dognovel Chapter 1482 Foolproof
Chapter 1482 Foolproof
Chapter 1482 Absolutely Flawless
"I have to be responsible for the 9,000 employees of the Second Automobile Works."
Gu Litong raised his glass of wine to Li Xuewu and said frankly, "This glass is for you."
Li Xuewu said nothing, picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, even more cleanly and decisively than Gu Litong.
The people at the table were all managers from various departments of the Second Automobile Works, and they were observing their leader's performance before making any decisions.
Without Gu Litong's approval, they wouldn't dare to act rashly; even a charge must be carried out according to the bugle call.
Moreover, the person sitting with Factory Director Gu was none other than the renowned wine connoisseur within the industrial system.
"I should have toasted you three times."
Gu Litong paused for a moment before continuing, "Unfortunately, my alcohol tolerance is so-so, I need to save my brain to talk to you."
"As long as it's not a war of attrition."
Li Xuewu raised his chin nonchalantly and said, "When in Rome, do as the host says."
"Let's drink slowly and chat."
Gu Litong waved to his men, signaling Li Xuewu to say to them, "Don't listen to him. Even if it's a tag-team competition, we can't outdrink him."
"Hehehe—" Everyone chuckled softly.
Li Xuewu laughed, swirling his wine glass as he said, "Drinking is all about having fun, and the fun is the joy of having friends coming from afar."
"Secretary-General Li, I salute you."
The office director, along with several others, raised their glasses and said with a smile, "Welcome to the Second Automobile Works."
Li Xuewu showed no restraint or arrogance, and downed his drink as well.
It wasn't entirely due to his reputation; these people respected him because they also admired his abilities.
What else?
These days, the factory really drinks like crazy when they entertain guests. If a guest walks out on their own, it'll ruin the factory's reputation.
Factory Director Gu finally spoke up, knowing full well that he couldn't outdrink the Immortal of Wine and his companions, but he still had to give it his all and risk his life to keep them company.
Now things are much better; the leader clearly has no intention of stirring up trouble, only showing goodwill and affection.
The reason is actually quite simple: Gu Litong knew that Li Xuewu was not afraid of them getting him drunk, and that the other party was not someone who could be coaxed with alcohol.
"Honestly, this year has been especially difficult."
After everyone put down their glasses and persuaded Li Xuewu to eat some food, he sighed, "It's even harder than last year."
"Could it be because of us?"
Li Xuewu glanced at him sideways and said with a smile, "This isn't the first time I've heard that."
"Whether this is the first time you've heard this or not, I have to say it." Gu Litong chuckled, picked up the wine bottle, poured him a glass of wine, and said, "Of course, I can't say something like 'without your steel and gas plant'."
"That's so pathetic, isn't it?"
Li Xuewu knew what he wanted to say, and with a joking look, he looked at everyone, raised his glass, and offered them a toast.
Everyone appreciated his gesture and drank a cup with him.
After a few rounds of drinks, that's what it really means.
"I also want to be successful, really."
Gu Litong looked at him sincerely and said, "I dream of being as successful as Gang Qi."
"Steel and gas are not something that can be achieved by dreaming."
Li Xuewu glanced at him with amusement, put down his chopsticks, nodded, and his expression gradually became serious. He said, "I can understand your feelings. This sense of urgency is also the mindset of our group right now."
You don't believe me?
He glanced at Gu Litong's astonished expression, raised an eyebrow, and said, "You think we're starting to enjoy our achievements and are ready to rest on our laurels?"
"Of course not—"
Gu Litong smiled and said, "I can still see how busy you are."
"It's not just me who's busy; I couldn't have achieved this result by myself."
Li Xuewu spoke without humility or arrogance, stating bluntly, "It's about unity and pragmatism, that's the truth."
"You probably can't imagine that our Director Li is now leading a team to run missions."
He raised an eyebrow and explained, "The group just finished a meeting. Everyone is responsible for their own work and bears their own responsibilities."
“He has to take responsibility for the work he’s supposed to do. Everyone has their own work to do, and nobody’s just sitting around watching the show.”
"It's the fourth quarter now, time to get busy."
