Rebirth: My dad is too obedient

Chapter 533 I was tricked by the Doctor
Liu Qilin continued:

You may not know this...

President Wan Gang returned to China from Germany six years ago and became the president of Tonghai University.

Before returning to China, he held a management position in the manufacturing department at Audi headquarters.

The reason why Principal Wan was recalled to China was based on the country's future development plan for 'new energy vehicles'.

This matter has actually been discussed and debated for many years. I saw relevant research materials when I was working on a project at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

However, in recent years, whether from a technical or policy perspective, no firm decision has been made yet, and repeated demonstrations and explorations are still underway.

Of course, this also involves some 'route disputes', after all, electric new energy vehicles are only one of the alternative 'routes'.

Unlike Japan, our country doesn't gamble with its national destiny at every turn. Our core technology and industry strategy definitely needs to be clearly demonstrated and analyzed...

At the same time, since this involves the country's future technological and industrial development, it remains strictly confidential internally and is not open to the public. Apart from a few true experts in the field, it has hardly been seriously discussed.

So when I heard Mr. Xu talk about Chenfeng Technology's ideas and vision for electric vehicles, I was very shocked..."

Xu Chen remained silent, thinking to himself, "I see."

Liu Qilin straightened his expression slightly, and at the same time looked somewhat excited:
"But the fact that President Wan was transferred to the Ministry of Science and Technology is a very clear signal."

Those in the field know why Principal Wan returned to China.

His visit to the Ministry of Science and Technology indicated that some "debates over policy directions" had been resolved and that some internal and external conditions were ripe.

Or rather, the country couldn't wait any longer.

Guo Liang was a little confused and couldn't help but ask:

"Can't wait" means what?

Liu Qilin: "Gasoline-powered cars..."

Since modern times, the automotive industry has been a core pillar of national rise and industrialization, as seen in Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea.

The government has already allocated too many resources, policies, and time to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Even 'forced joint ventures', exchanging market access for technology, and the like.

But if you look closely, the engine, transmission, chassis... the technological accumulation of Europe, America, and Japan, which is decades or even centuries ahead, is something that cannot be surpassed overnight.

He paused:

"Of course, the reasons behind this are profound and complex. In addition to technological barriers and technology protection, there are also some factors related to domestic enterprises, management, and personnel..."

In short, the country can't wait any longer.

And 'electric new energy' is precisely a path to 'leapfrog development'.

It was first Qian Xuesen, and later Wan Gang, who both saw and firmly believed in this path.

Liu Qilin looked deeply moved. He drank a cup of warm tea, seemingly to compose himself, and then continued:
"I was not qualified to attend that meeting in May, nor was I qualified to inquire about it."

But among the people who went to the meeting were my old bosses, old mentors, and old friends.

Besides, I do research electric motors and electric energy, and I know most of the people in China who work in this field.

Therefore, I believe my judgment is correct in the overall direction!

……

As Dr. Liu spoke eloquently, Xu Chen turned to look at Xu Zhiquan, while Old Xu gave his son a meaningful smile.

Xu Chen remained silent, realizing he had guessed correctly...

Old Xu's three visits to Liu Qilin's thatched cottage were clearly not just for the 'electric bicycle,' but also for future plans.

Now that Xu Chen thinks about it, many things make more sense.

Although Yang Congxin's technical background is not particularly strong, it is more than enough for Chenfeng Technology to develop and produce 'electric bicycles'.

It could even be said that a postdoctoral fellow from the Chinese Academy of Sciences is indeed somewhat "exceeding the standard" for "Chenfeng Technology," a company that purely makes electric bicycles.

But if it's for the future development of "electric vehicles," then one can only say that Mr. Xu is truly "farsighted" and "thinks a hundred steps ahead for every step he takes."

No wonder Lao Xu went to so much trouble and tried every means to poach Dr. Liu from the company.

Ok.

My real father is truly a man of few words.

……

Liu Qilin continued:
"The implementation of national strategies and policies will not be quick; we are only providing directions for them now."

Meanwhile, the first wave of those pushing for follow-up will definitely be state-owned automobile manufacturers.

For example, FAW, Beijing Automotive, Changan, etc.

As for whether policies and resources will be tilted towards private enterprises, that remains to be seen...

Although 'Chenfeng Technology' currently only makes electric bicycles, there aren't many technological barriers to its future transformation.

