Chapter 643 Impact on the industry, another big breakthrough for future automobiles

The layman looks at the bustle, and the insider looks at the doorway.

For integrated die casting, a large die casting machine is definitely a very critical link.

Under normal circumstances, the average die-casting machine rarely has a tonnage of more than 5,000 tons, let alone more than 10,000 tons.

The larger the die casting machine, the larger and more complex the parts that can be die-cast.

The auto body parts themselves have a variety of special mounting holes, mounting surfaces and various three-dimensional shapes, and the requirements for the press are relatively high.

Nanshan Equipment is willing to sell large-scale die-casting machines, which is definitely good news for many interested manufacturers.

"Mr. Zhang, our Yangcheng Aion is a company specializing in the production of electric vehicles independent of Yangcheng Trumpchi, and its positioning is very similar to that of future cars."

"The previous Trumpchi S is essentially a modified version of traditional fuel vehicles, but it just happened to seize the tuyere of electric taxis and black cars, so the current sales are quite good."

"But in the face of the more competitive electric vehicle market in the future, we must make something different like the future of automobiles."

"Mr. Cao's vision has always been admired by everyone."

"Although the integrated die-casting technology of the future car has caused a lot of controversy this time, I think Aion can follow suit and launch the integrated die-casting technology."

"In this way, we can not only rub hot spots, but also closely benchmark future cars and enhance our own brand influence."

Zeng Guangda's thinking is very clear.

The development trend of electric vehicles is not very clear to everyone, and the development of Nanshan Group has always been very admirable.

Now that Cao Yang has asked Future Cars to launch integrated die-casting technology, this technology is likely to become the mainstream technology in the field of electric vehicles in the future.

After all, the integrated die-casting technology has a very good effect in reducing costs and vehicle weight.

In particular, reducing the weight of the vehicle may not be so sensitive in traditional fuel vehicles.

But for electric vehicles, range anxiety still exists.

Lightweight technology is a very much needed technology for electric vehicles.

After all, after the addition of battery packs, electric vehicles are generally heavier than fuel vehicles of the same level.

Integrated die-casting can greatly reduce the weight of the car and increase the cruising range.

This is actually a very important factor.

"If we were to go back to the path of the car of the future, we would need to rebuild a die-casting shop or buy this all-in-one die-casting part from a supplier."

"In a short period of time, unless we buy from Nanshan Group, it is estimated that no supplier will be able to produce such parts."

Zhang Jiaqi was a little moved.

He knew that what Zeng Guangda said made sense.

However, this also involves the re-layout of the Yangcheng Aion factory, which will definitely involve additional investment.

Fortunately, Yangcheng Automobile Group now relies on two fields, Yangcheng Honda and Yangcheng Toyota, and earns a lot of money every year.

"For OEMs, it is certainly not the mainstream to make all the parts by themselves, and there should still be some manufacturers who will be interested in this type of parts."

"Lingnan Province is not without a special die-casting parts, such as Lingnan Hongtu, we have made a part of the die-casting parts, I think they can consider investing in some equipment."

"Of course, we also need to import at least one super die casting machine in-house to produce the most difficult to transport and the largest parts."

"Then, because of the saving of the area of the welding workshop, in fact, the layout of the factory does not need to be greatly adjusted, and a piece of land can be freed up to house the super die-casting machine."

Zeng Guangda said this, Zhang Jiaqi was very moved.

We make part of the integrated die-casting parts by ourselves, and entrust external suppliers to do some of them.

In this way, Yangcheng Aion can be regarded as closely stepping on the forefront of the development of electric vehicle technology.

"At present, the super die-casting machine should only be produced by Nanshan equipment, so let's find a time to visit Mr. Cao, visit their die-casting workshop by the way, and then discuss the purchase of equipment?"

Zhang Jiaqi said this, which is basically equivalent to his agreement to Zeng Guangda's proposal.

After several years of running-in, the two of them have slowly found the know-how of enterprise development.

That is, no matter what happens, try to work hard with Nanshan Group as much as possible, and in the end, it can often achieve unexpected results.

The most obvious is the electric taxi in cooperation with Nanshan Group, which is now the most famous electric car in China.

Even if the popularity is surpassed by the new models of future cars in the future, it will also leave a strong mark in the history of the development of electric vehicles.

In the past two years, no matter what event they attended, this electric car has brought many honors and topics to Zhang Jiaqi and Zeng Guangda.

