The car giant started by marrying the daughter of the king

Chapter 404 Land Rover Pickup, a New Choice
"With so many car companies in Europe, it is impossible for them to give us all the orders for hot stamping parts."

"Especially since Saab Automobile has used some hot stamping parts before, we have some experience."

"It's just that the various technologies are not yet mature, so there is no large-scale promotion."

“We are now at the forefront, demonstrating that hot stamping parts technology is ready for large-scale mass production.”

"Those manufacturers will definitely follow up quickly."

Liu Yushu was not carried away by the temporary lead.

European automobile companies naturally tend to give priority to using European parts manufacturers to supply parts.

This situation cannot be easily and completely broken.

Now Nanshan Technology has all-round leading advantages in hot stamping parts, so people are considering cooperating with you.

But it's impossible to deliver all the orders to you.

For the OEM, if there is only one manufacturer for a certain type of parts and this manufacturer is not a manufacturer they are very familiar with, this situation will definitely not last long.

After all, this involves supply risks, which is difficult for any OEM to tolerate.

Of course, if Nanshan Technology is a subsidiary factory of the OEM itself, or has a close relationship such as a shareholding relationship, that would be a different matter.

"Nanshan Technology now has so many orders, and we must fully consider the production capacity arrangement."

"Don't let the situation happen that we can't deliver on time, because that would have a huge impact on our reputation."

Chen Chenxing was a little worried that if he rushed to the front to get all the orders, the factory would lag behind.

The production efficiency of hot stamping parts is relatively low, and the number of stamping times a production line performs in a year is relatively fixed.

Even if you work three shifts a day, the production capacity of a line is limited.

Now, several car models have more than 20 hot stamping parts on one car, which basically occupies the production capacity of a production line.

"Don't worry, as long as there are orders, no one will dare to lag behind in any link of this kind of project that can be exported and earn foreign exchange."

"Some of the equipment is produced by Nanshan Equipment itself, so there is no need to worry about the schedule."

"The equipment purchased from outside manufacturers will not lag behind."

"Otherwise, we can consider changing suppliers in a minute, which is probably what they don't want to see."

Liu Yushu is very familiar with the conditions of hot stamping production lines.

He knows exactly which manufacturer produces which equipment and what alternative manufacturers are available in the country.

"We also need to communicate well with Nanshan Mould regarding the mould processing capabilities."

"Otherwise, if we have a production line but cannot meet the mold schedule, it will be quite embarrassing."

Compared with traditional cold stamping parts, the processing difficulty of hot stamping parts molds is much higher and the processing time is much longer.

This is also where it can easily become a bottleneck.

"The factory manager led mold experts to make some improvements in this area and introduced a batch of new machine tools from Japan."

"And Nanshan Software is also developing simulation auxiliary software for hot stamping die waterway design, which will further shorten the die design time in the future."

"And the debugging time of the mold can also be reduced, which is very beneficial to our schedule management."

Chen Chenxing's reminders were definitely well-intentioned, and Liu Yushu was not angry at all.

Hot stamping parts have now become Nanshan Technology's flagship product, and are the first components to fully enter the supply chain system of the world's automotive giants.

Liu Yushu must seize this opportunity.

In the future, Nanshan Technology may become a major exporter and foreign exchange earner for China simply by exporting hot stamping parts.

While Liu Yushu and Chen Chenxing were still working hard in Europe, their country was not idle either.

The Land Rover pickup truck, which was designed at about the same time as the Land Rover G Series, has also officially rolled off the production line.

"Director Jiang, your Land Rover X-series pickup trucks are following the same path as the G-series off-road vehicles. Are you mainly increasing sales through cooperation with General Motors?"

Although Land Rover had no plans to hold a large-scale production ceremony for the X-series pickup truck, Liu Tianwu still took the initiative to come over for inspection.

He has now been promoted half a level and become one of the committee members of Shenzhen City, while continuing to be responsible for affairs in the district.

He is well aware that his rapid promotion is closely related to the contribution of the BMW Group.

Today, the GDP growth rate in their region is the fastest not only in Lingnan Province, but also in the whole country.

He received many honorary titles this year.

Today, the GDP contributed by BMW Group alone to Shenzhen is greater than the GDP of many cities as a whole.

