The car giant started by marrying the daughter of the king

"Mr. Jiang, General Motors has made such a big fuss about entering China, as if the Chinese auto market is their favorite."

“Should we also make some responses to let everyone know who is the market leader?”

As the head of sales at BMW Group, Chen Chenxing naturally does not want to see his influence suppressed by General Motors.

Today is different from the past. BMW Group is no longer a small company.

"How would you like to respond?"

Jiang Hui asked without commenting.

He has always cared about tangible interests and face, and everything is easy to talk about.

"We had planned to make use of the V8 engine before."

"Can we take this opportunity to officially announce our next plan for developing new models?"

Chen Chenxing felt that it was not a big problem to disclose the plans of some car models to the public.

Anyway, I won’t go into the specifics.

With the development speed of BMW Group, even international auto giants often cannot catch up.

Others may take five or six years to develop a car model, but BMW Group can usually do it in two or three years.

If you come across a product that is shared by all platforms, it is not impossible to develop it in less than two years.

"That's a way."

"We have planned several products before, but we have never officially launched them."

"Although some of the work has already begun, it is okay to officially announce it to the public now."

Jiang Hui thought of his previous idea of ​​developing a flagship sedan for Mercedes-Benz, a large SUV for Land Rover, and a sports car for Chitu Automobile.

These models can all be equipped with V8 engines and serve as the highest-end models at this stage.

Once all these models are developed, they will basically be enough for the BMW Group's development in the next ten years.

During this period, the time it took for various automobile manufacturers to upgrade their models was far less rapid.

A five-year generation upgrade is considered fast; some OEMs only upgrade their products once every ten years.

For example, the first generation of the classic Porsche 911 was produced from 1964 to 1973.

The second generation was produced from 1974 to 1989, with no large-scale replacement for a full fifteen years.

As long as the car model is classic enough, there is no problem if it does not need constant replacement.

Jiang Hui has no plans to upgrade the Land Rover X-Series pickup and G-Series SUV so quickly.

Apart from making some appropriate updates to electronic and electrical products and electronic fuel injection engines, the overall appearance can be used for more than ten years.

"Yes, GM is preparing to bring three models to the Chinese market, and we are also announcing plans for three new products."

"Then let everyone know who is the leader of the Chinese auto market."

"After Chitu's Panamera model is launched next year, we will not be developing any new models."

“Three new models are just the right way to fill this gap.”

Seeing that his proposal was recognized, Chen Chenxing continued to explain his ideas very actively.

With more products, his future work will be easier.

"The Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan, the Land Rover large SUV and the Chitu sports car, let's officially bring out these three models."

Jiang Hui didn't hesitate any longer and directly told everyone his plans.

"Mr. Jiang, our powertrains for these three models all use a V8 engine paired with a 5AT automatic transmission, which is currently the top power configuration."

"In terms of body size, it should be larger than all current models. Can it be used as a new platform?"

Chen Chenxing would definitely take this opportunity to have a good discussion with Jiang Hui about the information about these products.

After all, Jiang Hui was personally in charge of the exterior design and overall layout, and the others were only responsible for implementation.

"I estimate that the length of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be more than 5.2 meters, the width will be about 1.9 meters, and the wheelbase will definitely be more than 3 meters."

"It will be our flagship sedan and will be used mainly by successful business people."

"Of course, in some special reception occasions, it can also compete with the Hongqi A8."

As a flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is definitely positioned at a higher end.

Ordinary consumers are not its target customers at all.

Since it is a high-end model, in addition to being used by bosses, it can naturally be considered for use as a ceremonial car in some countries.

It is even possible to snatch part of the market from Hongqi A8 at that time.

"If this is the case, then the sales volume will probably not be very high."

Although Chen Chenxing was very willing to make high-end cars.

But if the sales volume is too low, it would be a bit worrying.

"Compared with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, the sales volume is definitely much less."

"If global sales can reach nearly 1 units per month, it will be considered a great success."

“Even if there are only 5000 units per month, I think it is still a successful model.”

"However, it will maintain the same platform as Land Rover's large SUV, sharing chassis and electronic and electrical parts as much as possible."

