In 1992, a small village owner became the richest man in the village by owning a car.

Chapter 642 The Auto Parts Market, I'm Serious
At Mr. Guo's home in Luhe Town.

“It’s not impossible to keep Fanfan Repair Shop; for me, it doesn’t matter where the repair shop is. But I don’t think keeping Fanfan Repair Shop is the best arrangement. The key is how to drive local development. Later, I came up with an idea to divide the repair shop.” Yu Dawei began to explain to Mr. Guo, combining the bits and pieces of ideas that had been swirling in his mind over the past few days.

"Separate?" Duan Dahai, sitting next to Yu Dawei, was the first to show a puzzled expression. "How do you separate them? Separate the car maintenance team from the repair team, and you take the car maintenance team with you?"

The reason Duan Dahai thought in this direction was mainly because Dawei Auto Maintenance's work was now all done in the oil city, and it was a two-way cooperation with the construction company. This year, they also started to establish a vehicle collection and refurbishment project with the Eighth Bureau. In the future, they will probably have to compete with other equipment companies.

Previously, when Yu Dawei only had one or two construction vehicles, he could operate as an individual operator. Now, with dozens, or even nearly a hundred, of vehicles of various sizes, he is fully capable of operating independently and establishing a construction machinery rental company.

“No, it’s not time for car maintenance yet. The division I’m talking about is just the engineering parts under my supervision.” After Yu Dawei finished speaking, both Duan Dahai and Old Guo sitting at the opposite table fell silent.

"Xiao Yu, tell me in detail?" Old Guo sat cross-legged on the kang, looking for advice. He really didn't understand Yu Dawei's development intentions.

"Is there a map?"

"Global or domestic?"

"World".

"Hold on!"

Not long after, Mr. Guo took out a very old world map from the next room, with torn and broken corners on all four sides.

Yu Dawei didn't mind. He picked up the bowls and plates from the table and put them on the kang (a heated brick bed) to the side. He then wiped the right side of the table before putting the map on.

"In the past two years, I have been planning to vigorously develop the import of scrapped construction equipment. The cooperation here is going quite smoothly so far, in this island nation." Yu Dawei pointed to a small piece of land. "After I collect the scrapped construction vehicles there, I will repair and refurbish them, and then resell them in China. They can last for another ten to twenty years without any problem."

"There are also California and Australia, which I just finalized deals with, and I expect to see action next year."

"My original idea was to have all the imported scrap equipment go through Liancheng, then transport it all the way to Youcheng, where it would be repaired and refurbished at the equipment factory, and finally put into the front of the auto parts market in the development zone, which is the construction vehicle rental market they just set up."

“But now I have a new idea.” Yu Dawei began to gesture with his fingers on the map. “There is no problem getting from Liancheng to Youcheng. I will also move Fanfan Repair Shop there later.”

"But I want to bring all the used parts and engineering equipment that I've acquired to our town to set up a wholesale and retail base, something like the oil city and auto parts market, but with different functions."

“I understand.” Duan Dahai replied, clapping his fist and palm together. “We’ll put all the used parts and construction vehicles we’ve brought over into this town, and then we’ll set up a commercial area specifically to attract some parts and equipment business owners, and attract customers from surrounding cities with low prices.”

“Yes, not just used parts, we also make new ones. I currently have first-level agency rights for two or three construction vehicle parts, as well as channels for auto parts. We won’t lack the variety of products. What we lack now is a place.” Yu Dawei frowned.

Of course, there is another concern: what will happen after this auto parts market is built? Will it become a deserted "ghost town" after it's finished?

The high-stakes gamble that Yu Dawei was referring to is right here.

He's thinking of calling Meng Kai and Ai Yongqiang over. If they were there, they could at least help him sort out the details and make the plan more feasible.

However, he thought he could leave their phone numbers later so they could discuss how to put this idea into practice.

“The location is easy to choose. There is a large open space on the south side of the town near the highway exit, as well as the area where your Fanfan Repair Shop is located. If you are really not in the town, you can also demolish this area and expand it to the north to build an auto parts market.”

Duan Dahai helped Yu Dawei analyze: "You can even make use of the space where the engineering equipment was rented in front to expand the area and increase the size, but there is a problem here."

Duan Dahai glanced at Yu Dawei, then at Old Guo, and after thinking for a moment, gritted his teeth and said, "It's a very real issue of profit."

He couldn't bear to watch Yu Dawei go through all that trouble only to end up getting himself killed.

