Song Zi'an's automobile startup team has already seriously investigated the American automobile industry in Detroit and has conducted quite in-depth research on automobile manufacturing.

The team members all felt that the trip was worthwhile, and they also felt that Song Zi'an's energy was great. Needless to say, Ford has always welcomed car enthusiasts from all over the world to visit and inspect the Ford car factory, Chrysler Motors because the Song family imported Chrysler cars The two sides have a good cooperative relationship, but Song Zi'an can know Alfreddy. Sloan and being able to lead his team into General Motors is not easy.

This gave great confidence to the members of the delegation who had jumped from Wuhan Iron Works and Yangzi Machinery Company to SAIC Motor Company, and after comparison, GM's technology was not much better than that of Ford and Chrysler, and GM and Chrysler were enthusiastic and enthusiastic, and the asking price was not low at all.

Situ Nan did not say hello to Chrysler Motors again, because the old production line had been packaged and sold to Dasheng Automobile Company, so Song Zi'an wanted to buy new advanced technology and equipment from Chrysler Motors, and it was estimated that he would have to pay a high price.

If Song Zi'an asked Situ Nan for help, Situ Nan would definitely agree to him, but he didn't.

Song Zi'an discussed with the members of the expedition that in terms of technology accumulation, SAIC does not have the rich technology of manufacturing looms and has accumulated rich machinery manufacturing technology like Dasheng, and for them, the more advanced technology and equipment of General Motors or Chrysler automobiles are expensive, slow to produce results, and take a long time to digest.

If you choose Ford, it is different, Ford used to make a large number of Model T, there are several Model T growth lines in Detroit, after the introduction of the Model A, the Model T is eliminated, and the original production line becomes scrap metal in the warehouse.

For the outdated Model T production line, European car companies are also uncared for. Toyota was interested, but they only bought one with limited financial resources, and Ford still had a lot of old production lines piled up in warehouses waiting to be scrapped.

It's not that Ford doesn't want to sell its old car production lines to American automakers, but how can small and medium-sized car manufacturers in the United States look at obsolete things?

Cheap is cheap, but buy back to make a car. How to compete with the three major auto giants?

The three major auto giants have launched installment payment businesses, each of which either has deep pockets and can lend to consumers, or has the support of big banks, and consumers will of course buy new and face-saving cars that can be bought at no cost.

After Dodge, the largest independent automaker, was acquired by Chrysler, the three auto giants have monopolized more than 80% of the U.S. auto market, and other U.S. auto brands either rely on some cool selling points, such as sports cars, or cautiously guard some market segments. It is no longer possible to wait to be acquired by the three major auto giants and want to compete with the three giants.

Having said so much, I just want to make one point clear that the competition in the automobile industry is very fierce, and the more competitive the market, the more the depreciation of the eliminated things.

In order to solve the obsolete production line, Ford Motor Company has fooled some countries in South America and Asia in the name of joint ventures. Or set up a local factory to make a T-type car that was eliminated in the United States with the rags in your hand to occupy the local market. Either scrap it or sell it cheaply.

The Soviets have always wanted to buy Ford's car production line, and they don't dislike the production line at all, but unfortunately, except for the so-called Italians, Fiat provided the Soviets with car production technology. Other powers were blockading the Soviet Union, Henry. Ford himself was even more strongly disgusted with the Soviet Union and would not cooperate with the Soviets.

Henry at this time. Ford couldn't have imagined that in a few years his attitude would be a 360-degree – oh no, 180-degree shift. had to run to the USSR to build an automobile factory, which became a footnote to the second five-year industrial plan of the USSR, and then it was composed!

For Song Zi'an, who is sincere in building cars, Henry. Ford has a good impression that this Chinese kid was obsessed with cars at a young age and wanted to build cars, and he had the shadow of those days.

In recent years, the level of industrial development in Asia has been very fast, and the Chinese and Japanese car dreamers have gone to the United States to learn automobile manufacturing. Ford was impressed.

