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

Chapter 259 Whale Fall Effect
The "craftsman spirit" has now become a popular topic.

Those stock market investors and car owners who tried to buy at rock-bottom prices with the mentality of finding bargains have successfully experienced what it means for trust to collapse.

What's most frustrating is how Japanese automakers like Toyota have handled this matter.

They simply announced that they would provide free component quality testing for all affected models worldwide.

The main testing focuses on the tensile strength of the aluminum cylinder head and the hardness of the copper piston pin.

If there are no "aluminum cylinder head cracks" or obvious durability issues, then it's not a problem.

An extended warranty will be provided for the relevant components.

According to the "Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobile Products", a mandatory recall is required if "the component has a safety hazard".

While the components supplied by Kobe Steel do not meet strength standards, it is difficult to define them as "safety hazards".

In other words, it is difficult for ordinary consumers to protect their rights through domestic automobile product management laws.

This is tantamount to stabbing the car owner in the back again.

If this hadn't been exposed, it would have been fine.

After it was exposed, countless crystallizers felt as uncomfortable as if they had swallowed a fly.

"Geneva, return the car!!"

"Returning the car is impossible, I'll never return it in my life. I can only barely make a living by bowing and apologizing."

"Hilarious. Not only is the engine having problems, but now even the aluminum body panels are not up to standard. Everyone said that the configuration was unstable, but even with fewer configurations, you still have plenty of problems. The issues are all at the core."

"Japanese cars are indeed of excellent quality. Even with so many scandals involving the manufacturers, they still manage to maintain a good market reputation and high maintenance rates. The manufacturers' breeding techniques are truly amazing!"

……

Compared to netizens who hurl insults or express delight online.

Automakers that were not affected by the pandemic are now facing a growth opportunity.

For example, the sales of BYD Tang DM remained stable at the end of the year, hovering between 2000 and 2300 units per month.

This hybrid SUV, which was launched in 15, helped BYD explore the high-end market and gain some recognition, but it has long been stuck in a situation where it can neither go up nor down.

However, in the past two weeks, the Tang DM has seen a surge in sales.

Sales increased by 1,500 units.

Based on the current trend, it's almost a certainty that sales will exceed 3,000 units in the last month of the year.

"Our BYD... is finally doing well!!"

Wang Chuanfu felt a little excited.

Who invented this thing from our competitors?
Taking advantage of subsidies, they squeezed into the 25-30 yuan family SUV segment and have been planning and operating for more than two years.

did not expect.

Ultimately, this opportunity opened the door.

He held two meetings that morning regarding the year-end promotional plan for Tang DM.

This is to focus on offline sales strategies and quickly release official discounts to attract consumers.

I've also read the news.

Toyota has stated that it was completely unaware of the situation, and will tighten controls on its supply chain going forward…

He wanted to laugh.

Denso fuel pump was unaware, Kobe Steel was unaware, so is the supply chain quality control just sitting idly by?

of course.

There's no need for industry insiders to say such things.

Even the most ordinary consumers will eventually realize what's going on.

There's still an explanation for this.

Doing this twice is like treating people like fools.

"Mr. Wang, the product plan for the major facelift of the Tang DM next year has also been prepared. Please take a look..."

Product Director He Zhiqi brought over a product planning table.

The second-generation Tang DM underwent a significant upgrade.

Because of the introduction of former Audi design director Wolfgang to lead the development, and the adoption of the "Dragon Face" family language with "dragon face" as the core design point, the appearance of Tang DM has also undergone a major change.

In addition, it features third-generation DM hybrid technology, L2-level driver assistance, mobile phone NFC key, remote start, Dynaudio sound system, and seat ventilation and massage functions.

The inspiration for this is also from the stars. Originally, the Tang DM generation did not have the seat ventilation and massage function at all, not even as an option, which was widely criticized by the consumer market.

In the second generation, ventilation was made standard, and massage was included as a standard feature in the mid-to-high-end versions, making it an optional extra.

There's even internal discussion about whether to add a large screen to the back row.