Gu Li nodded in understanding and said, "Moreover, this year is a crucial year for your group."
“We’ll be officially grouped at the beginning of next year, how can we not be busy?” Li Xuewu nudged his arm with the back of his hand, frowned and emphasized softly, “Relocating heavy industry to the Northeast is putting a lot of pressure on us.”
Gu Litong certainly understood what he meant. The Third Front construction was in full swing, and many industrial enterprises were relocating from the Northeast to the Southwest.
But Hongxing Steel Group is doing the opposite, rushing to relocate to the Northeast.
He greatly admired the Hongxing Steel Group's fierce drive. Everyone knows that the Northeast has a stronger industrial foundation, and Liaodong is the most suitable place to achieve industrial enterprise cluster development.
"At the beginning of this year, we decided not to undertake any large projects and to focus all our efforts on wrapping up the third year of work. And what happened?"
Li Xuewu clapped his hands, glanced at everyone, and said to Gu Litong, "Two big projects in September."
"Let's leave aside the cooperation with Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, that doesn't cost much. What about the International Hotel?"
He spread his hands and emphasized, "Thirteen million, not one million three hundred thousand."
"It should be noted that the Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone, Jinmen Trade Management Center, and Gangcheng Hongxing Industrial Zone of the group have not yet been fully completed."
“The three pillar regions.” Gu Litong nodded, and said with no small amount of envy, “You’ve taken the first steps; now all you have to do is keep running.”
"Run? We have to put in our effort."
Li Xuewu tapped the table lightly with his finger and said, "Since last year, the group has been laying out its distribution channels and building a central area in Jinling. Would you consider this a major project?"
"Jinling, indeed."
Gu Litong thought about the development plan of Hongxing Steel Group and nodded, saying, "A pattern of one in the south and one in the north."
“You know our group,” Li Xuewu nodded at him, and said, “With the current organizational structure, is it feasible not to develop our own distribution channels?”
“Steel, steam, aircraft, and electricity are all tertiary industries,” Li Xuewu explained, pointing to his fingers. “Steel rolling mills, metallurgical plants, and machinery manufacturing plants are undergoing technological innovation, but they have overcapacity, so they need to address the spillover problem, right?”
"The food company, energy company, construction company, and logistics company are all joint ventures."
He spread his hands and said, "If we don't sell our products, who will help us solve the sales problem?"
"This group also has service companies such as property management companies, labor service companies, and publishing houses to support."
After explaining the situation to everyone, Li Xuewu looked at them honestly and said, "Don't say it's difficult. No one has it as difficult as us this year. We've all been gritting our teeth and pushing through."
"But the technological innovation that started with your steel and automobile companies has completely overturned our tables."
Gu Litong said with a wry smile, "I admit that progress is the right thing to do, but you've progressed too fast."
“That’s not fair of you. Are we progressing too fast?” Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said, “It’s because we’re far behind international production standards.”
"Three years ago, you know that the total national automobile production was less than 30,000 units."
He told Gu Litong, "It can be said that transportation has dragged down the country's overall economic development."
"I'm eating at your Second Automobile Works right now, but I'm not going to lie to myself."
Li Xuewu stopped Gu Litong from pouring him a drink and asked, "If I may be so bold as to ask you this, do you think the BJ130 is good enough? Does Dongfeng Motor Corporation dare to take this car to the international market and challenge it?"
Gu Litong's expression instantly turned serious. This question was just too damn offensive.
"We dare to do it, we really dare."
Li Xuewu released his hand and looked at everyone, saying, "The automotive industry has reached a point where falling behind means being vulnerable to attack. We know we have to fight even if it doesn't make money."
"If we don't compete, we really won't see a single domestically produced car on the international car market in the future."
He turned his gaze back to Gu Litong and said, "You know that Yingcheng Port ships more than 10,000 cars every month, but do you know how much we can earn?"
"Don't laugh at me, but last year and this year, the revenue of Steel & Auto just broke even with the expenses. We didn't lose money."
Li Xuewu nodded slowly, looking at the crowd whose expressions had also become solemn, and said, "Not losing money is the current situation for our Steel & Auto. It's tough."