"After the auto parts market is built, how do we gain recognition? Will people come here to buy parts? Or, Mr. Guo, to be frank, I'm not going to say anything too harsh." Duan Dahai spoke without any reservations, tapping the edge of the table twice with his fingers. "Our place is so remote, we can't be sure if people will actually come here to do business and buy goods."

"I understand what you mean." Old Guo, sitting across from Yu Dawei at the kang table, nodded. He could also sense that this matter was somewhat risky, and he knew that Duan Dahai did not approve of Yu Dawei taking the risk.

After thinking for a moment, Mr. Guo handed the choice to Yu Dawei: "I can see the good side of this. If the auto parts market really takes off, the town will become more accessible. The higher authorities won't just watch this poor and remote place struggle to develop. At least they will build more roads."

"Moreover, the construction of the auto parts market will also create many related industries and jobs in our town. Whether it's auto repair or parts-related industries, they can all be brought together."

“But…sigh, what Dahai said makes sense.” Old Guo looked at Yu Dawei with some emotion. “Xiao Yu, I, this old man, appreciate your feelings for your hometown, but you should think things through and act within your means.”

"Don't worry, I'll reconsider building the auto parts market. Today we'll only talk about what happens if it's built." Yu Dawei raised his head, his eyes like sharp swords. "Mr. Guo, this is a crazy gamble for me. Can you give me some support?"

"We can't let it be like last time, with no support at all, otherwise everything I said tonight would be for nothing." Yu Dawei shrugged and gave a wry smile.

"Don't worry! If it really is going to be an auto parts market built in our town, I'll fight tooth and nail to get it for you this time!" Old Guo said solemnly and firmly. "Whether it's land approval for construction, infrastructure needed for the project, loans, taxes, etc., I'll personally help you smooth things over and get it done for you."

"Great! With your kind words, all that I said tonight wasn't in vain." Yu Dawei raised his glass. "Let's have a drink!"

The three clinked glasses.

On the way back, Duan Dahai drove. Although he had drunk more than Yu Dawei, when it came to drinking capacity, a quick glance at the nearly asleep Yu Dawei was enough to tell who was more suitable to take whom home.

Yu Dawei insisted on returning to Laotun, so Duan Dahai first took him to Yujiatun, and then drove back to the town himself.

His family has now moved from Chuhua Village to Luhe Town. The grievances his wife suffered in previous years have been fully redeemed in recent years as his flour mill has become more and more successful.

Seemingly finding staying in the village pointless, they bought a small courtyard near the town's flour mill, where the couple now live. "Dawei, is this auto parts market thing really going to work out?" Duan Dahai was still a little uneasy, with the unsettling feeling that his brother was suffering while he was enjoying the good life.

After all, Qiqihar City gave him a big gift package. Once he went there, he would receive all sorts of benefits that he couldn't possibly lose. They also wouldn't let the Daohuaxiang brand die in Qiqihar City.

After all, they have been waiting for so many years for an opportunity to combine a city with a brand.

But Duan Dahai couldn't imagine how the accessories and Luhe could be combined.

"Actually, there were some things I didn't say too deeply in front of Mr. Guo." Yu Dawei opened the car window a crack, adjusted his posture, and tilted his head slightly towards the window before saying, "Ever since those distributors in the oil city collapsed, the entire auto parts industry in Heilongjiang Province has been in complete chaos."

"But the problem is, didn't you say that the parts industry won't last long in China? Aren't you going to get rid of all the existing parts distributors in the future?" Duan Dahai asked, puzzled.

According to Yu Dawei, the machinery market will become increasingly difficult in the future, and the parts and accessories industry may even decline. Many large companies will have their own after-sales service models, and ordinary parts dealers and repairmen will have no say in it.

At that time, Duan Dahai analyzed the prospects based on what Yu Dawei had said and also felt that it was quite reliable.

“It’s different. The auto parts industry relies on auto parts markets, but auto parts markets don’t necessarily rely on auto parts.” Yu Dawei looked into the darkness in the distance and smiled. “Besides, by then, there might be other emerging industries in the town.”

Yu Dawei's decision to build an auto parts market here is also based on his own strategic plan, which is to think three steps ahead before taking one.

Having witnessed the difficulties his second uncle faced in expanding his territory in other cities, Yu Dawei realized the importance of "his own territory." The town was like a blank sheet of paper; if used properly, it could become a hub or a breakthrough point.