So even if this electric car doesn't make money, they attach great importance to it.

……

If Zhang Jiaqi and Zeng Guangda asked Yangcheng Aion to follow the investment in integrated die-casting technology because they wanted to closely follow the development pace of Nanshan Group, then a company far away in the United States, their starting point is slightly different.

"Max, I came up with a really cool idea, and it literally came up with me."

At Tesla's headquarters, as soon as Max, the director of R&D, returned to work at the company, he was called by CEO Musco.

I saw Musco pointing to a news item on the computer and telling him his opinion very excitedly.

"You see this report, a company in Huaxia has adopted integrated die-casting technology to produce auto parts."

"If our new models also adopt this technology, then we can greatly reduce the production cost of the body-in-white and improve production efficiency."

"Originally, it was necessary to weld hundreds of parts in the welding workshop, but after integrated die casting, the welding can be reduced by at least half."

"If we succeed a little more and directly design eighty percent of the car sound parts into integrated die-casting parts, then the production efficiency of the body-in-white will be greatly improved, making Tesla's model the most productive model in the world."

"I heard that Huaxia, an electric vehicle company called Future Automobile, is going to launch a new model this year that uses part of the integrated die-casting molding technology."

"We can carry forward this technology and make integrated die-casting technology the mainstream technology of body-in-white production in the future."

Musco is a person who is very fond of innovation.

Not taking the usual path, that is the characteristic of what he does.

Although he was not the first to propose integrated die-casting, at the first glance of this technology, he thought about whether all Tesla's cars could use integrated die-casting technology in the future.

Even the entire body is produced at one time with the efforts of a super-large die-casting machine.

That kind of efficiency can definitely kill all competitors in seconds.

"Integrated die-casting technology is actually not a new technology, and some of General Motors' Cadillac models have cooperated with Magna's Cosma to use aluminum die-casting for some wheel covers and other parts."

"The so-called integrated die-casting technology used by this company in Huaxia is not much different from that used by Cadillac."

"It's just that they're integrating more parts, and they're using more parts for aluminum die casting."

As Tesla's R&D director, Max is naturally very clear about the situation in the industry.

Therefore, the essence of the integrated die-casting technology of the future car can be seen at a glance.

"You're right, but Cadillac didn't advertise the technology well, and it didn't come up with an eye-catching name called integrated die-casting technology."

"And strictly speaking, the concept of integrated die-casting technology of Huaxia is different from Cadillac."

"We can advertise ourselves as the first automaker in the U.S. to adopt integrated die-casting technology."

"And don't you think that for electric vehicles, integrated die-casting technology can greatly reduce the weight of the body, which is also a very meaningful thing?"

When Musk said this, Max also realized the beauty of it.

This company in Huaxia can set off a boom in the topic of integrated die-casting technology, and Tesla can also do it in the United States.

Then, after integrated die-casting, the weight of the body is greatly reduced, and the cruising range can be increased without increasing the size of the battery pack.

For Tesla, the significance of this matter is definitely not trivial.

"If you want to make the integrated die-casting technology really exert its maximum power, it is necessary to combine more parts together and become a die-casting part."

"However, in this case, the structure of the parts is very complex, and the current aluminum hydraulic casting is prone to surface defects, and the quality of the parts may not be able to meet the requirements."

"If we can develop an aluminum alloy that can be die-cast without heating, then this problem should be greatly alleviated."

Since Tesla is about to start the research of integrated die-casting technology, Max must point out the current problems of this technology.

For a long time, almost all aluminum die-cast parts on automobiles have been heated into a liquid and then poured into a mold for molding.

Whether it is gravity casting or pressure casting, there is no essential difference in principle.

However, if you use aluminum alloy that does not need to be heated, it can not only save the cost of heating this process, but also greatly improve the surface quality of the parts, which can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

"The technology of aluminum alloys can be communicated with Novelis, and we can jointly develop aluminum alloys that can be used without heating, and I don't think it will be a big problem."

"Even in the future, this could be a new technology pitch for us."

Musco immediately pointed out the next direction for Max.

As the world's leading aluminum alloy manufacturer, Novelis is now Tesla's main aluminum alloy supplier, and it is also the main aluminum alloy supplier of most American car companies.

They are even suppliers to some military-industrial enterprises in the United States, and their technical strength is beyond doubt.

For Musco's proposal, Max naturally agreed.

However, he also had a question in mind.

