back and forth, everyone's relationship will naturally become familiar.

As long as it does not involve very sensitive and confidential content, it is not surprising at all to reveal it to Luo Yi intentionally or unintentionally during the communication.

Cao Yang also knew this very well.

If a company as big as Nanshan Group is like a monolith and no news is available in Yangcheng City, it will definitely cause many people to worry.

After all, once a company becomes bigger and stronger, it is really not just a matter of saying "the company is mine, I can do whatever I like".

"Production access!"

"Leader, although Nanshan Group itself was responsible for Nanshan Automobile's production access, it must have cost people favors or other things."

"If our city or province can help with matters related to future car production access, then it should be considered a more attractive condition."

"Of course, the Demon City can probably find this condition, so it is even more important for us to throw it out earlier to show our sincerity."

"In addition, there are subsequent subsidy policies or other support."

"This can be arranged based on the needs of future cars."

Luo Yi immediately found the most valuable condition.

At least that's how it seemed to him.

You talk about land arrangements, bank loans, etc. In the future, cars will be able to get these conditions everywhere.

Even in other places, this condition may be better.

But when it comes to production access, other than the Magic City and the Imperial City, other places really can't compete with Lingnan Province.

As the largest economic province in China, the influence of Lingnan Province cannot be ignored.

"Well, prepare an outline and come with me to meet Mr. Cao then."

"This future new automobile factory project must be won!"

Liu Tianwu made an oath as if he had given himself a military order.

If Yangcheng wants to become the largest automobile city in China and make the automobile industry a pillar industry, it cannot easily miss any opportunity to build a new factory.

Especially after Nanshan Group showed great confidence in future cars, Liu Tianwu felt that he couldn't miss it.

Soon, Cao Yang felt the urgency of Yangcheng City firsthand.

"Mr. Cao, the conditions currently available in Yangcheng City are still very attractive."

"The land is provided free of charge, and all taxes and fees will be waived until the car is profitable in the future."

“Even technicians working on future cars can receive personal income tax subsidies.”

"The most important thing is that the other party also promised to resolve the issue of future automobile production access."

"If it were normal, we could hang on to the sheep city and see if we can have better conditions."

"But everyone also knows that in the future, it will be more suitable for the development of automobiles in Yangcheng than in places like Shanghai or Chang'an."

"So I feel that I directly agree to the conditions of Yangcheng City and officially announce the establishment of the future automobile factory in Panyu."

Zeng Tingting was very decisive this time.

For a newly established company like Future Auto, it needs some attention and traffic every now and then. This will definitely be more meaningful for future marketing.

And now the construction of new factories is actually a topic that attracts traffic.

When the time comes, if you reveal a little bit of news every now and then, you can keep the popularity at a relatively high level.

Zeng Tingting is already very experienced in this regard.

"Okay, tomorrow morning you will formally reply to the other party on behalf of Future Auto, expressing our willingness to land in Panyu."

"Then start the construction planning and other related matters of the new factory as soon as possible."

Cao Yang also happily agreed.

Anyway, everything I wanted was answered, so there was no need to fiddle with it any more.

However, Yangcheng City got the project very quickly, but other places were depressed.

Especially when Yangcheng City and Future Auto held a signing ceremony and a groundbreaking ceremony for the factory construction on the site where the factory is located, the people in the city realized that they had started too late.

Of course, such a radical approach by Future Cars has naturally been questioned by some.

"Mr. Zhang, our annual goal for the electric taxis we cooperate with Nanshan Group is to produce 10,000 units."

"Now Future Auto's new factory will be built with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles from the beginning. Are they really optimistic about electric vehicles or do they want to take this opportunity to perform well in the province and city?"

Zeng Guangda looked at the news reports on Autohome and was filled with doubts.

Electric vehicles represent the future, and few people would deny this.

But when this future will come, everyone has different opinions.

But the general view is that this future will not arrive for at least 10 years.

With such a large investment now, the returns are very unsatisfactory.

"I can no longer understand what Mr. Cao does."

"In a money-burning industry like Nanshan Semiconductor, he is very active."

"Companies like Future Auto that engage in electric vehicles don't seem to be able to make money in the short term. He is also very positive."

"However, since the other party is confident, I think their judgment should still be justified."

"Yangcheng Automobile Group also needs to start thinking about its own electric vehicle layout."

"Maybe it won't be so quick to directly establish a new electric vehicle company, but it is necessary to start related technology research and development and follow-up at the research institute."

Zhang Jiaqi made a decision with great foresight.

In this way, Yangcheng Aian, who was supposed to appear ten years later, is likely to appear in two years.