"This can minimize development costs and reduce development time."

Jiang Hui shared his ideas with Chen Chenxing.

Letting the sales department prepare marketing plans for target consumers in advance will definitely not be a bad thing for subsequent business development.

"Then Land Rover's large SUV will also be a seven-seater SUV with a body size of about 5.2 meters and a wheelbase of more than 3 meters?"

Chen Chenxing quickly imagined what this car model would look like in the future and was looking forward to it.

"Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, the wheelbase of these two cars will be close to 3.2 and the length will be just over 5.2."

"When the time comes, we will build them into products with the most spacious space, the best power and the most beautiful appearance in the same class."

"I believe this type of large urban SUV has a relatively large market in both the United States and China."

"Of course, due to the high price, its sales target will not be particularly high."

As a high-end model that enhances brand influence, its sales volume is definitely not likely to be very high.

According to Jiang Hui's idea, it would be enough to maintain sales of these two models at more than 1 units per month in the beginning.

Of course, with the improvement of China's consumption capacity in the future, it is estimated that the monthly sales of Land Rover's large SUVs are expected to exceed 1 units, or even higher.

But that must be several years later.

Jiang Hui is preparing to take out the extended version of the Land Rover Range Rover.

That classic appearance will not change much in the next 20 years.

This is very meaningful for the development of the brand and for cultivating loyal fans.

Sometimes changing too quickly is not a good thing.

"What about our Chitu sports car?"

"It certainly can't be built on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Land Rover large SUVs."

So far, Chitu Automobile’s presence is not very strong.

But that doesn’t mean Chen Chenxing and Jiang Hui don’t take it seriously.

"The chassis of the Chitu sports car is definitely not the same as that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It needs to be completely developed."

"But after development, we will also derive more products on this platform."

"Convertible and non-convertible versions are definitely something that need to be considered."

“It is also necessary to consider further developing other styles of sports cars in the future.”

"To a certain extent, this model will be an application platform for various new technologies of our group."

"Some lightweight technologies and new products will be considered for use on it."

"Products such as carbon fiber parts, fixed calipers and other related products will be installed on the Chitu sports car."

After Jiang Hui said this, Chen Chenxing became even more excited.

The Group will have no shortage of new models in the future.

With so many platforms, the difficulty of developing new products on the same platform can be greatly reduced.

As long as there is market demand, it can be considered.

"Shanghai GM will bring an MPV model this time. We don't have an MPV so far."

“Can you consider it in the future?”

Although three products have been launched in one go, Chen Chenxing is still a little unsatisfied.

"We will definitely produce MPVs in the future. We can just make a large MPV based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class."

"But that's the second step. We'll first get the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Land Rover large SUV out."

After Jiang Hui said this, Chen Chenxing no longer had any questions.

At this stage, MPV models are indeed a niche product, so it is completely acceptable to slow down and put their development off until the next few years.

Otherwise, if we develop too many car models at the same time, the R&D center will be overwhelmed.

"Boss Jiang, should we take advantage of the latest media event to officially announce our models?"

"In this way, everyone's attention will no longer be on Shanghai General Motors?"

When it comes to such a major arrangement, Chen Chenxing must first ask Jiang Hui for instructions.

"No problem. Let's put this plan forward first, and then I'll come up with the exterior design plan as soon as possible."

If you have to move, move quickly.

Don’t wait until you’ve been talking about new products for years but still haven’t seen any. That would be embarrassing.

……

"Boss, BMW Group has started developing three new models at once."

“This is definitely a big deal.”

After Yao Yiming heard the news, he reported it to Liu Tianwu immediately.

For news like this that will be officially announced soon, Chen Chenxing is very happy to do a favor to Yao Yiming.

This way, it will be easier for Yao Yiming to report to Liu Tianwu.

Everyone helps each other and everyone can enjoy the benefits when they are in need.

"Three new models at once?"

"Doesn't that mean the BMW Group's factory capacity will be insufficient again?"

For Liu Tianwu, the first thing that came to his mind was that BMW Group was going to build a new factory.

