What's wrong with me being a rich man?

Chapter 567 Selling (4k)
Yu Xing met with an unplanned lobbying team in Lin'an.

He was somewhat helpless, but it was really not good to refuse to see them when they came knocking on his door.

The silicon carbide plant in Lingang has two phases, each with a planned capacity of 6 vehicles. This is quite good for a new car company. Considering the nascent market penetration rate of new energy vehicles, the city initially thought it would be more than enough.

After all, it's not just about production capacity, but also about product positioning.

However, with the successful launch and sales of Silicon Carbon Kyushu, the first phase of production capacity may not be enough, so a simple expansion and renovation was chosen immediately, and the construction of the second phase was brought forward to the third quarter of this year.

As a result, the second-phase factory will start production as early as the end of 2016 or the beginning of 2017, and its production models will be the Kyushu Pro and Max.

Yu Xing's recent discussions about the new factory have essentially confirmed that it will produce new models. However, there is still some internal debate and research regarding the selection of the next model. One side believes that pure electric vehicles and range-extended electric vehicles should coexist, while the other side agrees with the business MPV model that the boss previously discussed.

Pure electric vehicles don't necessarily need to be developed from scratch. We could consider launching a five-seat flagship SUV that includes both pure electric and range-extended versions based on the current Kyushu platform.

The business MPV segment follows a similar logic to Kyushu's positioning, essentially competing with traditional automakers' models in a niche market, much like Kyushu competes with the Highlander. In this segment, the GL8 and Sienna are competitors that can be studied and benchmarked against.

However, regardless of the circumstances, the market feedback from Kyushu has given carbon silicon executives, including Yu Xing, more confidence in the future of new energy, which led to this visit to Zhejiang Province for inspection and contact.

There aren't many practical options for silicon carbide plants to be built outside of Lingang.

Today, the strategy for expanding the market for carbon silicon is very clear: the five key cities are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Lin'an, while the Yangtze River Delta region (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai) is the foundation for the brand's in-depth development.

The former has the added advantage of a clear new energy vehicle license and serves as a benchmark, while the latter has the best industrial cluster effect in the country and the highest per capita disposable income in the country, which is also conducive to the establishment and development of mid-to-high-end brands.

This strategy of focusing on key cities, cultivating existing markets, and maintaining normal operations in second- and third-tier cities constitutes the market strategy of Silicon Carbon Group for the next five years.

Therefore, whether considering supply chain factors or market competition, the new factory can only be located in Zhejiang or Jiangsu provinces.

Jiangxi Province is certainly good, but for Carbon Silicon Group and Yu Xing, he had already decided in his mind that it was Zhejiang Province after leaving Lingang, and even had a specific city in mind.

There are many factors involved. Zhejiang Investment Group is a shareholder of Silicon Carbon Group, and Zhejiang Province has a higher proportion of manufacturers in the silicon carbon supply chain. Previously, Zhejiang Province was the most proactive in this regard, and Zhejiang Province is also a native of Zhejiang Province, etc.

Of course, there is another reason that is not for outsiders to know: new energy vehicle companies like Silicon Carbon Group do not need any speculation or aligning with others, but taking a step further or stepping down to the second line is a natural choice.

The day after Yu Xing's delegation arrived in Lin'an, they met with the "Economic and Information Technology Bureau." Chang Qirui, who was in charge of this matter, was someone Yu Xing had met before when they last met in Lingang.

Chang Qirui was quite interesting. After chatting for a couple of minutes, he brought up the competitor in Jiang Province: "President Yu, we're on the same side. Look at how things go back and forth, how things are done normally. Look at them, they just came up with an excuse to come to Lin'an for an exchange, and they're not even doing it in an informal way. What kind of behavior is that?"

He offered Mr. Yu a cigarette and said with a smile, "We're going to have a proper marriage; there's no way we can have such a private affair."

Yu Xing laughed and said that they didn't follow the conversation. They could find any angle to talk about it and say that others were particularly enthusiastic and proactive, depending entirely on their stance.

Chang Qirui didn't dwell on the topic and familiarly introduced the local policies and alternative cities in Zhejiang Province to General Manager Yu. In addition to various support measures, credit guarantees could also be provided for the funding of the silicon carbide plant.

In short, long-term, low interest rates, land, taxes, talent, and markets.

In addition to regular policies, support for the local market exists normally from the city to the province to the country.

Chang Qirui observed as he spoke, not surprised by the concise and to-the-point remarks of the head of the silicon carbon company. However, he soon heard a definitive voice.

"Director Chang, we need to cooperate with Zhejiang Province on silicon carbon technology." Yu Xing pointed to the map, "We want to build our after-sales service center in Haiyan."

Chang Qirui immediately realized what was going on and said with a smile, "President Yu, how should I express my gratitude? I should thank President Yu on behalf of Haiyan, and I should also thank Haiyan properly."