Song Zi'an visits Henry. Ford, the two talked when Henry. Ford mentioned that the Japanese man was serious, hardworking, and had independent opinions, and had been with Ford Motor Company for half a year.

"But he doesn't speak as well as you and doesn't communicate as fluently as we do. In addition to the Japanese, your compatriot, Zhang (Zhang Xiaoruo), also from Shanghai, I have also met, it is said that Dasheng and Toyota are very competitive in Asia? ”

Henry. Ford asked Song Zi'an with interest.

"Toyota is Japan's largest textile company and textile machinery manufacturer, and Daisheng is Asia's largest textile company and textile machinery manufacturer, and their competition is like the relationship between Ford and GM and Chrysler, or even more intense."

Song Zi'an explained.

"It's a pity that Dasheng still chose Chrysler, and I believe that he will be your strongest opponent in the Asian automobile manufacturing industry." Henry. Ford smiled and glanced at Song Zi'an.

This young man also came from the Song family, the largest political family in Asia, and his power should not be underestimated, but his foundation in the industrial field was too poor.

See Henry. Ford didn't seem to be optimistic about himself, and Song Zi'an said confidently: "Henry, although our family has little experience in the field of machine building, I have a very good entrepreneurial team, my brother used to work in the largest steel company in Asia, and my team comes from China's major steel machinery factories, they are the best mechanical engineers in China, I have confidence in them." ”

"Of course, I hope that after buying Ford's production line, under the guidance of Ford's engineers, our Shanghai Automotive Company will soon be able to master the automobile manufacturing technology and compete with Dasheng Motors, and this is also a model for the cooperation between Ford Motor and Asian Automotive Company."

Song Zi'an complimented Henry a little. Ford.

"I want you to succeed, young man." Henry. Ford smiled, didn't take the compliment to heart, and patted Song Zi'an on the shoulder, "I believe you and Edsel have a good meeting." ”

Edsel's full name is Edsel. Ford, Henry. Ford's son and vice chairman of Ford Motor Company, Ford's successor, and an accomplished car designer. The famous Model A was designed by Edsel.

I have to sigh at the talent of the Ford family in the field of automobiles. Ford made a name for himself with the Model T, and his son Edsel brought Ford back to glory by designing the Model A. After Ford's untimely death, his son, Ford II, would lead Ford Motor Motors forward.

Now Henry. Ford has left more and more of his affairs to his son. For example, a production line that handles Model T.

Song Zi'an approached Edsel again and offered to buy Ford's production line.

Edsel. Ford had little affection for the Model T, having long since hated the simple, poorly equipped Model T with its black livery and simple construction, and Americans wanted better, faster, and more beautiful Type A, as well as more luxurious cars like General Motors' Cadillac or Chrysler's Lincoln.

Someone was willing to take over the old production lines in the warehouse, he couldn't ask for it, and the lion didn't open his mouth, and the two sides quickly reached a deal agreement.

SAIC Motor Co., Ltd. is licensed for the Model T. Ford will also send engineers to Shanghai to help SAIC build the Model T, including improving the Model T, and it is expected that SAIC will have the capacity to build 100,000 Model Ts a year within two years.

If the cooperation is good, SAIC will purchase more production lines and package the remaining T-car production lines of Ford.

The two sides signed a very low-key contract, right at Ford's headquarters.

"Edsel, I wish us a happy cooperation, and I hope you have the opportunity to come to China."

Song Zi'an signed the contract. and Edsel. Ford exchanged contracts and the two sides shook hands warmly.

"Thank you. If I have a chance, I will. ”

Edsel. Ford smiled enthusiastically. Hopefully, this is a good start, if SAIC succeeds, then after they cultivate the Chinese car market, Ford will also occupy the Asian car market in the past, and now let the Chinese "break through" in front!