At that time, whether it is factory investment or newly recruited personnel, it will be good for Shenzhen.

Of course, the prerequisite is that the factory must be located in Shenzhen.

"That's not necessarily the case, because these three models are all high-end models."

"Preliminary estimates show that the annual sales volume may be around 10 units." "However, for these high-end models, it is not ruled out that BMW Group will build a special factory to produce them."

“This may also need to be combined with their global sales in the past two years.”

Yao Yiming quickly lowered the expectations of his leader.

Otherwise, if we rely on BMW Group to build a new factory every day, it probably won’t be built so soon.

"More than half of this year has passed. At the current pace, BMW Group's production and sales will definitely increase significantly."

"If they keep up this pace next year, they're going to be a little stretched pretty quickly."

“It will still be necessary to build a new factory at that time.”

After Liu Tianwu said this, Yao Yiming did not refute.

After all it is true.

Last year, BMW Group's sales volume exceeded 100 million vehicles, and there will be no problem in exceeding 120 million vehicles this year.

If you perform well in the next few months, you may even get higher results.

"Leader, the automobile industry is now the pillar industry of our city."

"This year, various auto parts companies have continued to emerge. I think the city can set up a special fund to support the development of the auto industry."

"Then we can consider investing in some parts companies, which may bring unexpected gains."

Yao Yiming boldly put forward a suggestion.

He knew that some auto parts companies did not have strong financial strength when they were just starting out.

In this case, if Shenzhen City could provide some money to support them, it would definitely promote their development.

At that time, there will be gains not only in terms of taxation and employment, but also in terms of shareholder dividends and increased market value.

“Automotive Industry Development Support Fund?”

"Your idea is very creative."

Liu Tianwu is not a very conservative person, otherwise he would not have been arranged to be the person in charge in Shenzhen.

Things like support funds have basically never appeared in other cities.

But it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done.

Shenzhen is a special reform zone. Liu Tianwu dares to do things that other places dare not do.

As long as there is enough reason.

“I also got the inspiration when I was communicating with people from the BMW Group.”

"They plan to set up a special investment company in the future to invest in some domestic private enterprises with development potential."

"I think this approach is very interesting and has great reference value for Shenzhen."

"At this stage, I think the support funds for the development of the automobile industry are very suitable for market demand."

"We will take out 100 million or 200 million yuan as start-up capital, and then add more as needed."

“Perhaps the returns we will eventually bring will far exceed those of these funds.”

Yao Yiming now has a very deep understanding of the driving role of the automobile industry.

As long as Shenzhen continues to develop and expand its automobile industry, it will be able to maintain its position as the largest city in the country.

Shenzhen’s popularity now exceeds that of Guangzhou.

"We will first set up a fund to support the development of the automobile industry. If it works well in the future, we can consider setting up a fund to support the development of the electronics industry."

"Or it could be industrial equipment development support funds, which can be combined with several of our industrial parks."

“However, these funds also need to develop a relatively reasonable evaluation and approval process.”

"It prevents people from taking advantage of loopholes and also avoids exposing some low-level problems."

Liu Tianwu immediately thought of some of the problems that this kind of fund would encounter during its development and operation.

There is definitely room for maneuver in terms of who to invest in and who not to invest in.

As for whether the investment is 100 million or 200 million, and how many shares are held, there is even more room for improvement.

If you're not careful, this good thing will turn into a bad thing.

This is definitely not the situation Liu Tianwu wants to see.

"Well, I will organize relevant experts to develop a specific plan."

"I'll report back to you then."

As long as the direction is agreed upon, Yao Yiming will not be particularly worried about the specific practical operational issues.

Things that have been running in foreign countries for many years, if we take their operating plans and modify them, we will definitely be able to come up with a version that everyone can accept.

……

"Zhang Fan, BMW Group is going to launch three new models."

"After the joint venture between Shanghai Auto and General Motors, they will also launch several new products."

"Hongqi BMW's Hongqi A6 is already a hot seller, and I heard two more products are under development."

"And the new economical city SUV of Capital Automobile Manufacturing will be launched soon."

"Even Peugeot in Guangzhou is going to launch a new model of sedan."