Haiyan is Yu Xing's hometown, and establishing a department like the after-sales service center, which has a low proportion of technical staff, here is undoubtedly a way of giving back to his hometown.

Yu Xing said with a smile, "I also want to see my hometown folks in style."

Chang Qirui felt that President Yu's words were very down-to-earth, something that everyone would be willing to do.

Without delay, he called the person in Jiaxing in Lin'an to quickly ascertain the situation and discuss the procedures.

Haiyan is not qualified to directly contact projects like the Silicon Carbon Group, and Jiaxing is practically not on the list of potential partners either, due to differences in urban positioning and planning. The reason for having a team in Jiaxing is indeed because of factors such as Mr. Yu's hometown.

Just like Liu Qiangdong of JD.com is to his hometown of Suqian.

Chang Qirui briefly told President Yu about the communication, and then tentatively said, "President Yu, Director Xu from the Finance Department just came back this morning. He said he wanted to meet with you. We can chat together during lunch. They are more familiar with the formulation of industrial funding support and subsidy policies."

Yu Xing nodded slightly, without refusing.

Seeing this, Chang Qirui felt that there was hope for this exchange.

Seeing that he had made contact with the finance department, he also identified several other cooperating departments, such as commerce and development and reform.

The Economic and Information Technology Department is the leading department in the province. These departments are responsible for coordination and support, then implementing projects with the city, and finally coordinating with the district. This process is carried out step by step to achieve the entire chain from initial contact to project implementation.

After two busy days, Yu Xing met with people from various sectors, listened to specific policies, and offered his opinion on the possibility of further cooperation in principle.

Chang Qirui was overjoyed when he agreed. He then consulted with experts and gave an assessment recommendation that they had already studied. He invited President Yu to visit the site. The top choice was the Dajiangdong Industrial Cluster in Lin'an, followed by Lin'an Bay New Area in Ningbo, then Shaoxing Binhai New City, and finally Tongxiang in Jiaxing.

All four regions are locations that Zhejiang Province would like to see the silicon carbon group's factory located in. As for the specific selection process...

After listening to the experts' planning presentation, Yu Xing and his colleagues suggested Ningbo as their first stop for inspection: "Let's go to Ningbo first. When I have free time, I look out from the Lingang seaside and always see the direction of Ningbo."

When Chang Qirui heard what President Yu said, he felt that the request from Lin'an was probably going to fall through.

He had already given Lin'an a lot of information, but Mr. Yu was clearly knowledgeable and knew that Ningbo's Lin'an Bay New Area was indeed the best option among the four choices.

Lin'an Bay New Area boasts the most complete industrial base and supporting facilities, with Geely's Lin'an Bay plant and SAIC Volkswagen's Ningbo plant already established, along with more than 400 parts suppliers. It also benefits from a network of eight expressways and high-speed railways, including the Shenhai Expressway and the Lin'an Bay Cross-Sea Bridge.

Furthermore, Ningbo was just designated as the "Zhejiang Province New Energy Vehicle Industry Base" by the province last year, and it was also upgraded to a national-level economic and technological development zone last year, which shows its status and position.

Of course, Lin'an is the provincial capital after all, so it's normal for it to want to step forward and compete.

Chang Qirui had already made his judgment. Although he was entrusted with a favor, he would not create any complications on such a high-profile project. He quickly finalized the itinerary, gathered the team, and made sure to do the job perfectly.

Yu Xing was actually very satisfied with Ningbo's policies and supporting facilities, but he didn't make a clear statement when he arrived in the area, only expressing his gratitude and praise for the construction of the Lin'an Bay New Area. For four consecutive days, he traveled from Ningbo to Shaoxing to Jiaxing and back to Lin'an. While the exact location remained undecided, the two sides were close to reaching a consensus on further cooperation.

"Director Chang, the Silicon Carbon Group is developing very rapidly, but we don't want to rush the construction of the new factory. My idea is that the first choice for the new Silicon Carbon factory should definitely be in our area."

Yu Xing made a statement.

Chang Qirui became a little anxious: "President Yu, is your next stop Jiang Province? I heard that you're going to contribute to your alma mater."

Yu Xing laughed and said, "Director Chang, your information is really well-informed. Oh dear, my silicon carbon group is really leaky from all sides. I was thinking of using my own money to donate a library and improve the dormitories for my juniors at my alma mater. It has nothing to do with this."

Chang Qirui shook his head repeatedly: "President Yu, if there's one, there will be ten thousand. If there are any issues with silicon carbon, we should communicate directly to clarify and resolve the matter. If that doesn't work, I'll go to Jiang Province with you. They can come to exchange ideas, and I can go there to exchange ideas too."

Yu Xing smiled slightly: "Director Chang, there's no rush to finalize this. Don't worry about it either. I just had a phone call and we talked about it. Let's meet again tomorrow and try to finalize a memorandum next month."