As if knowing Song Ziwen, they were in a hurry, Edsel. Ford said. "In a week, Ford will be able to send technicians to Shanghai to direct the construction of the auto factory, and within a month some of the production equipment will be loaded onto ships in Detroit and will be crossed by the St. Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean and through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean. Guaranteed to arrive in Shanghai within two months. ”

After receiving Edsel's assurance, Song Ziwen left Ford Motor Company with permission.

Then I rushed to meet with a few Chinese engineers recruited from the Chrysler Corporation, which is the most welcoming of the three major American auto giants.

As early as a few years ago, Situ Nan consciously went to Chrysler Automobile Company to train Chinese automotive technical personnel, and the last time Zhang Xiaoruo came to Detroit, Dasheng Automobile Company took away more than a dozen Chinese automobile engineers from Chrysler Automobile Company, and Song Zi'an was no exception this time.

This is the most valuable wealth that Situ Nan prepared for Song Zi'an!

"I've been waiting for Manager Song's call for a long time!" A Chinese engineer laughed.

"My classmate Lao Zhou returned to China with Mr. Zhang of Dasheng Company last time, which made us very excited! Now we're going to go back home and compete with them! Another Chinese engineer laughed.

"Fortunately, the US-China Foundation did not lie to us, and it is worth it for us to stay in the United States for a while longer." Another humane, this person seems to have management experience, reminding Song Zian to pay attention to the lack of domestic auto talents, and to speed up the training of auto workers.

……

As soon as you say a word, everyone quickly takes on the role and discusses how to set up a car factory.

Most of these people were supported by or benefited from the U.S.-China Foundation to study in the United States and learn to build cars at Chrysler Motors.

In the United States, there are about 5,000 international students or intellectuals who have directly or indirectly received the influence of the US-China Foundation, and 80 percent of them are science and engineering talents, and after learning technology in the United States, they are guided back to China and South China to join the major industrial complexes of the US-China Department.

In the twenties, Chinese = Chinese, and they all had a Chinese heart.

After meeting with Song Zi'an, those Chinese engineers readily agreed to return to China to start a business, join Song Zi'an's automobile start-up team, and build Chinese's own cars!

(If it weren't for Situ Nan's instructions to the US-China Foundation to appease the Chinese engineers who stayed behind, Zhang Xiaoruo would have taken all the Chinese auto engineers away last time, and Song Zi'an would not have been left alone as a technician.) ）

Song Zi'an gave the auto team the task of improving the Ford Model T according to China's national conditions.

After handling affairs in Detroit, Song Zi'an flew to New York to report to Situ Nan. He graciously walked into the apartment on Fifth Avenue in South Stuart.

Laura's emotions were handled well, did not embarrass Song Zi'an, and warmly welcomed Song Zi'an.

After shushing the cold and asking for warmth, Zhiqu walked away, leaving space for Song Zi'an and Situ Nan to talk.

"How does it feel to make your first international purchase?" Situ Nan's face was a little haggard. But Song Zi'an, who had an excited glint in his eyes, asked with a smile.

"The $2.5 million fund was gone with a swipe of the hand, and I felt pressure." Song Zi'an said honestly, explaining to Situ Nan the situation of the transaction and his thoughts.

After all, the growth line is backward, costing $1 million, but the entire set of technology and technology licensing for the Model T cost even more, including 50 American engineers sent by Ford to Shanghai to instruct the Chinese to build cars.

Plant construction, raw material procurement, worker training, wage costs, etc., roughly add up, and it will cost at least $5 million to build an automobile company.

As the cooperation deepens. There are second, third and more funds.

"The car factory is really a gold-eating beast, and before it produces output, you have to invest a lot of money in it. The domestic conditions are not good, the supporting industrial base is still thin, and the cost of investing in the automobile industry is even higher.

Unlike when I invested in a match factory, I estimate that it will take at least three to five years. ”

Song Zi'an said.

