The car giant started by marrying the daughter of the king

Chapter 422: One is more amazing than the other, the future is promising
No matter how the outside world changes, Jiang Hui will stay in the company to be responsible for implementing the design work of several new products.

The Land Rover urban SUV project, which has the most urgent development time, has completed the clay model design and relevant personnel are drawing the blueprints.

With the help of NS 3D, the drawing speed is significantly faster.

In addition, the engine and gearbox are directly retained from the mass-produced models, so there is no need to redraw the drawings.

The chassis is mainly retained from Mercedes-Benz cars, which makes it relatively simple to develop.

At least for the current drawing work, it is not too big a job.

During subsequent testing, see if some parts need to be adjusted based on the situation.

"Director, the first batch of drawings for the Land Rover City SUV project will be ready next month."

"Then let the purchasing department take these drawings to find supporting manufacturers for bidding. After confirming the supplier as soon as possible, notify each manufacturer to start preparing samples."

"If everything goes well, we will be able to achieve mass production in July or August next year."

Hou Guoming is now full of confidence in the Land Rover city SUV.

The exterior design of this model maintains Jiang Hui's consistent high standards.

Even though there were already amazing performances of models such as the Land Rover G Series and Land Rover X Series, when Hou Guoming saw the clay model of the Land Rover City SUV, he couldn't help but exclaimed.

This level of design is clearly beyond the times, and currently only Jiang Hui can flexibly control it.

Designers from some foreign auto giants are also trying to make some changes to make the originally square models look more streamlined and rounded.

But so far, none of the concept cars they have shown at various auto shows can compare with Jiang Hui's design.

In Hou Guoming's opinion, Jiang Hui's design level has been further elevated after being honed with several models.

The appearance of Land Rover's urban SUV is more beautiful than any previous model.

"If the Land Rover City SUV is successful, we can then launch a mid-size SUV and a large SUV based on this model."

"Through these three SUVs, we have firmly established our foothold in the urban SUV market."

"By then, relying on these three models and the previous Land Rover G Series and X Series, our monthly sales of Land Rover vehicles will hopefully exceed 10 units."

Jiang Hui has very high expectations for the future of Land Rover.

If so many classic designs cannot push it to become an international automotive giant, it would really be a shame for its own experience.

If this had happened ten years ago, when Jiang Hui told people that a Chinese car company's monthly sales would exceed 10 vehicles, everyone would probably have thought he was still asleep.

But Hou Guoming had no doubt at all after hearing it now.

There are five models, and the global monthly sales volume of each model is 2 units, which is already a relatively conservative estimate.

If it is done well, it is even possible to double it.

It will be really exciting when that happens.

"Boss Jiang, the clay model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is already in production."

"More and more people will be needed by then, and we still need to continue to expand our staff size."

Taking this opportunity, Hou Guoming naturally also wanted to ask Jiang Hui for some people.

We are developing three models at the same time, and the schedule is so tight.

If there aren't enough people, it won't work.

Besides, he also has to arrange people to improve some problems found in the models in mass production.

At the same time, we are promoting cost improvements on some parts for mass-produced models.

These all need people to do.

"As long as you can find a way to recruit the right people, I will not set an upper limit on the size of the R&D center."

"But you are also very clear about the number of college graduates in the country."

"All the ministries and companies are scrambling for people, so you have to think of other ways."

Now that the company has grown to its current size, Jiang Hui certainly cannot do everything himself.

Otherwise you will be exhausted.

He has completely stopped participating in the recruitment of non-critical personnel.

"Our company previously recruited a group of retired workers from Japanese automobile companies as consultants."

"But in the past year, their asking prices have been getting higher and higher, and the price-performance ratio is no longer so satisfactory."

"As for recruiting professional and technical personnel from Germany or France, the cost is also a bit high."

"Isn't our group currently expanding the polar bear business?"

"I heard that some engineers at Polar Bear are having a much worse life than in previous years. Can we consider inviting some of their people to come and work here?"

"If it's difficult to invite engineers from the Polar Bears, there are some other countries in Eastern Europe that have engineers. I think we can consider them."

Although Jiang Hui delegated the authority to recruit people to Hou Guoming, he still had to report when it came to recruiting international talents.

"Old Hou, this is a good idea."

