From knock-off old-man's electric vehicles to industrial giant

Chapter 108 Polaris Battery, Sample Verification

of course.

Xu Yi can guarantee that.

He would absolutely never release a "car-grade tissue box," and he even held a meeting overnight to lower the price to 169.

That would severely damage public trust.

That's so lacking in technical sophistication.

If possible, he would prefer to make the core technologies into exclusive by-products for Xingchen Motors.

If you have core technologies that other companies can't replicate, and you sell them at a high price, consumers won't complain. Instead, they'll think it's because of the high R&D costs and that it's unique, and they'll be manipulated by you.

But if you could just find any factory on the street and have them mass-produce it, and then raise the price several times over just because you put a brand label on it, that's just being dishonest, pure brand tax.

Collecting taxes before building brand credibility is short-sighted and detrimental.

To effectively reduce costs, one must be strategic, planned, and gradual, ensuring that car owners and consumers are happy and eager to make purchases. This gradual, sustainable approach aligns with long-term development principles.

Follow his ideas.

Once the car owner community expands to a certain size, we will need to develop both a car mall and a car owner community, and integrate them into the Xingchen Auto app to complete the community ecosystem.

This was a common strategy among new energy vehicle companies in the past; it was essentially a direct copy of the internet ecosystem strategy. Subsequent events proved that building an ecosystem is indeed very profitable!

But I didn't expect it.

Zheng Guozhao gave him a surprise, quietly creating the prototype of the player community, and now the first item, the car mall business, has arrived.

"Old Zheng, your idea is excellent, I agree. You'll be in charge of sourcing and purchasing the raw materials for the color-changing film. I'll have the purchasing department contact you later. The app will launch a car store section within a week. If you have the energy to develop more car store products, I'll entrust this aspect to you for now..."

"I don't care about anything else, but I have one requirement: the products listed on our car mall must be of good quality and reasonably priced, aiming to build a reputation for quality. I will review all the products listed, and the after-sales department will be responsible for installation."

Xu Yi readily agreed.

It won't take much effort for the software department to update a car mall feature.

Incidentally, it can also expand the business of their after-sales department. With a little training, the installation of general modification parts is a piece of cake for after-sales engineers.

As for the screen protector application service, you can hire skilled technicians to apply screen protectors. In the early stages, when the volume is small, you can set up an after-sales service and modification point in a store in the city center. As the number of people needing modifications increases, you can gradually expand the service.

……

"it is good!"

Having received Mr. Xu's approval, Zheng Guozhao put down his phone.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement!
We're back! That feeling of boundless energy is back!!

Just because of one suggestion from him, General Manager Xu actually wanted to create a dedicated car e-commerce business for him. That's how much he values ​​him!

Old Zheng is determined to make this business thrive, so as not to live up to President Xu's trust!

...

Zheng Guozhao first sent a message to the official car owner group to announce the good news to the car owners.

Then I opened my phone's contacts and found the contact number for a manufacturer called "Shandong Colored Plastics".

Called it.

"Hello, I need a batch of high-quality PET film..."

"Premium PET rolls are 2,000 yuan each. What color would you like to order?"

"Two thousand...? You fucking listen to who I am! I'll give you three seconds to revise your offer!"

"..."

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zheng... I didn't hear your voice clearly just now. Please calm down."

Upon hearing the impolite voice coming from the other end, the person in charge of Shandong Colored Plastic Film Factory quickly put on a wry smile and said cautiously.

As a factory that started by producing inferior automotive window films, it introduced the BOPET production line from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Xiaozixing a couple of years ago and developed its car wrap and color change production business.

In the early days, domestic color-changing films and car wraps were basically second-hand production lines imported from abroad, and some were even several times over, low-quality production lines. China itself did not have this technology.

Zheng Guozhao is one of the major customers of the color-changing film produced locally in Shandong. He has also invested in some shares and has been involved in the color-changing film and modification business for several years.

Later, the Xingchen Laotou Le (a type of beverage) sold very well, which made the colored plastic film factory a fortune.

It can be said.

Color change film, car wrap, and window tint are not valuable in themselves.

Even for films made of high-quality materials that maintain good heat insulation, optical performance, and gloss, the cost is only a few hundred dollars more, but in the market, they command a premium of several thousand dollars.

It mainly depends on how the modification shop and the brand market themselves.