"But our movements are so slow. This won't work."

As the factory director of Second Automobile Works, Chen Liangrong is under increasing pressure.

Originally, the superiors had very high expectations for Second Automobile Works.

However, in recent years, their truck sales have been mediocre, and their sedans have been even more mediocre.

We finally found a partner with France's Peugeot Citroen, but the new product will not be mass-produced until next year.

This is now very embarrassing.

"Director, the strength of the BMW Group is obvious to all. No other domestic automaker can compete with them in terms of R&D."

"As for Shanghai Auto and FAW, they all rely on the efforts of their joint venture partners."

"I think we can learn from this and find more joint venture partners."

"For example, Honda Motor and Nissan Motor do not have joint venture factories in the country."

"But Toyota has come in, and I think they should be somewhat interested as well."

"We can make contact with them."

As the director of the design department, Zhang Fan certainly cannot keep the pressure on himself.

He doesn't have the ability to design new products by himself.

Therefore, it is necessary to find more partners to transfer the pressure.

"This is indeed a direction, and I have arranged for someone to start trying to contact them."

"But I don't think there will be immediate results."

"We still need to develop our own-brand passenger car and commercial vehicle businesses."

"Otherwise, when our superiors come to inspect us, we won't have anything to show for it."

As the factory director, Chen Liangrong naturally has more things to consider.

Various achievements are related to his future.

He hopes that through his efforts at Second Automobile Works, he will be able to smoothly transfer to other positions in the province in the future.

Then in the future I will further develop in the ministries and achieve a leap in life.

But these are all based on the premise that he has achievements.

Otherwise, even if he has connections, it will be difficult to make it work.

Especially now that the economy is in charge, as the head of a company, performance is the most important thing to show off.

"Director, I'm already advancing this work."

"We can also get our own sedan next year."

"By then we will also develop an urban SUV to enrich our own product line."

"But to implement these things more smoothly, we need to recruit more people."

Taking this opportunity, Zhang Fan thought that he could add more people to the design department.

When the design department becomes a research and development center, his level will also be raised accordingly.

Chen Liangrong did not object to this.

……

"Director, BMW Group is developing three new models at once. Will that affect the development of our Hongqi A4 and Hongqi A8?"

Zhao Guangming felt a little complicated when he saw the content reported in the news.

FAW has already tasted success in the Hongqi BMW project and certainly hopes that this cooperation can continue to develop well.

Although it was established later than FAW-Volkswagen and FAW-Toyota, Hongqi BMW's sales have surpassed those of these two joint ventures.

Taking into account the special nature of its partner, the BMW Group, FAW now attaches the highest importance to the Hongqi-BMW joint venture.

It can be said that the success or failure of Hongqi BMW is related to the performance of many people within FAW.

"It is definitely impossible to say that there is no impact at all."

"After all, the personnel at the BMW Group's R&D center are relatively fixed."

"But we can't say anything to the other party because of this impact."

After Geng Weidong said this, Zhao Guangming opened his mouth and found that he had no way to refute it.

"Director, why don't we find some time to go to Shenzhen and have a good talk with Jiang Hui."

"I hope the BMW Group can provide more resources to our joint venture."

In Zhao Guangming's opinion, there is definitely no harm in maintaining more communication.

Then it is still necessary to express FAW's opinion implicitly.

Otherwise it's always a bit worrying.

"There will definitely be no problem in going over and communicating."

"We at Jiefang Truck can also cooperate more with Nanshan Technology."

Geng Weidong believes that strengthening cooperation with BMW Group will not be bad for himself or FAW.

Not to mention that there is a person like Zhu Jiansheng behind Jiang Hui.

"Then I'll contact him later and see if we can get started as soon as possible."

"As a frontier city of reform and opening up, Shenzhen has undergone many changes this year."

"Let's go check it out, maybe we'll find some other unexpected gains."

After his idea was recognized, Zhao Guangming immediately prepared to implement it.

Otherwise, after the arrival of the products, the three new projects of the BMW Group are all in full swing, and it will be difficult to adjust the work arrangements of some personnel. (End of this chapter)