"Without technology, there is no market; without a market, there is no profit; and without a market, you cannot acquire technology."
"But what if we have the technology?"
He shook his head helplessly and said, "Production capacity has increased, but the quality is far from international industry standards. Do we want to make cheap cars?"
"That is to say, how many of the 6,000 yuan Antelope and 8,000 yuan Aries can be sold domestically now?"
Li Xuewu tapped his fingers on the table and frowned as he said, "The Comet motorcycle is a huge hit in the domestic market, but only tens of thousands of units are sold each year, right?"
"The domestic car market is too small, and our people are too poor to afford cars."
His helpless tone weighed heavily on everyone's mood once again, and the food on the table tasted bland.
"On another note, without the steel and automobile industry that championed technological innovation last year, how many more years would our automotive industry have remained dormant? And what about your Second Automobile Works?"
Li Xuewu steered the conversation back to the Second Automobile Works, bluntly stating, "They must be ecstatic producing 3000 cars a year, compared to what they're producing now."
He raised his glass, took a deep breath, and said, "Both Steel and Dongfeng are on the right path of development, and that is our responsibility and mission."
Everyone raised their glasses, looking at him with admiration.
"Then let's pay homage to the right path?"
Gu Litong raised his glass and looked at the other comrades, saying, "To our responsibility and mission."
"Dry--"
***
Gu Litong wanted to hear the truth, but Li Xuewu couldn't tell him the truth in front of too many people.
After the drinking session, the two sat in the lounge.
Standing outside, Zhang Enyuan inquired about the local customs and culture of Beijing with Gu Litong's secretary, Xiao Zhou, essentially standing guard.
Li Xuewu took a slow sip of his tea and said, "You've collected a whole basket of junk. Are you trying to build a Second Automobile Works Group?"
Do you think we want this?
Gu Litong lit a cigarette, exhaled smoke, and said, "It's your turn to try."
"That's what they call being under someone's roof and having to bow your head." He sighed deeply and said, "Forget it, I'll just take smaller steps and follow along slowly."
“We are also facing the issue of employee resettlement, just like you did last time.”
Li Xuewu, with his right leg crossed and holding a teacup in his hand, looked at him and said, "We want all of Shouqi's hundreds of quotas. Do you think the current situation is difficult or not?"
"At least you've gotten rid of that burden."
Gu Li sat up straight and said, "Second Automobile Works is supposed to be undergoing reforms, but its burdens are getting heavier and heavier."
"This cannot be simply described as shirking responsibility; we have not abandoned our employees."
Li Xuewu emphasized this point, and then continued, "Did Beijing's industries leave us with a mess that's no less than yours? Sixteen companies, think about it."
"Then should we learn from you?"
Gu Litong raised an eyebrow and said, "Have you ever thought about what will happen to the tens of thousands of workers if the Xinjing No. 1 Factory can't survive? Will the city have to solve everything?"
"Oh, so that's what you think."
Li Xuewu raised his hand and scratched his eyebrow, then asked, "There must be quite a few people in the capital who think this way, right?"
“I don’t speak for the majority; I’m just stating the facts.” Gu Litong frowned and looked at him, emphasizing, “It’s a fact that your group reassigned more than 20,000 employees to Xinjing No. 1 Factory.”
"But these 20,000-plus employees originally belonged to Beijing's industrial sector."
Li Xuewu put down his teacup and explained earnestly, "Our factory originally had less than 30,000 employees. It was only after we merged with sixteen other companies that the number of employees expanded."
"Some of the current 70,000 employees are still burdens that Beijing's industries dumped on us. How do we account for that?"
He lowered his right leg and said, "It wasn't our idea to help Beijing Industry set up the new Beijing No. 1 Factory; it was Beijing Industry that proposed it. You need to think this through."
“But the principle is the same.” Gu Litong looked at him and said, “If the Second Automobile Works also establishes a factory, implements personnel reforms, holds technical competitions, and transfers employees who are not competitive in terms of performance and age to the new factory, and finally actively promotes the independent operation of the new factory and hands it over to the city.”
"Only if you dare to do it."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and looked at him, emphasizing, "If the new factory can support these employees, then why not? The city hopes that more industries will develop."