"We should try it in Eastern Europe first, and then we can take our time with the polar bears. I guess many people are unwilling to come here unless the situation becomes too difficult."

"As for Japan, their economy is now at its most prosperous period, and the entire society is very turbulent."

"If it is really difficult to recruit suitable personnel, it is okay to wait a few years before considering their engineers."

From those years until the bubble burst in 1989, Japan's economy was second to none in the world.

Since those people are not short of money, they naturally have low enthusiasm for continuing to work after retirement.

Not to mention coming to Hong Kong or Shenzhen to work.

As for the Polar Bears recruiting, now is definitely not the best time.

It was not until 1991 or a few years later that it became easy to recruit people.

However, since Hou Guoming has such a bold idea, Jiang Hui will definitely support it.

"Director, I have another idea."

"Now that our production has increased, some international auto parts giants have begun to actively contact us."

“For some parts, I think we can ask these parts giants to produce them at the same time.”

“Although the cost will be higher than Nanshan Technology or other supporting factories, we can cut down our own development time through this process.”

“And I took this opportunity to learn some of their parts technology.”

"By then, 80% of the production capacity of some parts will be provided by domestic manufacturers or related manufacturers such as Nanshan Technology, and 20% will be provided to international parts giants."

"The formation of a competitive relationship between the two parties can make the entire supply chain more dynamic."

As soon as Hou Guoming put forward this proposal, Jiang Xiangyang immediately became interested.

Isn’t this what BYD often does in later generations?
For the same part, find several manufacturers to produce it.

We can increase the order to whoever has the lowest cost.

For some difficult parts that they cannot produce internally, they turn to international auto parts giants for production.

In this process, you learn other people's technology and start to kick them out, or switch most of the production to your own.

Although this approach is not so good-looking, it is undoubtedly beneficial for improving one's own technical level and cost competitiveness.

"You can try this idea by selecting a typical batch of parts."

"In the future, we will consider the next level of development based on the results of the attempts."

Jiang Hui doesn't mind giving it a try first. After all, internal companies like Nanshan Technology also have to face certain competitive pressure.

……

Zhu Jiansheng has made three major moves since taking office. Several plans have now been approved by his superiors and are being implemented in full swing.

During this period, he also visited many factories for inspection, but they were all factories under the Machinery Industry Committee.

Today, he brought a group of people to the BMW Group for inspection, which can be regarded as a formal support for Jiang Hui.

In this situation, Jiang Hui certainly could not let him down, and he directly took Zhu Jiansheng and others to the styling studio to see the completed clay models of the Land Rover City SUV and Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan.

Of course, taking photos of these clay models is definitely not allowed.

Although it is highly likely that other car companies will not be able to produce similar products faster than BMW Group even if they see these photos.

But there is no need for BMW Group to take this risk.

After all, it is no longer like the beginning, and the BMW Group needs all kinds of support.

What we need to pay more attention to now is tangible benefits. The longer the advantage can be maintained, the better.

For example, Land Rover's G-series and X-series models, after being launched last year, immediately became the subject of research and reference for many automakers.

Some models with design styles similar to them will appear on the market starting next year.

This will more or less affect the sales of Land Rover cars.

The advantages and reputation that traditional auto giants have built up over the years are not so easy to break.

Such a thing as crushing an automobile giant in one fell swoop only exists in novels and is impossible to happen in reality.

Any large automobile company is a key pillar enterprise of its country and city, and it is impossible for it to collapse easily.

"Dear leaders, we at Land Rover now have the Land Rover G-series SUV and X-series pickup truck."

"It is not only selling well in China, but has also been exported in large quantities to markets such as the United States, the Middle East and Europe, becoming the most important export product for Lingnan Province."

"In order to further consolidate Land Rover's advantages, we have developed a new SUV, which is expected to be put into mass production next year."

"The clay model you see in front of you is what this SUV will look like after mass production."

Jiang Hui did not introduce much parameter information of Land Rover City SUV, and did not even tell you that its body is a load-bearing body.

Of course, I can tell Zhu Jiansheng anything in private.

But today's inspection team consists of more than a dozen people, and for the sake of confidentiality, there is no need to say so much.

By then, no one knows whether someone will casually reveal the secrets of Land Rover after dinner.