Chang Qirui then realized that there was already a definite answer from higher authorities.

The memorandum is not legally binding, but it should pose no major problems for this kind of cooperation.

Chang Qirui mentally assessed the situation, anticipating that even after the province and silicon carbide reached an agreement, Lin'an and Ningbo would still vie for control of the factory.

Actually, he had a feeling that President Yu was already quite inclined towards this, but...

Taking initiative and striving are two different approaches.

……

LeEco is taking action.

Jia Yueting is figuring out how to use car manufacturing to tell an increasingly difficult story, but he hasn't given up on his already influential business.

On May 7, LeEco announced a partnership with Coolpad, becoming its second-largest shareholder. LeEco will launch an ecosystem phone bundled with LeEco memberships, allowing users to enjoy LeEco memberships for free for the first year.

This news caused a minor stir in the industry, and greatly angered Zhou Hongyi of 360.

Zhou Hongyi posted a series of Weibo posts, angrily denouncing the two seemingly like-minded families.

"Coolpad stabbed us in the back!"

"Coolpad has seriously violated the agreement signed with 360 by cooperating with LeEco without authorization!"

"360 will definitely sue. I disagree with the cooperation between LeEco and Coolpad!"

With LeEco and Coolpad joining forces, is it Zhou Hongyi's place to be angry...?

It's definitely still our turn.

360是在去年12月和酷派成立了合资公司奇酷科技，360投资4.09亿美元获得49.5%股权，酷派持有50.5%。

The two parties also agreed that Qihoo would focus on internet-connected phones, while Coolpad would be responsible for retail channels and carrier phones, and neither would overstep their respective boundaries.

Now, LeEco, which Coolpad has brought in, is a direct competitor to 360's ambition to build an internet-connected mobile phone ecosystem.

LeEco talks about ecosystems, and 360 has also been talking about ecosystems for the past two years. They finally found a way to implement it, but then they were directly betrayed. It's no wonder that Zhou Hongyi is furious.

Coolpad acts like a middleman, profiting from one company after another, which lacks both business ethics and violates established agreements.

When LeEco's Jia Yueting was interviewed by the media and asked about this matter, he simply responded: "It seems that it's not up to Mr. Zhou to talk to us about business ethics. Whoever shouts the loudest is not necessarily right."

Zhou Hongyi's business image is not outstanding, and he has been controversial for many years. This time, he was betrayed, and there are still many sarcastic comments under his Weibo posts, with the same tone as Jia Yueting.

Just as Zhou Hongyi was preparing to launch his attack, he suddenly received a call from Yu Xing of Carbon Silicon.

"Mr. Zhou, do you want the software?"

"Our WiFi Master Key is ready for sale. Is 360 interested?"

Zhou Hongyi asked, somewhat puzzled, "President Yu, weren't you doing incredibly well selling cars? Why are you suddenly selling the master key?"

“We’re doing Douyin, and Douyin needs financial support right now; we can’t keep raising funds indefinitely,” Yu Xing replied. “The value of the universal key is still quite good; it helped us drive a lot of traffic, but its value to Douyin has declined. Therefore, it needs a new owner who can bring value to Douyin.”

Zhou Hongyi pondered for a moment and said, "We have this business ourselves. How about your universal key? Everyone knows that operators are going to speed up their services now."

Yu Xing said casually, "Okay, Mr. Zhou, I was just asking. I'm not in a hurry to sell. I'll ask Alibaba and LeEco if they're interested. Bye, let's chat sometime."

Zhou Hongyi: "Wait, wait..."

He quickened his pace: "President Yu, don't hang up yet. Are you going to contact LeEco again later? Are you doing this on purpose?"

"Huh?" Yu Xing feigned ignorance. "President Zhou, what do you mean? I was just thinking about our previous business deal with 'Ad Buster,' which is why I called you right away."

Zhou Hongyi's voice was slightly deep: "President Yu, you are a well-informed person, don't tell me you don't know about the cooperation between LeEco and Coolpad."

Yu Xing asked curiously, "So, Mr. Zhou, what does this have to do with me? I'm just looking for a buyer for my software."

Zhou Hongyi frowned, considering the situation with WiFi Master Key, and made a request: "President Yu, how about this, don't contact anyone else first, let's talk internally first. Surely this isn't impossible, right? 360 helped you a lot when you were developing WeChat."

Yu Xing agreed and said with a smile, "President Zhou, it's such a small matter, why are you mentioning WeChat? It's not that serious. I have no problem with that. Just give me a definite answer. If it's okay, we can talk. If not, I'll contact them again. I'm easy to talk to."

Zhou Hongyi felt that Yu Xing was indeed easy to talk to, and even better, he was particularly good at finding the right time to speak.

Last time they took advantage of my release; this time they're taking advantage of me being stabbed in the back.

(End of this chapter)