Of course, it's too early for him to say these things now, but if the auto parts market is established, the initial benefits will be obvious.

Firstly, the auto parts market can serve as a transit point for selling the scrapped products that I import from abroad. Secondly, I can gain pricing power in Heilongjiang Province by offering cheaper parts, and also take this opportunity to drive away those unscrupulous merchants.

Adding to the unsold smuggled parts in the oil city warehouse, Yu Dawei was fully capable of cleaning up the Heilongjiang market completely.

Regarding parts distribution, he has now divested himself of the auto parts channels, and the Caterpillar and Volvo parts distribution rights he holds will definitely be taken back by the manufacturers in the future.

However, with the existence of auto parts markets, it becomes much easier for him to obtain auto parts or other spare parts, just as easily as borrowing some firewood, rice, oil, and salt from a neighbor.

“Dawei, but I think your idea is too crazy. Putting everything else aside, you are currently acquiring large quantities of equipment from the Eighth Bureau and building the Third and Fourth Fleets. If you put your energy into building the auto parts market, your cash flow will definitely dry up.”

As Duan Dahai drove, he seriously analyzed, "It's not that I don't believe Mr. Guo can help you get a loan, but loans are sometimes a double-edged sword. After all, you can't guarantee that the auto parts market will be profitable once it's put into use."

Duan Dahai could see that Yu Dawei wanted to build the auto parts market on his own, but that was too difficult for him at the moment.

"And do you know what the biggest problem with this is?"

"Huh? Where is it?"

“They won’t give us much support from above.” Duan Dahai slowed down the car and sighed. He treated Yu Dawei like a younger brother, so there was nothing he couldn’t say. He turned to look at him and then said, “After what happened last time when Old Guo helped us apply for support, I realized that.”

“Our town is the least valued. Not to mention that the grain depots in other towns still receive support from above and their wages are paid in full, but it’s not the same here. They’re demanding radical reforms right here.”

“During your absence, I had a few drinks with Director Yang in private and learned a lot about what happened back then.”

"It is said that a large-scale breeding farm was built in our town before, in a rather remote place. As a result, an epidemic caused huge losses to the higher authorities."

"To put it bluntly, they just unilaterally blacklisted us, right?" Yu Dawei guessed that the town's actions must have caused a huge fiscal deficit for the higher-ups.

He said, "No matter how remote our town is, it can't be as remote as Yingchun Town next door. It's called Yingchun Town, but it's actually located in the northwest wind all year round. Even that desolate place has its own pillar enterprises. Where can you find the logic in that?"

"Actually, in my opinion, it's better if we leave something behind for the town. It's not that we don't love our hometown, but sometimes it's enough to just do our best." Duan Dahai didn't dare to say this to Guo Lao's face, but he could say it without hesitation in front of his younger brother, Dawei.

He wouldn't have any reservations.

"Sigh." Yu Dawei sighed deeply, slowly closing the car window. It was getting cold. "Brother, the problem is that leaving this tail is the same as not leaving it. It's like kowtowing to our ancestors and sending them paper money during festivals. It's not comforting our ancestors, it's comforting ourselves."

Duan Dahai fell silent, his left hand gripping the steering wheel tightening unconsciously.

He knew the truth Yu Dawei was telling, and it was the truth he didn't want to reveal.

"Sigh, I'm really fed up with you. I was the one who was more determined and proactive back then, but in the end, I dragged you into it." Duan Dahai sighed and turned to Yu Dawei. "If you really want to do the auto parts market thing, count me in."

"Okay." Yu Dawei could sense the guilt in Brother Duan's heart, so even though he knew that he would need a lot of money to go to Qishi, he did not refuse his investment in the auto parts market.

Duan might think that the auto parts market is a money-losing business, but Yu Dawei, with his forward-thinking perspective, still has the opportunity to ride the wave of the times and take off.

Yu Dawei picked up his phone and called Ai Yongqiang and Meng Kai to talk about the auto parts market.

After listening to Yu Dawei's explanation of the auto parts city construction plan and its subsequent strategic layout, Ai Yongqiang was greatly amazed.

"This is insane! Putting aside the town's basic conditions, just the publicity alone is a problem! I need to discuss this with Kai Zi." Ai Yongqiang suddenly changed the subject on the phone, chuckling, "By the way, do you know what's changed in Kai Zi lately? You probably won't believe it! That bastard's really sassy now!"

(End of this chapter)