He paused slightly, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.
"As long as I'm here."

"..."

Xu Chen gasped.

Oh no, I've been tricked by the professor!
……

Liu Qilin: "In fact, Europe had already begun theoretical and practical explorations of electric vehicles in the last century."

However, due to the manipulation behind the scenes by oil capital and the limitations of battery, motor and electronic control technology at the time, it did not truly take off and develop.

However, current technological conditions are gradually maturing...

In the past two years, there has been another very important contributing factor, which may be completely unknown to outsiders.

And in the United States, some companies are already trying it out.

Guo Liang couldn't help but ask, "What?"

Xu Chen pondered for a moment, and seemed to have guessed it.

So I couldn't help but glance at the phone on the table.

Liu Qilin noticed the look in "Young Master Xu's" eyes and couldn't suppress a hint of surprise:
"Yes, it's an iPhone."

Guo Liang: "A cell phone?"

Xu Chen: "It's the entire intelligent application and interaction system behind the iPhone."

This actually restructures traditional mobile phone functions, making them more ecosystem-like.

Guo Liang looked troubled:

"I can't understand anything anymore."

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

"I don't understand it either."

Liu Qilin looked at Xu Chen with an expression of great "appreciation".

He then picked up a mobile phone from the table; it was a Nokia E61 business phone that Guo Liang was using.

“In the future, these 'brick' feature phones will be completely replaced by smartphones like the iPhone.”

Guo Liang looked puzzled: "I don't understand..."

Xu Chen: "Electric vehicles are not just a new form of energy, nor are they simply vehicles powered by electricity."

Similar to the interactive capabilities of computers, even refrigerators and televisions are powered by electricity.

Therefore, electric vehicles provide a large platform for integrating these 'electrical' functions. Guo Liang: "Huh?!"

He thought about it for a while, but still looked confused and couldn't understand.

Liu Qilin smiled, but reached out and patted Guo Liang on the shoulder:

"It's okay, you'll understand in a few years."

Xu Zhiquan had a cigarette dangling from his mouth:

"I don't understand it very well myself, but it's enough that Dr. Liu and Xu Chen understand it."

Liu Qilin then circled back to the topic:
“In the United States, some private companies have already seen this possibility.”

They are beginning to apply the same approach of using smartphones to revolutionize feature phones to using electric vehicles to revolutionize traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Xu Chen: "Dr. Liu, are you referring to 'Tesla'?"

Liu Qilin paused, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, and couldn't help but show a look of surprise again:
"I didn't expect... you even know about 'Tesla'?"

Xu Chen knew, of course, since he was someone who had been reborn.

It was precisely the emergence of Tesla that fully revitalized the entire domestic electric vehicle industry after 2010.

Or rather, the emergence of 'Tesla' made the country realize that it was even more 'impatient'.

On the one hand, Tesla was introduced to China as a "catfish" to stimulate the domestic market; on the other hand, policies and resources were tilted towards private enterprises, directly giving rise to a number of "new force" electric vehicle brands, which even overshadowed a bunch of state-owned car companies.

Mr. Xu is not only familiar with Tesla, but also with the overall competitive landscape of the domestic electric vehicle industry over the next one or two decades.

At this time, in mid-2007, the 'Tesla electric car' had not yet been officially released to the public.

Elon Musk acquired a controlling stake in Tesla three years ago in 04, after which he conducted three to four years of secret internal research and development.

According to Xu Chen's memories from his previous life, the first 'Tesla electric car' was officially launched in North America in 08, the following year.

The fact that Liu Qilin was able to pay attention to the research and development of a "quiet" private innovative company in the United States at this time is enough to show his industry foresight in the field.

Liu Qilin was even more surprised that "Little Xu" knew about Tesla.

After all, in his view, even some experts in the fields of battery, motor and electronic control technology in China may not know about the emerging R&D track of "electric vehicles".

Even if some people know about it, they mostly just treat it as "industry hype news" and don't see it as a future industry trend.

……

Liu Qilin looked at Xu Chen and couldn't help but say again:

"I really can't believe that you're not even in my field of research."

What I find even harder to believe is that you're not even twenty years old yet…

Xu Chen smiled and poured Dr. Liu another cup of tea.

