Chapter 418: Preparations for the Generation Change

"When did you get the news?"

Fang Xiang picked up the document and saw that it was a photo of Mercedes-Benz's latest W140 model.

Surprised.

According to his memory, this model made its debut in 91 and was produced until 98.

Especially in the Hong Kong movies of the so-called golden age, it often appeared and became a classic memory of a generation. Tiger head running "I took this photo half a month ago through an international student studying in Hans."

Cao Tianwei was smoking a cigarette with a smug look on his face.

“Was it taken by an international student?”

Fang Xiang took the enlarged print of the photo and looked at it over and over again.

It was almost exactly the same as the Mercedes-Benz in his later memory.

“Yes, in recent years, there are more and more overseas students. Our Luoyang Auto, Guangzhou Auto and Shanghai Auto have also sponsored a number of government-sponsored overseas students and provided targeted training.

Especially students studying in Hans country pay special attention to the news of Bens.

Just half a month ago, the Mercedes-Benz had already started road testing, and was spotted by an international student from the University of Munich, who took a photo of it.

Cao Tianwei explained.

“It’s just a road test, and the launch will have to wait until next year.

Are you planning to take the lead?"

Looking at the photos in his hand, Fang Xiang finally understood why road test cars in later generations had to be covered with car covers.

Aren’t you just afraid that competitors will get the news in advance?

Especially when it comes to mortal enemies, top experts can see a lot of information from limited photos.

You can even guess the configuration of the car model, and it is often pretty close.

If competitors make targeted adjustments and promotions for the new car, then it won’t be as simple as just getting the upper hand.

"why not?

Our BMW has had many new configurations added since it was finalized in 85, and the yield rate has long met the requirements for mass production.

I just can’t wait any longer.”

Cao Tianwei took out another document and pushed it over.

Yes, in 85, Fang Xiang wrote a bunch of new configurations for Lao Ma, such as electric lift windows, electric window anti-pinch, electric heated seats, electric heated steering wheel, head-up display, seat ventilation, automatic trunk lid, electric suction doors, car TV, double-layer soundproof glass, remote control key to unlock the doors from a distance, automatic air conditioning, zoned air conditioning, and constant temperature air conditioning.

It was successfully developed long ago at the Automotive Industry Research Institute established jointly by the Shanghai Computer Center, Jiaotong University and Fudan University.

Not only has it been successfully developed, but a production line has also been formed.

The only thing that BMW can't match the new Mercedes-Benz is the air suspension.

The technical content of this thing is actually much more difficult than ordinary people imagine.

In fact, it is not difficult. As long as you have money, technology and determination, you can always overcome it, but the problem lies in the yield rate.

Don’t you see that it is already the 21st century, and air suspension of many cars can only be equipped on top-of-the-line cars.

Not to mention the extra money spent, putting aside whether it is practical or not, the maintenance costs and the fact that it is easy to break down are enough to give many car owners a headache.

“It’s not impossible…

What are you going to do? "

Seeing Cao Tianwei's eager look, Fang Xiang hesitated for a while and felt that since the time had come, he might as well let go.

“Gradually suspend the production of current BMWs and start stockpiling new BMWs.

I think the promotion can start in advance.

What else can be done? "

Cao Tianwei was stunned, not quite understanding what Fang Xiang meant.

“You’re doing the same old thing.

Let me ask you, many of the production lines were newly added in recent years. If you want to modify the production line, wouldn’t you know how complicated it would be?

This is a serious matter, isn't it?!"

The automobile production line is not like playing a game where you can't just make changes by moving the mouse.

Many components and specifications require extensive adjustments.

Fang Xiang has been holding back the new BMW from upgrading in order not to affect the production efficiency of the production lines that have been added in recent years.

Although the new production lines added in recent years can still produce new BMW models.

But there are so many things that need to be adjusted.

It can take several months for a production line to be shut down, adjusted, and then for output to increase, workers to become skilled, and the production chain to mature.

"What about Shanghai Qi?"

Cao Tianwei immediately thought of the new Shanghai Automobile.

When Xinhuqi started its expansion two years ago, Fang Xiang proposed to set aside a piece of land to build a new factory.

All the equipment inside is imported from abroad and customized with high standards and new technology.

Although it is also possible to produce current BMWs, it is clearly a waste of resources.

“While the new Shanghai Auto has not yet started production, all production lines have been converted to the new BMW production line.

As for the previous Lexus cars, it’s time to remodel them. Add some configurations and sell them as new models! ”

Fang Xiang directly changed the production plan of Shanghai Auto.

"That's going to be busy..."

Cao Tianwei took a breath of cold air.

In fact, Shanghai Auto has basically reached the point where it can start work.

Including machine tools and production lines, which are also being adjusted.

If all the production lines are replaced with new BMW ones, of course it is possible, but it will invisibly increase the workload.

It just takes time to buffer.

"Isn't this what you asked for?"

Fang Xiang chuckled.

"All right..."

Cao Tianwei shook his head. In fact, he should have thought of this matter a long time ago.

Unfortunately, his overall view has never been as good as Fang Xiang's.

"As for the publicity and listing, when do you plan to finalize it?"

Cao Tianwei pinched his chin and calculated the future workload.

“It’s up to you, if you think you can do it now, then start doing it now.

If you feel like you need some time, it’s ok to come later.”

Fang Xiang quickly finished reading the information in his hand.

He also knows about the new equipment of the new BMW.

It’s just that I’ve been busy making money recently, so all the adaptation work was left to Cao Tianwei.

Fortunately, Cao Tianwei is now the deputy chief engineer of the National Automobile Corporation and often runs around several factories.

As things stand now, the work has been done quite well.

“If things go well, we can complete the debugging in a month and start trial production.

Then the Huo family, did you contact them?"

Cao Tianwei nodded, picked up a piece of waste paper and calculated the time.

I found that even if I changed my mind midway, it wouldn’t take too long, and the new BMW I’d been dreaming of would be on the market.

Suddenly I was full of energy.

"Can.

It’s almost the end of the year, so it’s time to calculate this year’s funds.”

Fang Xiang nodded.

Speaking of which, the Huo family and the Bao family have now become BMW's largest overseas contractors.

Now that contracts in Southeast Asia have expired, countries have begun to set up corresponding companies to take over.

In other areas, the Huo family is basically the main family, with the Bao family as a supplement.

Further down, there are scattered distributors from various countries and regions. However, for the convenience of management, they are all handed over to the Huo family as the middleman for regulation.

After all, Fang Xiang didn’t have the energy to manage it, and the country didn’t have the ability to manage it before.

But it is different now. Since the opening up, the economy has been moving forward step by step, and the number of university graduates is increasing every year.

It’s okay if it’s far away, but if it’s close, you have to catch it in your hands.

The foreign exchange earned each year has already exceeded 5 billion US dollars.

This money, if brought back, could be of great use.

"Then I will start preparing for publicity and the next generation of production?"

Cao Tianwei doesn't care about overseas affairs. He is completely focused on the several factories of the automobile company's headquarters.

Overseas affairs are handled by overseas people, and he just needs to do his own job well.

“Well, I leave it to you, I have one more thing.

I guess it will be busy for a while.”

Fang Xiang nodded. After all, he was the chief engineer of the China National Automobile Industry Corporation.

But now the neighboring Pakistan suddenly proposed the cooperation on fighter jets, forcing him to focus on other things while his mind was originally focused on the car.

PS: I have a cold, fever and runny nose, so I’m taking a day off.

Everyone, please take care of yourselves.