"Can you guarantee that Jingyi Factory can stand firm?"
Gu Litong looked at him and asked, "What guarantee do you have?"
“I went to talk to them in June.”
Li Xuewu said calmly, "Hongxing Steel Group has reached a cooperation agreement with Xinjing No. 1 Plant."
"I won't go into the specifics of the agreement, but one thing is certain: it includes technology and production, and we will provide support to Xinjing No. 1 Factory in whatever way we have."
"Just to resettle those workers?"
Gu Litong looked at him in surprise and asked, "Isn't this considered going the long way around instead of the nearby one?"
"This is called a technical adjustment, understand?"
Li Xuewu leaned forward slightly and looked at him, saying, "Have you ever heard of the term 'resource integration'? With such a bad hand, why don't you hurry up and think about playing a straight? Are you going to hold onto it all and let us all starve to death?"
"First, allocate the best assets and resources, lighten the burden, and develop rapidly."
He gestured with his hands as he spoke: "After completing the initial accumulation, we can then go back and solve the remaining problems."
"How to deal with it?"
Gu Litong seemed to have taken it to heart, and said somewhat hesitantly, "If the speed of development cannot keep up with the speed of the decline of non-performing assets, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"There's always a glimmer of hope. You came to me because you couldn't make up your mind and wanted a reason, didn't you?
Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "Let me put it this way, once Steel and Automobile venture into the light freight sector, how long can Second Automobile maintain its position in the market?"
"Don't tell me the city won't just stand by and watch you fall on hard times. There's been too much industrial restructuring in recent years."
He bluntly threatened him, "The new Haishi bus from Steelworks only took 14 months from research and development to production. Can Second Automobile Works do that?"
"Are you really going to sell lightweight goods?"
Gu Litong frowned, unable to hide his shock. If this was true, the Second Automobile Works was in grave danger.
Given the quality of the steelworkers and their production capacity, if they were to focus on light cargo, it would definitely put immense pressure on the Second Automobile Works.
He didn't think Li Xuewu was making assumptions, because it was certain that passenger buses would never sell as well as freight trucks in mainland China.
Li Xuewu just mentioned the narrowness of the domestic automobile market. If Gangqi really covets the light truck market, it may not even be able to use Gangqi's technology reserves for a year. At that time, it will truly be a case of the brave prevailing when they meet on a narrow road.
Others may not know how strong the technological reserves of steel and automobile companies are, but Dongfeng Motor Corporation, which has cooperative projects with steel and automobile companies, does.
It is said that Factory No. 17 is the pioneer of domestic automobiles and the birthplace of China, with abundant technological reserves.
However, the combination of parts supply chains and production lines has completely changed the development pattern of the automotive industry, and the era of all-encompassing solutions is coming to an end.
Gu Litong looked at Li Xuewu intently, wanting to see if he was serious about what he had just said.
Li Xuewu pursed his lips and let out a long sigh, then said, "You don't have much time left."
Swah——
Cold sweat broke out on Gu Litong's forehead.
Damn! He actually guessed right. Steel & Automobile does indeed have a light truck project, which is very likely in the experimental stage.
No, it's not steel and automobile, it's the research institute. He remembered that Hongxing Steel Group had an automotive engineering research institute, which was the core of the steel group's technological development.
"When?"
He stared intently at Li Xuewu and asked a question, but he couldn't get a clear answer from Li Xuewu.
"Think about it."
Li Xuewu nodded slowly and said, "If you still want to keep up with the times..."
"Remember, this is very likely the last chance for domestically produced cars to develop in this era."
"what do you mean……"
Gu Litong hesitated; he dared not imagine what would happen if he really pushed those outdated workers out.
"Here's an idea, I'll give you some to think about."
Li Xuewu took a sip of hot tea and said, "I mentioned this to you in Steel City. You pick a factory, we'll provide the production line equipment, and the parts will be sourced from the supply chain. We'll manufacture Hongyun buses in Beijing and handle the distribution channels."
"The situation is difficult; let's get through this together."
"Overcoming difficulties together?"
Gu Litong wasn't a greenhorn, and looking at him speechlessly, he asked, "What about the worker quotas? How are they allocated?"