Situ Nan nodded, Song Zi'an was still sober. Have a clear understanding of the domestic automobile industry environment, not full of optimism. I am not discouraged, and I am mentally prepared to face difficulties, which is very rare.

"Speaking of which, I have to thank my brother-in-law for helping me a lot behind the scenes, I didn't expect you to prepare automotive talents for me a long time ago. Hehe. With them, I'm not afraid of the technicians sent by Ford to take advantage of their skills. ”

Song Zi'an said with a smile.

"Not for you. You're lucky boy, and you just happened to build a cheap one. ”

Situ Nan smiled and asked Song Zi'an how to carry forward the T-type car technology he bought from Ford.

"As you know about the domestic situation, although the Model T is lagging behind in the United States, the car is still a luxury in China. It's a rich man's thing, cars imported from the United States, take Chrysler cars as an example, there are no prices below 3,000 yuan, even Ford's Model T in Shanghai is at least 2,000 yuan.

However, as for the manufacturing costs, the price of the Ford Model T has now dropped to $300 in the United States! Converted into fiat currency, it is only 600 yuan of fiat currency.

Even with the freight, the profit of importing a car is at least doubled. Of course, the Model T has always been difficult to sell in Shanghai, and the dealers in Shanghai have a better relationship with Chrysler Motor Company. ”

Song Zi'an smiled, their Song family is the largest car dealer in China, and he is relatively clear about the import cost of various cars.

In the automobile sales network, Shanghai Automobile Company will have an advantage in Dasheng Automobile Company.

"I am confident that the cost of domestic cars will be controlled below 1,000 yuan, or even below 800 yuan. Then learn from Ford to adopt the strategy of small profits and quick turnover, and the price of the car will not exceed 1,500 yuan. ”

"Of course, we will make improvements to the Model T to make it look better." ”

"1500 yuan? If you could keep the price that low, I think a part of the affluent middle class would be able to afford to buy a car. ”

Situ Nan's eyes lit up, smiled, and asked Song Zi'an again, "Do you agree with Henry. Ford's car philosophy? Really want to learn from Ford to make cheap national cars? ”

"It doesn't seem like we have a lot of options, do we? Dasheng Automobile Company's technical strength is better than ours, and the funds are sufficient, and the introduction of Chrysler Automobiles' more advanced airflow brand car technology, the cars they manufacture are definitely higher than the T-type cars, which belong to the mid-grade cars, and want to compete with imported cars for domestic wealthy customers.

And if we take the mass route, we can more or less avoid competition with Dasheng Company. ”

Song Zi'an, of course, also recognized Ford's concept, the cheap Model T is also suitable for the domestic start-up car market.

"Of course, the Model T is a very mature and diverse automotive technology, and trucks, sports cars, and pickup trucks have been developed on the original site, and we also have a production line dedicated to manufacturing trucks to meet the needs of domestic road freight, after all, this market is also very promising."

Song Zi'an said.

"Hmm. Pickup trucks and pickup trucks developed from Model T cars are indeed very popular in the United States, and they take on a considerable part of the urban freight tasks, and your idea is good. ”

Situ Nan praised Song Zi'an.

He is a man who has been in the past, is familiar with the development of the automobile industry, and knows that in the development of a country's automobile industry, the key to success is to make a high-quality and inexpensive national car, and it is widely popular, such as the American Model T, the German post-war Beetle car.

What makes Situ Nan even more satisfied is that Song Zi'an knows how to improve the simple convertible design of the Model T and turn it into a fully enclosed carriage, so that domestic consumers feel more face-saving and do not have to "show their heads".

"The automobile import tariff policy must also be adjusted, otherwise without domestic protection, you and Zhang Xiaoruo's life will be even more difficult!"

When Song Zi'an left, Situ Nan didn't forget to tell him, believing that Song Zi'an, Zhang Xiaoruo, Song Ziwen and those in the Wuhan government would know what to do.

Although this is detrimental to Chrysler Motors' interests in China. (To be continued.) )