Especially after the rapid increase in production and sales of Land Rover G-series off-road vehicles, Shenzhen has become the largest automobile production base in China, driven by the three pillars of BMW Star, Mercedes-Benz sedans and Land Rover G-series.

The amount of foreign exchange earned from exports also ranks first in the country.

Today, the export contribution of complete vehicles and parts exceeds US$2 million each month.

In an era when the country's foreign exchange reserves were not much, a company with a stable export earnings of US$2 million a month was definitely a hot commodity for all departments.

"The cooperation with General Motors will definitely continue. They have already placed an order for the first 5000 Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks."

"There will be at least 5000 orders per month in the next three months."

"If sales perform well, it is possible to increase the number to 10,000 units per month."

"In addition, our Land Rover X-Series pickup truck models will focus on the Middle East and African markets."

"In these places, our sales team feels that the market acceptance of pickup trucks will be higher."

"In order to meet some of the special needs of customers, we even reserved space on the roof for the installation of machine gun brackets."

After Jiang Hui said this, Liu Tianwu was stunned for a moment.

"Room for the machine gun mount?"

He felt like he might have heard it wrong, or Jiang Hui had said the wrong thing.

What does this Land Rovers pickup have to do with machine guns?
"Yes, it's the machine gun mount installation workshop."

"The sales price of one of our pickup trucks is only about $20,000 in the Middle East."

“It wouldn’t be surprising if it was even cheaper than this.”

"As long as a machine gun is installed on it, it will be a very good mobile combat tool for some militants."

"This is much more economical than purchasing armored vehicles or something like that."

"Especially as the number of Land Rover X-series pickups increases, the second-hand market will gradually mature."

"It is even more possible to purchase used cars for use in some special scenarios."

Jiang Hui did not hide anything from Liu Tianwu.

Just say what your plans are.

Anyway, no matter who comes, there is no way to say that the Land Rover X Series is a military factory product.

What the customer does with it has nothing to do with him.

"you……"

"You are really much more careful than other state-owned enterprises."

“This kind of market demand can be discovered.”

“But for the Middle East and African markets, the scenarios you mentioned are indeed very likely.”

Liu Tianwu was very emotional.

He had visited other factories before, but none of them had sales planning that could match the level of the BMW Group.

No wonder they are developing so fast.

"There is no other way. The domestic pickup truck market is very limited. I estimate that it would be good if we can maintain a scale of 1,000 to 2,000 vehicles per month in the future."

"For Land Rover to develop rapidly, we still have to rely on the international market in the short term."

"Europe's preference for pickup trucks is not as great as America's, so the only markets we can decide for ourselves are the Middle East, Africa and other places."

Jiang Hui has a very clear understanding of the global automobile market structure.

In later generations, when many Chinese private enterprises explore export markets, they will focus on polar bears.

After all, in the late 1990s and early 21st century, the situation of polar bears was really hard to describe.

This also leaves some opportunities for Chinese auto companies.

But it is only 1986. Although the relationship between China and the polar bears has improved, it is simply impossible for BMW Group to export its models to the polar bears on a large scale.

……

"President, someone from our Huaxia branch has heard some latest news in Shenzhen."

"The latest model of Land Rover under the BMW Group, the X-series pickup truck, has begun to be shipped to the United States."

"It will most likely be sold in the American market as the Chevrolet X-series pickup truck."

Saito Shoei came to Shoichiro Toyoda's office early in the morning and reported an important news.

Since Toyota was hit by General Motors' OEM models in the American market, its attention to BMW Group has increased several levels.

They have specially arranged personnel to investigate and collect various intelligence related to the BMW Group and report to the country on a regular basis.

It is not particularly difficult to find out information such as the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck rolling off the production line and being shipped to America.

Even with the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck rolling off the production line, more information can be gradually revealed.

“Is this a picture of the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck?”

Looking at the information in his hand, Shoichiro Toyoda frowned.

The pickup truck model in front of you adheres to the consistent style of the BMW Group and is much more fashionable than other pickup trucks on the market.

The lines of the entire body are obviously different from other pickup trucks, making it unforgettable at first sight.

Shoichiro Toyoda was well aware of the difficulty in designing a pickup truck that is positioned as a tool vehicle to give it the feel of a passenger car.