Generally speaking, the production cost of a set of color-changing film or car wrap is around several hundred yuan. Even for top-quality films with superior materials and craftsmanship, the factory price of a set will not exceed one thousand yuan. However, the labor cost for applying the entire car wrap can be as high as one or two thousand yuan at a modification shop. This is the total cost of materials and labor.

"Yeah, I recently changed my number, so it's not your fault. Tell me, have you got anything good lately?"

Zheng Guozhao said casually.

Since joining Xingchen Auto's direct sales system, the modification business has been put on hold, and the channel stores for the elderly have been handed over to the subordinates.

But it's different now.

Mr. Xu said that their Xingchen Auto Mall aims to impress car owners with high-quality products.

Old Zheng must keep a close eye on this!

Otherwise, wouldn't that be betraying President Xu's trust?!

...

"Mr. Zheng, you've hit the nail on the head. In the past six months, our factory has invested heavily in research and development, optimizing PET biaxial stretching technology, which has made the tensile strength of our color-changing film comparable to imported films. In addition, we have independently developed the first generation of high-transparency PET base film, nano anti-scratch coating, and color-changing film with optical performance surpassing top brands on the market, extending its gloss life to three years..."

there.

The person in charge of Shandong Colored Plastic Film Factory gave a long and detailed introduction over the phone.

"Alright...stop bragging. Stop pretending to be all high and mighty with me. Speak like a human being!"

Zheng Guozhao's head was throbbing with pain as he listened, and he said impatiently.

"Yes, we've imported a batch of new foreign equipment and hired three retired foreign engineers to provide guidance and improve the parameters. Now, we've reached 85%-90% of the performance of top-tier imported membranes, and we've even applied for independent research and development patents!"

The person in charge of the colored plastic film factory said with a slightly embarrassed tone.

But when talking about their own patents, their tone became somewhat proud.

Domestic PET film manufacturers, after all, are not covered by foreign patents. After absorbing and slightly modifying them, they become theirs.

In the early days, they even produced slices based on parameters provided by foreign companies on a one-to-one basis.

have to……

Zheng Guozhao roughly understood.

It's impossible to expect small domestic factories to have any independent research and development capabilities.

But their skill level has definitely improved.

It should meet Mr. Xu's requirement for high quality.

"So, what's the price of your independently developed, patented, improved membrane?"

"The purchase price is 2500 yuan per roll, while the price at the retail stores ranges from 7,000 to 8,000 yuan per unit."

"A young master? Seven or eight thousand??"

...

Zheng Guozhao was stunned.

"Yes, Mr. Zheng, we've connected with the distribution channels and registered a shell company overseas specifically for this high-end brand. We export the membrane first and then import it back. This way, both the brand and the membrane's performance are fully aligned with international standards, so we can definitely sell it at imported prices..."

Moreover, some luxury car customers are not happy even if you add three to five thousand yuan to their price tag. They think it's too low-quality and doesn't match the car's prestige. If you don't do this high-end market, someone else will.

We have no choice but to raise prices!

"That's what the person in charge of the plastic film factory said."

Zheng Guozhao: "..."

—What the hell is this, exporting and then selling domestically?

"Alright, now I want to place a large order. Let's test the waters with a batch first and get a sincere price."

"Alright, 800 per roll of PET, Mr. Zheng, is that acceptable?"

"five hundred."

"Mr. Zheng, the cost of our new equipment is..."

"Six hundred and fifty yuan a roll, that's the most I can do."

"make a deal!" ……

It’s over.

They slashed the price again!

After hanging up the phone, Zheng Guozhao's heart skipped a beat.

But after thinking about it, I felt relieved.

A typical roll of color-changing film is 15 meters long. 12 meters is just enough to cover a 5-meter car, while the extra 3 meters are to allow for human error.

For small cars like their Starry Mini, one roll of film can cover two cars, which greatly reduces the cost.

Never mind, I'll make money no matter what!

...

Three days later.

All Starlight car owners received an update notification.

To my surprise, a new car store page has been added to the car app.

[Imported PET color-changing film, official package including materials and labor - 3000 yuan]

"Dear valued car owners, the new car wrapping service is now online. It will first be tested at our directly operated stores in Shanghai. We offer a variety of pet luxury car color changes for you to choose from. We welcome you to have your wraps done through official channels!"

Zheng Guozhao sent a message to the official car owner group.

"General Manager Zheng is awesome!"

"The price is acceptable. Is this official color-changing film really of better quality than those sold elsewhere?"