After much discussion, the decision was ultimately rejected.

Adding a large in-vehicle screen requires re-molding and procuring the roof, which will slow down the model update cycle. In addition, BYD's internal development of voice control and in-vehicle TV systems is not yet perfect.

BYD's DiLink 1.0 system has just been released, but they have conducted in-depth testing and experience of the Starry Sky L7's Starry Sky system.

In terms of entertainment experience, smoothness, and system functionality.

If BYD is rated 50 points, then Xingchen Auto is at least 89 points.

At the same time, BYD also considered the cost of purchasing Samsung AMOLED screens. If it could not achieve good market results, it would easily be a losing proposition.

It's better to proceed cautiously and steadily.

“售价方面低配23.99万入门，中配27.99，再到高配32.99……迭加补贴后算是21万-29万这个区间。”何志奇说道。

"This pricing is quite reasonable, and the market can accept it."

Wang Chuanfu nodded. His expectation for this car was not to win the championship, but to achieve stability.

If he can reach an average of 4,000 units per month, he will basically meet his psychological requirements.

"Mr. Wang, how about we consider making a top-of-the-line flagship model after the New Year, equipped with air suspension and rear entertainment TV, etc.? We could price it at over 300,000 yuan," He Zhiqi couldn't help but suggest.

This was also a view expressed at today's meeting.

Xingchen Automotive has had a significant impact on the entire industry and market, and its innovative approach is very attractive.

This has caused many people within BYD to start getting restless.

What if it happens?
"Tang is not suitable for this task. We can arrange for Denza to do it next year. We are also in contact with other domestic suppliers that are developing air suspension."

Wang Chuanfu immediately shook his head in denial.

The negotiations between BYD and Mercedes-Benz have recently concluded, and the company will now work to regain control of Denza's equity. This deal should be secured by next year, as Mercedes-Benz has shown little interest in further investment after the failures of the two models.

Besides.

He also had some doubts about whether to fully commit to the strategy of focusing on refrigerators, color TVs, and large sofas, and to develop in this direction in depth.

Is there a genuine market demand for this, or is it just a passing fad?
This depends on whether Star can maintain its strong momentum.

It is a very important reference indicator.

Think about it.

He decided to make a call to inquire about sales.

A call was made to Xu Yi's private number.

"Mr. Xu, how are the sales lately?" Wang Chuanfu asked into the phone.

"Sales figures? Mr. Wang, didn't we announce them at the beginning of the month? Our delivery volume is still stuck at 7,000. It will be difficult to increase production capacity next month," Xu Yi replied with a smile.

"Oh no, I meant your order volume. Is it convenient to disclose that? Toyota has been making quite a splash lately, and the market has suddenly become more active. Our Tang DM is also showing signs of improvement this month, with expected deliveries reaching over three thousand units." Wang Chuanfu stated the expected delivery volume for the Tang this month, which, based on the current trend, is practically a certainty.

There's also a hint of ambition in this regard. If the Tang DM continues to grow and can be positioned below the Xingchen L7, becoming the second-largest player in the hybrid SUV market, that would be quite impressive.

When Denza is launched, BYD will have a chance to compete in the high-end market.

"Oh, congratulations then. This Toyota incident... has indeed impacted our customer base. Our recent small order volume is already approaching 27,000. Sigh, the delivery pressure is immense in the near future." Xu Yi said casually.

This completely stunned Wang Chuanfu.

For a while.

The hand holding the phone trembled slightly.

Seize, seize less?
A small order of 27,000?
The media recently reported that there were only a little over 10,000 small orders.
After putting down the phone.

"Mr. Wang... what did Xingchen say?" He Zhiqi leaned closer and asked, his tone full of concern.

Wang Chuanfu's expression became somewhat dazed.

Suddenly, I feel that the Tang DM's monthly sales of over 3,000 units are not that interesting.

Life—suddenly, lost its flavor.

Sighed:

"I feel so uncomfortable~~~"

(End of this chapter)