"We'll distribute as many as we can," Li Xuewu said bluntly. "Our group doesn't have many people to resettle. We'll talk about the future later."
"Then how should this factory be considered?" Gu Litong hesitated for a moment, then said, "Should it be considered a joint venture?"
"Yes, it can be considered a joint venture."
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "But we can't be the only two shareholders. Go ask Director Bao if the credit union wants to make some money too."
Why don't you ask him yourself?
Gu Litong looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Aren't you two the best of friends?"
"It's inconvenient to ask if we're close," Li Xuewu chuckled. "Just ask if I tell you to. Do you think I'd lie to you?"
“I’m afraid you’ll lie to me and make me lie to Bao Peigang.” As if reciting a tongue twister, Gu Litong curled his lip and said, “Don’t think I don’t know.”
"You already know, why are you still asking—"
Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "I've offended him, so we're not going to associate with each other anymore."
"Bus manufacturers should just cram as many people as they can, without worrying about making a profit, as long as they don't lose money."
He raised his chin and said, "This way you can also get rid of your burdens and restructure the worker system."
"And then what?" Gu Litong looked at him and said, "What will we do once your light trucks are released?"
"Am I supposed to take care of your food and clothing?"
Li Xuewu looked at him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation and said, "For your sake, shouldn't the steel and automobile industry be developing?"
"Let's be frank, what do you want, or rather, what does Hongxing Steel Group want?"
Gu Litong looked at him and asked, "According to you, it seems that our Second Automobile Works is in a dead end."
"You know about your visit to East Germany, right?"
Li Xuewu didn't rush to answer his question, but instead raised his eyebrows and said, "In late December, the East German automobile industry will be the focus of our investigation. Think about it."
"Trucks?" Gu Litong was startled and stared at him with wide eyes, asking, "Your group plans to import truck production lines and technology from East Germany?"
"Why not?"
Li Xuewu shrugged and said, "The group is setting up a steel city industrial zone, such a large area, and they're throwing money into it. Do you think we're just going to take advantage of them?"
"A second breakthrough in the automotive industry is coming."
He threatened Guli, saying, "Don't blame me for not warning you, this really is the last chance."
"You're threatening me—"
Gulitong narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at him, saying, "You don't have any plans to produce trucks, right?"
Without waiting for Li Xuewu's reply, he stared into Li Xuewu's eyes and slowly said, "You want to use this project for joint ventures, what you call resource integration, right?"
"We don't need to build our own factory. As long as we leverage the influence and advantages of steel and gas companies and acquire technology and production lines through international trade channels, we can start production in six months."
He seemed to have guessed Li Xuewu's purpose for coming today, his heart pounded, and his tone became a bit sharper, "I knew it, how could you be so kind as to come after I only invited you once? That's too benevolent."
"What kind of talk is that—"
Having his thoughts exposed, Li Xuewu wasn't embarrassed at all and frankly said, "I'm doing this for your own good."
"Oh, oh—" Gu Litong was so angry that he laughed. He curled his lips and said, "Now I think Bao Pei was a decent person. It's right that he hates you."
"Cooperation with bus manufacturers will help Dongfeng Motor Corporation (Dongfeng) shed its burdens, accelerate the evolution of its assembly line and parts supply chain production model, and gradually transform Dongfeng into a contract manufacturer for steel and automobiles, or rather, a future branch factory."
He raised his head, looked at Li Xuewu and said, "No matter what the Second Automobile Works does, it can't escape your encirclement and suppression, right? Steel and Automobile will block all our development directions and slowly force us to submit, is that right?"
"Oh, it's all a misunderstanding—"
Li Xuewu raised his chin and said, "Don't listen to Lao Bao's nonsense, we're all brothers."
"Hehe—" Gu Litong laughed helplessly.
"Am I trying to get something out of a tiger?"
He scrutinized Li Xuewu and asked, "Tell me the truth, when did you start targeting us? Want to bring Second Automobile Works under the control of Steel Automobile?"
"Tsk—Old Gu—"
Li Xuewu looked at him somewhat embarrassed and said, "Look at what you're saying. I'm such a straightforward person. You're just making things difficult for me by asking me this."