"The larger the integrated die-casting, the more large-scale die-casting machines are needed, and the world's most powerful die-casting equipment manufacturers, Idra Group and Brown Group, can only produce 6,000 tons of die-casting machines, and there is no way to produce the 12,000-ton die-casting machines mentioned in this report."

"Do we continue to work with them to develop large-tonnage die-casting machines, or do we buy them from manufacturers in China?"

When Max said this, Musco was really a little hesitant.

Because through the report, he can also see that Huaxia can produce 12,000 tons of large die-casting machine Nanshan equipment, which is the brother enterprise of the future automobile.

If this is not the case, Musco will not have any hesitation to choose to buy a die-casting machine from Huaxia.

After all, things in Huaxia are cheap, which is recognized by the world.

"If we work with them to develop a 12,000-ton die-casting machine, how long do you think it will take to develop it?"

After having concerns in his heart, Musco naturally had no way to make up his mind immediately.

However, Max's answer helped him make up his mind.

"From 6,000 tons to 12,000 tons, this is not as simple as simply increasing the pressure of 6,000 tons, but involves changes in the entire supply chain, and even some working principles need to change."

"According to my speculation, it will be fast to be able to develop it in three years."

"If it doesn't go well, it's not surprising that it will take five or six years."

Time waits for no one, let alone five or six years, even three years Musco can't wait.

It will take three years to develop it, and then put it into the factory, and finally the mass production of the new model will be four or five years later.

This is still ideal.

"Since that's the case, then don't toss, you go to Huaxia specifically."

"I talked to the manufacturer that produced the 12,000-ton die-casting machine about buying two pieces of equipment."

"As long as you are sure that there is no problem with their equipment, the price is easy to say, but in terms of the time for the installation of the equipment, I hope it will be completed within the next year!"

Tesla has just successfully listed in the United States this year and raised a sum of money.

Although this money is nothing compared to the market value behind Tesla, it was not small in 2010.

So Musco is now willing to invest in equipment.

The most important thing is that Musco is confident that with this equipment investment, Tesla's stock price will go to the next level.

At that time, the difference between the investment in equipment and the value of the rising stock price is nothing.

Therefore, the arrival time of the equipment is a more important issue than the price of the equipment.

"Huaxia people have always worked very hard, as long as there is a need, they can go to work 365 days a year, and they can also arrange for production to be carried out both during the day and at night."

"If it is delivered next year, I don't think the problem is very big."

Max obviously has a certain understanding of the situation on the Huaxia side.

No one in the automotive industry is ignorant of the world's largest market, the Chinese automotive industry.

Otherwise, it's a bit incompetent.

Except, of course, for those workers on the production line of General Motors and Ford Motors.

Those people only know how to enjoy a happy life, where does the world care what the world is like?

Soon, Tesla contacted Nanshan Equipment.

For Tesla, the world's hottest electric car company, Pan Jinxing must have heard of its name.

With a long-term vision, he can also realize that Tesla is likely to be a competitor to future cars in the future.

So after receiving the contact from Tesla, Pan Jinxing did not reply immediately, but came to Cao Yang's office to report.

No matter what kind of company you are in, there is absolutely no harm in finding more opportunities to report to the leader.

In this way, not to mention the sense of existence, it can also make the leader enjoy the authority of the leader more.

This is especially true at the grassroots level.

"Mr. Cao, Tesla in the United States, do you think they have a future for development?"

Pan Jinxing did not directly tell Cao Yang that Tesla was going to buy a 12,000-ton super die-casting machine, but chatted casually first.

After all, he also wanted to adjust his next words according to Cao Yang's answer.

"Tesla?"

"This is a very thoughtful electric vehicle company, and it was successfully listed in the United States in June this year, becoming the first listed electric vehicle company in the world."

"I admire their boss, Musco, who is a very thoughtful person."

"In particular, they not only produce cars, but also engage in rocket launch business, which is something that ordinary people dare not think."

Cao Yang naturally knows Tesla, and even has a relatively clear history of Tesla's development.

This is also a company worth learning from.

Whether it is the strategy they use on electric vehicles or their experience in rocket launches, there is a certain reference value.

Of course, now that Cao Yang has taken some of the roads taken by Tesla, I don't know if Musco will have more fierce innovations.

"So, Tesla will be the biggest competitor to our future cars in the world?"

Pan Jinxing quickly summed up his views.

Naturally, there is nothing wrong with this insight.