Toyota also produces and sells pickup trucks in the American market and even the global market, and the sales of pickup trucks are quite good.

So after seeing the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck, Saito Shoei hurried over to report to Toyoda Shoichiro.

"Yes, these photos are all of the mass production photos of the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck. I guess America will see related advertisements soon."

"Land Rover should be focusing on the export market for this product. It has not yet started selling in China."

"The first batch of mass-produced models will all be shipped to the American market for sale."

"We will probably focus more on the Middle East market in the future." Saito Shoei now has a better understanding of the BMW Group's working style.

There is no way. I have suffered so much loss that I can’t help but pay attention.

Especially the last collision test conducted by General Motors between the Buick G-series SUV and the Toyota LC70 SUV made them look bad.

Until now, Saito Shoei still can't forget that scene.

He doesn't want this kind of thing to happen again.

"Land Rover has already used hot stamping parts on a large scale. Will the X-Series pickup truck have a similar design?"

Shoichiro Toyoda and Shohide Saito had the same idea. They were both worried that General Motors would repeat the same trick and pick a fight with Toyota once again.

“This should be a high probability event.”

"Combining the information in these photos and the shape of the vehicle, it is estimated that many parts of the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck are shared with the G-Series off-road vehicle."

"They are likely to have two power versions, 2.5L and 3.5L, equipped with 5MT and 4AT gearboxes respectively."

"With the increase in sales of the BMW Group, the two auto parts companies, Nanshan Engine and Nanshan Transmission, are also developing very fast."

"This will be very disadvantageous for us to enter the Chinese automobile market in the future."

Shoei Saito is not only concerned about the situation of complete vehicles, but is also particularly concerned about the situation of parts manufacturers.

After all, in addition to the complete vehicle business, Toyota's parts business such as Denso and Aisin is also a very important link.

Toyota's current market position is closely related to the efforts of those parts manufacturers.

"You need to find a way to get more Land Rover X-series pickups as quickly as possible."

"Then communicate well with General Motors. I don't want what happened before to happen again."

In order to reduce the adverse consequences of the collision test between the Buick G-series SUV and the Toyota LC70, Toyota paid a considerable price.

Now we have to prepare for a rainy day to prevent similar things from happening again.

"The car bodies we will start producing next year will have their strengths improved."

"By then, even if GM wants to cheat us, it won't be that easy."

"Besides, if we are really driven crazy, we will drag all the car companies down with us."

"If we don't have a good life, then they shouldn't have one either."

"Everyone's car body strength is about the same, so there is nothing to laugh at others."

Saito Shangying gritted his teeth and it was obvious that he was not going to give in this time.

……

"Austin, I think it is necessary for our own pickup truck models to be adjusted based on the design style of the Land Rover X Series in the future."

"I have a feeling that this kind of design style will become the mainstream in the pickup truck market in the future."

General Motors headquarters in Detroit.

Sales Director Edward and Design Director Austin were discussing future strategies based on the information shared by Land Rover.

Having tasted the sweetness of previous cooperation cases, General Motors is much more enthusiastic about the Land Rover X-Series pickup truck this time.

The Chevrolet logo to be installed had already been prepared in advance, and it would be installed immediately after this batch of models passed customs, and then shipped to various dealers for sale.

Before that, some relevant marketing plans must naturally be launched.

For the people at the design center, it is naturally necessary to analyze the design pros and cons of the Land Rover X-Series pickup and consider whether to make some adjustments in the future based on the needs of the American market.

One of the purposes is to take this opportunity to learn about Jiang Hui's design elements.

Austin had been dealing with Jiang Hui for a long time and knew that the other party had a very high design talent.

He now feels inferior to others and can only find ways to learn secretly.

"Their style is indeed very unique and will have a place in the future market."

"But there should be a market for muscular pickup trucks."

Austin thought of the various pickup truck models designed by the design center in the past, which were basically muscular in style.

He certainly couldn't just push all of his designs forward, that would look too ugly.

Besides, the American pickup truck market is so large that it can indeed accommodate the survival of different styles of vehicles.

"You are right, but I feel that the style of the Land Rover X Series will be accepted by more urban residents."

"This market will be the main market for pickup trucks in the future."

Edward certainly understood market changes better than Austen.