"It was always like that, wasn't it!"
Gu Litong understood. No wonder Bao Peigang said that this bastard shouldn't have any friends.
What the hell does "brothers" mean? You even lie to your own people, is that what you call a brother?
"Alright, this meal wasn't a complete waste after all; at least we've figured out the situation a bit."
He smiled bitterly and said, "You, Secretary-General Li, are truly amazing. You strategize and win battles from afar."
"There's no point in saying all this—"
Li Xuewu gently advised, "Think carefully, do you have any other way out?"
"..." Gu Litong looked at him speechlessly. Did this guy have no bottom line at all?
"I admit, no."
He wasn't one to lie, and he stated bluntly, "This is an open conspiracy."
"By establishing an automotive parts supply chain system through a trade management center, we can separate automotive production from parts production using standardized manufacturing processes."
Gu Litong understood everything. He nodded and said, "You are not doing the automotive industry, but business management. You are applying your so-called Red Star management model to the automotive industry, and indirectly using industrial transformation to force other automotive companies to move forward quickly."
“If we don’t follow your lead, we risk being left behind by the times and will definitely be defeated by your production capacity.”
“If we just follow you, how can we possibly outrun you? In the end, we'll just become your industrial appendages.”
He frowned and scrutinized Li Xuewu, asking, "How did you come up with such a huge scheme? Aren't you tired?"
"It's alright, not too tiring."
Li Xuewu was not surprised that he had revealed his plan; he simply faced it calmly.
This situation is incomprehensible without a macro perspective, let alone when you're in the thick of it.
You're asking if anyone above can understand it?
Does it matter?
Just as Li Xuewu said to Gu Litong, the situation is what it is, whether you follow or not, it's the same.
Once prey is targeted by Li Xuewu, it can never escape his scheme.
Unless the Second Automobile Works (SAW) has the policy support from above and the absolute influence to break this shackle, it will be difficult to achieve this.
But is it possible?
Even if some people in Beijing's industrial sector don't want to see Second Automobile Works held hostage by Hongxing Steel Group, what can they do?
Can one resist the temptation of forming a joint factory to produce Hongyun minivans, or can one resist the tide of the times?
With the technological reserves of Hongxing Steel Group and this comprehensive technology introduction, Dongfeng Motor Corporation will not be able to withstand the attack.
Why can't the Second Automobile Works also go to East Germany to introduce technology and production lines?
To reiterate, resource integration requires resources. Second Automobile Works is still under the jurisdiction of Beijing Automobile Factory.
Beijing's industrial resources are limited. If they are given to Dongfeng Motor Corporation, why can't they be given to Beijing Automobile Corporation? Who is the favored son?
Even if you let the Second Automobile Works (SAW) buy it themselves, they still need the channels and funds. That's what we call a dilemma.
"We still value the Second Automobile Works very much."
Li Xuewu revealed his true intentions and frankly stated, "Future development should be a win-win situation through cooperation, and we cherish this friendship very much."
"Can I understand it this way?"
Gu Litong looked at him and asked, "Is this your final stance? We have no other choice?"
"Don't say that, it makes me feel guilty."
Li Xuewu stood up with a smile and said, "We sincerely hope that Second Automobile Works can achieve new development and breakthroughs, and we hope that Second Automobile Works can surpass Steel Works and become a representative of domestic automobiles."
Gu Litong couldn't see any remorse on his face at all.
Of course, there was no sense of pride.
Li Xuewu's words were easy to understand; he was simply telling the Second Automobile Works to stop struggling, as there was no chance left.
"We will not give up."
Gu Litong stood up, looked at Li Xuewu's outstretched right hand, and shook it.
"Of course, that's what I hope to see too."
Seeing his reaction, Li Xuewu smiled and shook his hand, then gestured towards the door and said, "That's all for today. I'll get back and coordinate with General Manager Gao as soon as possible. She's currently in charge of all the group's cooperation negotiations."
Gu Litong harbored resentment, but still saw him off, though he didn't say anything polite.
What else can we do? The cooperation is right in front of Second Automobile Works, of course we'll take it. Do you think he's a child, throwing a tantrum and being difficult?