"I checked, and it's made of PET material. I specifically searched online, and PET material isn't cheap at modification shops!!"

……

This time.

Zheng Guozhao bought more than twenty colors in one go, including dreamy gray, volcanic gray, khaki Milan, blush pink, metallic silver, ice berry pink...

In short, whatever color is popular, get a set of them all.

"Please rest assured, everyone. Our Xingchen Auto uses carefully selected imported color-changing film—high-transparency PET base film, nano-scratch-resistant coating, and color-changing film with optical performance surpassing top brands on the market, extending its gloss lifespan to up to three years..."

"As we've always said, Xingchen Car Sales focuses on service and sincerity, not on making money... we just want to be friends with our car owners!"

"Get your screen protector installed at the official brand store and receive a one-year warranty. If there are any scratches or bumps during this period, we'll replace two sides for free!!"

An announcement.

This left many car owners wide-eyed!

I was so touched!!

hiss--! ! !
Imported PET film is sold at this price!

Is it really that worth it?!

original.

They didn't believe Xingchen's claim of a 5% gross profit margin when selling cars.

Or rather, they were skeptical.

However, after using the car for such a long time after purchasing it, I found that there were no problems in any aspect, making it truly a good value for money.

The modification services offered by car malls nowadays are so conscientious.

The key is.

At Xingchen's directly operated stores, they are allowed to eat and drink for free at will.

You can charge your phone for free when you arrive at the store.

This made some young car owners feel embarrassed.

Good guy.

With the company offering so many services, won't they actually lose money?
He really... I'm so upset!
The car owners in the group couldn't help but feel sorry for the car owners.

...

"President Zheng, Xingchen Motors is truly a conscientious company!"

"Go, go, go!"

"At a price of three thousand yuan, isn't the profit margin too thin? We could set it a bit higher. We can't let such a good brand go bankrupt."

"PVC film on the market costs two or three thousand yuan, but this official PET top-grade material is unbeatable, go for it!"

……

"Hey—it's all for the benefit of car owners!"

"This price was negotiated with the manufacturer after much effort and persuasion. I made more than a dozen phone calls over three days and two nights. There will definitely be a profit. As long as everyone is willing to increase the volume, Xingchen Automotive will not lose money."

Zheng Guozhao recalled the lessons he had learned from President Xu.

When communicating with car owners, you must express your "difficulties" and describe how "hard" the bargaining process was, so that you can appear "touching".

have to say.

This approach is very effective.

Even some car owners in the group who had no intention of modifying their cars couldn't help but show their excitement when they looked at the chat history.

……

The car mall was a huge success upon its first opening.

This was beyond the expectations of the stars.

original.

Xu Yi had planned to proceed gradually, but he never expected that the color-changing film service would be so popular with car owners as soon as it was launched.

In Shanghai alone, the number of people who booked screen protector installations exceeded 500 in just a few days.

Furthermore, car owners from other regions are urging the opening of window tinting services.

to this end.

Xingchen Automotive had to purchase another batch of color-changing films and gradually open up direct-sales modification services in other cities with a high concentration of car owners.

"If this continues to develop, it might even be more profitable than after-sales service!"

Inside the office.

Xu Yi stared at the cost and profit statements of the modification business, a thoughtful look on his face. After deducting labor costs, the profit margin for each car was at least 50%.

Keep in mind that applying film to a small car only costs half a roll of film, which is about 300 yuan. After deducting 600-800 yuan for labor and operating costs, there is still a large profit margin.

Why are car owners so enthusiastic?

To put it bluntly—

Or perhaps the modification shops on the market are just too shady.

The market is too chaotic.

Not only was the car market chaotic, but the early modification market and the used car market were also in a state of utter chaos and disarray.

In the early years, there were quite a few people who made tens of millions of dollars by selling modified parts and reselling used cars.

Some modification shops can make hundreds of percent profit on a single car without any problems.

but.

Although the cost is low.

However, profit margin is not the most important factor; the most important factor is how to acquire a stable customer flow.

Without a stable flow of customers, most of the time they can only squeeze every last drop of profit from a single customer.

Car manufacturers have a natural advantage in this regard.

Once sales pick up, the existing car owner base will automatically join the ecosystem and be converted.

at this time.

"Mr. Xu, the battery R&D team has sent a message that our Polestar large single-cell battery has passed its first small-sample verification!"

Assistant Xiao Zhou came in to report.

Hear the words.

Xu Yi's spirits lifted!
……

(End of this chapter)