After all, the American market was once the world's largest automobile market, and Tesla can fight its way out under the pressure of the three mountains of GM, Ford and Chrysler, so it must be qualified to become the opponent of future automobiles.

Even the history of electric vehicles is older than the cars of the future.

"It's not wrong if you want to say that, but Tesla positioned the model as a sports car from the beginning, and so far it has not gone to the volume, and has not completely exerted its influence."

"And the first large SUV model of our future car, when the sales volume is definitely expected to exceed 3,000 units, or even 5,000 units, then our influence in the field of electric vehicles will soon surpass Tesla."

"In the future, the launch of our W8 and W7, as well as the launch of the L9 and L8 models, will make the sales of future cars quickly become the first electric vehicle company in the world."

"It's hard to say whether Tesla could still keep up with the rhythm at that time."

As soon as Cao Yang said this, Pan Jinxing didn't know how to judge again.

In Cao Yang's heart, is Tesla's threat big or not?

Never mind!

Don't get tangled up!

Let's jump right in.

"Mr. Cao, Tesla is now in contact with us and wants to inspect our super die-casting machine technology, and they are willing to buy two 12,000-ton super die-casting machines, and they hope to be able to deliver them next year."

"I'm struggling with how to get back to them."

As soon as Pan Jinxing said this, Cao Yang immediately said: "What else is there to worry about, they want to buy equipment, isn't this something we are looking forward to?" ”

"But you can tell them that there are now several manufacturers interested in buying super die-casting machines, and the production schedule is very tight, if you want to speed up, then you need to pay a deposit as soon as possible."

Cao Yang's answer surprised Pan Jinxing a little.

"Mr. Cao, aren't you worried that after we sell this equipment to Tesla, they will steal the limelight from us in the field of integrated die casting?"

"What's there to worry about, integrated die-casting is not a new concept, and it is also a controversial technology, when more manufacturers choose to use this technology, just to share the pressure of public opinion, we can also make a lot of money on the equipment."

Since Nanshan Equipment is open for business, it must not give you the impression that Nanshan Group will not sell the equipment used by itself.

Otherwise, many people will slowly give up buying products from Nanshan equipment.

Since it is an independent business department, Nanshan equipment is Nanshan equipment, and future cars are future cars.

Of course, there are definitely differences in some schedules and technical guidance.

Similarly, in terms of price, the purchase price of the future car is definitely different from the purchase price of Tesla.

I guess everyone can accept this.

With Cao Yang's instructions, Pan Jinxing naturally knew it.

Next, no matter which company comes to discuss business, you can boldly sell the equipment.

As long as it's not cheap.

The future car that has just released the "first bomb" propaganda will immediately come to the "second bomb" when the boom of integrated die-casting technology has not passed.

That is the large center console located in the middle of the center console.

According to the information released by Future Automobile, the central control screen of W9 basically contracts the operation of most of the vehicle's driving and entertainment functions, so that the driver and passengers can easily make quantifiable settings on the vehicle.

Although the size is very large, the screen display effect is very delicate, because the on-board system is designed by the Nanshan Group Intelligent Network Center, and the HONOR operating system of the Honor mobile phone is a group of people, so the design style and operation experience are very similar to the HONOR PAD.

The 17-inch central display is divided into two layers of information, and you can also customize the content and position of the interface.

Apps like Maps definitely support full-screen browsing, taking advantage of the natural advantages of large screens, and the path and location information are clear at a glance.

The central control is equipped with a traditional USB connection, and you can also choose a simple and fast Bluetooth connection, after the central control is connected to the mobile phone, you can share information such as address book and music.

Choosing the camera option, the reversing camera and radar will all help you understand what's going on around the vehicle, and while there's no guide line, the clear display makes up for it.

Driving information, battery condition, suspension adjustment, seats, lights, interior themes, air conditioning and other information can be displayed and adjusted on the center control screen, which is very operational.

Due to the lack of physical buttons on many traditional models, the position under the center console has become very empty, and in addition to the storage compartment, there is a cup holder, which provides a lot of space for the front driver and passengers to put their belongings.

It can be said that the "second bullet" of future automobiles has brought a very big impact on the entire automotive industry.

This kind of big breakthrough completely subverts the cognition of many people.

Therefore, as soon as this "second bullet" was announced, it completely replaced the "integrated die-casting technology" and became the hottest topic in the automotive industry.

(End of chapter)