This really drove Li Xuewu crazy; he couldn't find a car factory to cooperate with.
Once he realized Hongxing Steel Group's original intention in entering the automotive industry, he knew that Dongfeng Motor Corporation would not be the first to fall into the trap, nor would it be the last.
What is Hongxing Steel Group trying to achieve with this move?
Why does Steel Auto Research and Development have developed and produced so many car models, and why does it use low-cost marketing to quickly capture the domestic and international car markets?
I don't know about other things, but Gu Litong knows that no domestic automobile industry can refuse cooperation with Steel Auto.
To put it simply, today Second Automobile Works (SAW) won the production cooperation project for Hongyun minivans from Steel Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., and tomorrow Sichuan Automobile Co., Ltd. (SAW) may win the production cooperation project for engineering vehicles from Steel Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. In the end, Steel Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. will have production plants all over the country.
It appears to be a relatively conservative factory set up to shed its burdens and accelerate industrial development, but no one can guarantee what the future holds.
Gu Litong knows that currently no domestic automobile manufacturing company can keep up with the development speed of steel and automobiles.
Factory No. 17 and Shanghai Factory could refuse the olive branch offered by steel and automobile manufacturers because they didn't need it, but what about the other automobile manufacturers in their cities?
This is a fierce business competition of encirclement and suppression. When there are steel and automobile branch plants all over the country, who can still sit back and talk to Hongxing Steel Group?
Gu Litong is currently experiencing a profound sense of powerlessness. He knows there's a huge pit ahead, but he has no choice but to jump in.
Just like Li Xuewu said, what if?
What if the Second Automobile Works sheds its burdens, develops rapidly, and has the size and scale to compete with Steel Automobile?
Li Xuewu is not afraid of this at all. No matter which car company wants to compete with Steel Auto, they must first master the distribution channels in major cities across the country and the ability to export abroad.
Even if some car companies have obtained distribution channels in the domestic market through supply and sales channels, what about after-sales service?
Hongxing Steel Group's steel and automobile sales company are two separate entities. The sales company possesses the most professional pre-sales and after-sales service solutions available today, which is unmatched by supply and sales units and distributors.
Therefore, Gu Litong couldn't refute Li Xuewu's polite remarks.
"Then I wish our cooperation will be as successful as before."
Before getting on the bus, Li Xuewu reached out his hand to say goodbye, but Gu Li shook his hand without saying a single polite word, not even bothering to be courteous to Li Xuewu.
****
"We've taken over Second Automobile Works, next up is Shouqi."
After returning to the steel rolling mill, Li Xuewu went up to the third floor and said to Gao Yaqin, whom he met in the corridor, "Do you have time tomorrow to come with me to meet Ding Zhichen from Shouqi?"
"You took it so quickly?"
Gao Yaqin looked at him in surprise and asked, "How did you manage to talk to Gu Li?"
He's out of cards to play—
Li Xuewu gestured towards Li Huaide's office, indicating that she should come along.
"The higher-ups are going to make adjustments to the leadership of the Second Automobile Works, and Gu Litong must make a good impression at this time."
He unbuttoned the second button of his shirt collar, knocked on the door, and entered Old Li's office, continuing, "Second Automobile Works only has this one opportunity, and so does he."
"Is it settled?"
Old Li remained calm. Hearing their conversation, he knew the matter was settled. He stood up and asked Liu Bin to make tea, then gestured for them to sit on the sofa.
"Dongfeng is at a critical stage of technological transformation, and in principle, there should be no changes at this time."
He waved his hand, gesturing for Li Xuewu and Gao Yaqin to sit down, and then sat down on the sofa himself.
“But Fu Zhandong of the Second Automobile Works is reaching retirement age and will definitely have to step down next year, which puts Gu Litong in a very passive position.”
Li Xuewu was able to control Gu Litong thanks to Lao Li's information support.
"I was just looking at the documents and I was wondering if the Second Automobile Works would drag us down?"
He looked at Li Xuewu and the other man and said, "This problem has been bothering me for a while."
"Therefore, it should be cooperation, not merger."