"The style of this car is very different from the Land Rover G." "Compared with the BJ212, Jeep Cherokee and other models sold on the market, the difference is also quite big."

“It’s called an SUV, but the shape of the vehicle uses a lot of curves, which makes it look very round.”

"But the first impression is amazing. It turns out that an SUV can be designed like this."

Zhu Jiansheng is a man who knows what he is talking about.

As soon as he saw the clay model, he was very confident about this SUV from Land Rover.

Even if its sales volume by then cannot surpass that of the Land Rover G Series, it is estimated that it will not be too far behind.

"We think consumers will pursue higher and higher levels of comfort and aesthetics in their cars."

"Traditional off-road vehicles generally have too distinctive appearance styles. Except for some consumers, many people don't particularly like them."

“This will inevitably affect its market performance.”

"To remedy this problem, our new generation of SUV models will introduce many subversive concepts and design elements to SUVs, giving consumers a completely different SUV."

"According to our assumption, even consumers who normally commute to get off work will consider buying an SUV."

"After all, it looks more domineering and has a better field of vision than a sedan."

Jiang Hui briefly explained his design concept, basically stopping at the point.

Anyway, it is enough for everyone to see the appearance and have more confidence in the next development of the BMW Group.

"This design idea is indeed very creative. When it goes on the market, the monthly production of Land Rover cars will quickly exceed 8, right?"

Although Zhu Jiansheng has not visited BMW Group many times, he has always been very concerned about their development.

Land Rover's current sales are mainly contributed by two major parts.

One is through cooperation with General Motors to sell in the American and European markets, and the other is that Land Rover sells itself in China, the Middle East, Europe and other places.

In terms of sales, the sales from cooperation with General Motors account for the majority, but Land Rover’s own sales have also been increasing.

It can be said that the sales of Land Rover G Series and X Series models are still on the rise.

This is definitely good news.

"There shouldn't be any problem. By then our third factory will be able to start production and we won't have to worry about insufficient production capacity."

Although the domestic automobile sales in China are not particularly large at this time, the American, European and Middle Eastern markets have always performed well.

As long as Land Rover can get a piece of meat in these places, it can live a good life.

Of course, there is no need to worry about the domestic market.

That is completely a state of having no competitors.

As long as the purchasing power of Chinese consumers continues to increase, BMW Group's sales in China will continue to rise.

Sooner or later, it will surpass export sales and make great contributions to the development and growth of the BMW Group.

"You just said that there are three new products in progress. In addition to this SUV, do other brands have new products?"

Zhu Jiansheng was very clear about the purpose of this inspection, which was not to gain in-depth understanding of the specific information of a certain model.

It is enough to just have a cursory understanding of the situation now. If we say too much, it would be bad if someone accidentally leaked the confidential information of Land Rover.

"In the room next door is our second Mercedes-Benz product."

"The existing Mercedes-Benz sedans are positioned at a relatively high end and are also relatively large in size."

"In order to further expand our consumer base, we are planning to develop a new C-class sedan, which will be similar in size to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord."

"When the time comes, we will launch this model simultaneously at home and abroad and make it a hit model."

"Even compared with the sedans of global auto giants, our Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan will be competitive enough."

In this era, the automobile market is still dominated by sedans.

Although Jiang Hui will lead the BMW Group to lead the trend of SUV consumption, he will certainly not give up the sedan market.

Following Jiang Hui's explanation, Hou Guoming stepped forward and pulled open the curtain.

A car that combines the essence of modern aesthetics and aerodynamics, displaying an indescribable sense of elegance and power, appeared in front of everyone.

"The car's body lines are smooth and full of tension, extending from the front to the rear, outlining a dynamic silhouette."

"In the front part, the wide air intake grille is decorated with chrome, which complements the sharp halogen headlights on both sides, forming a sharp visual focus, as if ready to break through the air resistance in front at any time and lead the trend."

"On the side of the car, the elegant waistline runs from the front to the rear, echoing the slightly upward waistline, creating a sporty posture ready to go."

“The window lines are smooth and simple, and paired with exquisite chrome trim, they enhance the luxurious feel of the vehicle.”

"The concave design under the door cleverly increases the layering of the car body, making the whole car look more three-dimensional and full."

If it's just about describing the appearance, Jiang Hui naturally wouldn't mind saying a few more words to everyone.