He also thinks that the design style of the Land Rover X-Series pickup is similar to the styles of some Japanese car companies.

Considering the rapid development of Japanese car companies in the American market in the past, he thinks this style should be more popular with consumers.

Of course, there is no need to argue for a conclusion now.

As long as Austin is willing to arrange for someone to borrow design elements from the Land Rover X Series.

……

"Sophic, I suggest that the store apply for as many Chevrolet X-series pickup trucks as possible this time."

"I think it has the same explosiveness as the Buick G-series SUV."

Fields is the ace salesperson at a General Motors dealership and is very sensitive to market changes.

When General Motors started to release the Chevrolet X-Series pickup truck, he went to inquire about it and learned a lot of information.

He immediately saw the opportunity.

He gets commission for selling cars.

If a car sells well, but the store does not have cars available to deliver to consumers in a timely manner, it will definitely affect sales.

If sales are affected, doesn’t that affect his income?
This is definitely unacceptable.

"Chevrolet already has a pickup truck that sells well. Now they're launching another one. It's unlikely that it will also sell well, right?"

As the boss, Sophie is also a veteran in the automotive industry.

However, there is still a clear gap between that vision and that of his ace salesman.

"Different."

"totally different."

"This time, the Chevrolet X-series pickup truck is the same as the Buick G-series sedan. It is imported from Huaxia Land Rover and sold under OEM brand."

“Both products are designed by the same person and produced in the same factory.”

“When I saw the designs on the promotional posters, I knew it would sell well.”

After Fields' explanation, Sophie immediately understood a lot of information.

It turns out that it has the same source as the store’s best-selling Buick G series.

That is really worth paying attention to.

"I'll contact the General Motors sales department to see if we can send more cars to our store."

After figuring it out, the natural thing to do is to act quickly.

Otherwise, what are you waiting for?

If Phils can think of this, there must be some other dealers who can think of this as well.

Besides, just based on the styling and other information of the Chevrolet X-Series pickup truck, it can be seen that this car should not sell particularly badly.

If you order a few more cars now, at most it will take a little longer to sell them, and you don't have to worry about ending up with a lot of money.

Soon, similar orders were collected from General Motors Sales Department.

Under normal circumstances, when a new car is first launched on the market, dealers are not particularly enthusiastic about taking orders for the vehicle.

Everyone should wait and see how the market reacts before taking any action.

But the situation this time was different, and GM's sales department could naturally feel it.

"Edward, are you saying that the first batch of 5000 Chevrolet X-Series pickup trucks we ordered from Land Rover have now been snapped up by all the dealers?"

Murphy put down the pen in his hand and looked at Edward expectantly.

This time, General Motors' cooperation with Land Rover is quite bold.

As soon as the new car rolled off the production line, they directly ordered 5000 units and asked Land Rover to deliver 5000 pickup trucks every month for the next three months.

This is equivalent to placing an order for 2 vehicles in advance, and the amount directly exceeds US$2 million.

Even for a company as large as General Motors, this practice is relatively rare.

Now that he sees dealers are so confident in the X-Series pickup trucks, Murphy can be considered relieved.

"Yes, it seems that everyone is optimistic about the prospects of the X-series pickup truck."

"I think we can speed up the pace of marketing and promotion so that consumers can use this new pickup truck as soon as possible."

"By then, we can more quickly understand the true market response and promptly notify Land Rover to increase production."

Increasing production in the automotive industry is not a matter of just a few words.

Edward was naturally well aware of the difficulty involved.

Therefore, if you want to open up sales later, you must arrange production capacity in advance.

"Yes, we will officially start selling it nationwide the day after tomorrow."

"We should not be stingy with our advertising and be willing to spend the money that should be spent."

"If we can sell more than 10,000 units a month like the Buick G-series SUV, it will be very beneficial to our situation."

Murphy quickly calculated the profits of the X-series pickup trucks. If the sales of several models were good, it would be a large amount of extra income for General Motors.

This money is very useful no matter what it is used for.

"I'll notify everyone right away and ask them to speed up everything."

"Once we understand the market response, we will promptly inform the purchasing department and ask them to place additional orders."

Since Murphy said so, Edward naturally no longer hesitated.

The right thing to do is to get started quickly.

(End of this chapter)