Li Xuewu looked at Old Li earnestly and emphasized, "Cooperation in building factories and joint research and development means no mergers."
"Of course, we cannot merge with the Second Automobile Works."
Gao Yaqin shared this opinion, saying, "The development of steel and automobile industries has already formed its own system. If we were to insert a Second Automobile Works at this time, it would definitely hinder development."
"Therefore, we should cooperate, not merge."
Li Xuewu nodded and continued, "Placing the cooperative project in the Second Automobile Works' factory can be seen as adding an extra layer of insurance for worker resettlement and enterprise management."
How many people does the Second Automobile Works need to relocate?
Li Huaide nodded and looked at Li Xuewu, asking, "How many people can the newly established project accommodate?"
"That depends on what Second Automobile Works chooses."
Li Xuewu glanced at Gao Yaqin, then said, "I think we can accommodate at least another 3,000 people. Starting next year, we'll also need to accommodate a batch of students from the vocational college. We need to expedite the implementation of this project."
"Well, you don't need to worry about the Second Automobile Works."
Li Huaide thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Next, you take care of Shouqi's business first, and then go back to Liaodong."
"We just received a notification from above."
He waved, signaling Liu Bin to hand him the documents on his desk.
Li Huaide took the document without even looking at it, and handed it directly to Li Xuewu, saying, "We'll depart on the 23rd. You need to be prepared; it might take about 20 days."
He tapped the armrest of the sofa and emphasized, "Let's go over there and talk first. Once we've reached an agreement, the leader can go over."
"This is the best condition I could negotiate, and I must say we were well prepared."
"United Savings Bank has prepared 3000 million yuan in funds at Oriental Times Bank."
Old Li sighed deeply, crossed his arms over his chest, and said with emotion, "It really hurts."
"I'm reluctant to let the child catch the wolf."
After reading the notice, Li Xuewu handed it to Gao Yaqin beside him and said to Old Li, "We may not be able to use this money when we go to East Germany this time, but it's better to be prepared."
"We will never use foreign exchange for cooperation that can be achieved through compensation transactions. This is our bottom line."
He turned to Gao Yaqin and said, "I'll resolve the cooperation with Shouqi first. Give me all the information about East Germany as soon as possible, and I'll take it back to Steel City to review."
"Be as prepared as possible."
Li Huaide knew he was serious, so he nodded and said, "This is a rare opportunity. If you're going to make money, make it big. Don't forget to bring the Santaya Group along."
"How could I possibly forget them?"
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I've also arranged to meet with representatives from Santay Group, Geely Star Shipbuilding, and Sanhe Co., Ltd. We'll talk tomorrow."
"International trade absolutely cannot do without these people, even though we have the port office."
Li Huaide cautiously said, "But we can't completely trust them, after all, East Germany is closer to them, and the two sides also have a certain economic foundation."
"We understand that."
Gao Yaqin explained, "East German cars were sold in West Germany, so there were economic exchanges."
"So it has to be distinctive." Li Xuewu looked at Lao Li and emphasized, "We have to make this international trade combination punches powerful and effective."
"Mechanics, that's the key point."
Li Huaide leaned back on the sofa and looked at him, saying, "Director Du mentioned to me that even if we don't need the technology, we should bring it back as much as possible. He will make arrangements accordingly and we won't be shortchanged."
“That’s inevitable, but the timeframe is a bit short.” Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, “Moreover, doing this will put a lot of pressure on our finances.”
“Let’s focus on ourselves.” Li Huaide understood what he meant and said bluntly, “Let’s go out and see more of the precision machinery, automotive, and metallurgical industries.”
"This time, the members of the expert group need to be carefully selected."
Li Xuewu looked at Gao Yaqin and said, "Take as few people as possible with you. You don't need many translators. If necessary, you can hire staff when you get there."
"Using East Germans for work?" Li Huaide frowned and asked, "Won't there be any danger?"
"You can keep it secret without East Germans?"
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "This is one tactic. We'll see how it goes later."
“The port office can also provide support,” Gao Yaqin said. “We can send people from the port office first; they can even do service work.”
"Well, let's consider all aspects."
Li Huaide nodded and said, "We must ensure that this trip to East Germany goes perfectly."