Anyway, it's just self-praise, there's nothing to be embarrassed about.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is the pride of all designers.

"Let's take a look at the rear of the car. The shape is full and layered."

"The shape of the taillight group echoes the front headlight group."

"The dual exhaust layout further highlights the vehicle's sporty performance."

“Overall, the classic exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class not only demonstrates the outstanding design capabilities of our group, but will also capture the hearts of countless consumers with its unique charm.”

"It is like a fine work of art, quietly telling the glory and honor of the Mercedes-Benz brand, and leading a new trend in car design in China and even the world."

Jiang Hui introduced the model of the car in front of him quickly in a rhythmic voice.

Compared with the SUV just now, the appearance of this car is undoubtedly more in line with the aesthetic tastes of more people.

Especially in the era when sedans are rampant, cars without butts are not considered high-end cars in the eyes of many Chinese people.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class in front of us almost perfectly meets everyone's imagination of a sedan.

"After seeing this clay model, I am no longer worried about the capacity utilization of your third factory."

"With just one car like this, I feel like your new factory doesn't have much spare capacity."

"Are you going to consider investing in a fourth factory soon?"

There is no doubt that Zhu Jiansheng highly approves of the car in front of him.

Anyone with eyesight knows that the exterior design of this car is very successful.

Even if it cannot satisfy all consumers, it must be the leader in the market.

"There will be a certain interval between the production of the three new products we have recently developed."

"If the subsequent Land Rover City SUV performs well in the market, we will officially start the construction of the fourth factory."

"Of course, before that, our design work and land preparation work for the fourth factory will be completed ahead of schedule."

"Even the factory building can be leveled first to prepare the foundation and other things."

"Once the investment decision is made, construction will begin immediately and mass production will be achieved within a year."

BMW Group already has experience in building three production lines, so it will not be difficult to build a fourth one.

However, the later it gets, the greater the investment in the new factory.

Jiang Hui certainly cannot invest recklessly, which would put pressure on the financial report of BMW Group.

The construction of a new factory requires more than just the investment in this factory.

This means that all factories in the entire industrial chain need to expand their production capacity simultaneously.

The investment in new factories and new production lines of a series of supporting factories such as Nanshan Transmission, Nanshan Engine, and Nanshan Technology will be greater than the investment amount of the fourth factory itself.

Therefore, Jiang Hui will definitely make a more cautious decision.

Another consideration is that the fourth factory will basically be the last factory invested by the BMW Group in Shenzhen in the next five years.

If there are new factories to be built, we can consider investing in Shanghai or other cities.

After all, wherever your factory is built, local sales can often be improved.

Building factories in Shenzhen is somewhat disadvantageous for BMW Group in developing the East China and North China markets.

"Then I will look forward to the news of the construction of your fourth factory. I will definitely come to take a look when the time comes."

Zhu Jiansheng knew that the third model of Chitu Automobile had not yet been officially designed, so he did not mention continuing to visit the clay model of the third product.

Next, he took the inspection team on a tour of the Land Rover G Series production workshop and held a symposium in the conference room, thus concluding today's inspection.

At that time, relevant inspection reports will appear in various newspapers and magazines under the Machinery Industry Committee, and will be known to everyone in the entire system.

"Dad, why do I feel like you've lost some weight?"

That night, Zhu Jiansheng naturally went to visit his daughter.

Especially take a look at my little grandson who is already 8 months old.

However, the careful Zhu Ling discovered that her father seemed to have lost some weight.

"Why are you so fat?"

"I've been out on field trips every now and then during this period. It would be strange if I could gain weight."

Zhu Jiansheng didn't care.

He is also an educated person and knows that when people are fat, various problems with their body functions will arise.

Unlike the rural areas today, it seems like we have returned to the Tang Dynasty, where being fat is considered a blessing.

“Everything is difficult at the beginning. No matter where you work, once you get used to it, you will be able to cope with it smoothly.”

"Dad has already started the three tasks he has been doing since taking office. He just needs to focus on implementation. It should be a little easier."

Jiang Hui also didn't want his father-in-law to be too busy.

He also hoped that his father-in-law could stay in the high position for a few more years.

That would definitely be more beneficial to the development of the BMW Group.

(End of this chapter)