Liu Qilin picked up his teacup, took a sip, shook his head, and said:
"I am truly ashamed!"
I had heard that Mr. Xu had a son who was even involved in company decision-making...

I privately worry that 'Young Master Xu' will ruin the company after he takes over.

Xu Chen: "..."

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily and reached out to pat his beloved son's shoulder.

Liu Qilin: "It seems that my decision to join 'Chenfeng Technology' was absolutely the right one, and I have no regrets about it."

……

After the food was cleared away, Guo Liang asked the waiter to bring out some snacks, treats, and fruits.

When Dr. Liu talked about matters in his professional field, he became very talkative and his thinking became lively.

The conversation shifted from "future vision" back to the pragmatic "current situation".

Liu Qilin, as expected of a "scientist" in the field, also explained some rather complex technical knowledge to Xu Zhiquan, Xu Chen, and Guo Liang.

These are not entirely empty and useless; for example, they have already begun to involve specific technical modifications to the upcoming "Chenfeng Electric Vehicle".

The motor is fine; the motor technology used in "Chenfeng Ice Power" was actually designed with the help of Dr. Liu's team.

Regarding the iteration of battery and electronic control technology for the "Chenfeng Electric Vehicle," Liu Qilin directly provided a clear and feasible plan.

Liu Qilin already has a vision in mind for the technological iteration milestones of the next year, three years, and five years.

These technological iterations are not based on technical verification completely detached from production, but rather take into full account market competition, production costs, and technology implementation.

"Currently, the cost-effectiveness of 'Chenfeng' batteries is not high. You purchase them from Guangdong Province, right?"

We disassembled and examined them in our lab; there are better alternatives, and they're all mature technologies.

"Next time Mr. Xu goes on a business trip to the battery supplier, please invite me. I'll handle the negotiations."

If they keep selling these things, we'll switch suppliers...

This is taking advantage of someone's lack of knowledge.

"I've seen Yamaha's production line, and there's nothing wrong with it."

Moreover, it can cope with technological upgrades at least five to eight years from now.

As for the existing production lines, that depends on Mr. Xu's capital and cost control.

Acquiring this production line from the industrial cluster in Zhejiang Province already puts it at a disadvantage of about 18 months. Even with favorable conditions, it will require three to five years of iterative upgrades and improvements.

This is crucial for improving future production efficiency.

"I know that some of your core control components were sourced from Taiwan."

There is still some risk to the stability of this batch, which I have discussed privately with Director Yang.

These are all minor issues that are easy to resolve; it just requires a little more effort in procurement.

I've seen Director Yang's purchasing team, and they definitely need some training on their professionalism, especially regarding technical parameters and product knowledge.

"The assembly is fine, the only problem is..."

The frame structure of the 'Chenfeng Ice Power' still has some minor flaws.

Although it meets various national safety standards, structural deficiencies can result in a bumpy ride at speeds exceeding 20 kilometers per hour.

……

As Dr. Liu was speaking, Xu Zhiquan quickly gave Guo Liang a wink.

Guo Liang immediately understood, took out his phone and started recording.

Xu Chen naturally didn't know much about these technical matters, and hearing this was quite an eye-opener for him.

He thought to himself that Dr. Liu, as the "chief engineer," would surely be able to convince Director Yang.

He not only has the advantage of being "highly sophisticated" in technology, but is also very practical and down-to-earth in production.

Although I haven't officially started working here yet, I've already thoroughly investigated all the problems with "Chenfeng Ice Power".

However, this also indirectly confirms that Liu Qilin did a lot of technical research before finally deciding to join "Chenfeng Technology", and at least he had a clear understanding of the "Chenfeng Ice Power" products.

This meticulous and reliable nature put both General Manager Xu and his son at ease...

Besides these practical business issues, Liu Qilin couldn't help but pull "Little Xu" aside to chat about some exciting future industry trends.

Dr. Liu seemed to be "boiling over" and found it rare to find someone like Mr. Xu with whom he could have a good chat.

Xu Chen also felt a bit "thrilled," thinking that it was fortunate that he had recruited Dr. Liu to his company. If other emerging car companies had snatched him up, it could have created a huge competitor.

In addition, without realizing it, Mr. Xu and Dr. Liu also deduced an extremely critical industry issue, which is also the path selection problem that "Chenfeng Technology" may face in the future.

……

(End of this chapter)