Tokyo: There's something wrong with this counterattack system

Chapter 223 Sakura Motors' Financing

The snow fell all night, and Kitahara slept soundly until dawn. When he woke up again, he received a call from Kosaka Yuuka, who had sent him an invitation letter about financing for a new tram company.

In Japan, electric vehicles are also slowly developing, with Toyota and Lexus both trying to develop new models, but they are not well-known worldwide.

Kitahara was very interested in new energy companies. Coincidentally, Sayuri's birthday had just passed, and there was nothing important at the company in Kyoto, so he took a special flight to Shikoku in the north.

The factory isn't here, it's in Tokyo.

This is just a fundraising cocktail party.

Upon arriving, Kitahara saw Yuka Kosaka talking to someone. He vaguely heard that they were discussing the new energy vehicle industry, and there were several familiar faces among them, including Akio Toyoda and Koji Sato, who are both well-known figures in the industry.

One was the president of Toyota, the other was the president of Lexus, and there were several familiar faces, such as Jingu Ryo's former boss and a department head from Mitsubishi.

It can be said that many big names gathered here.

Kitahara was curious, but he didn't rush to intervene in the conversation. Instead, he picked up the financing plan on the table and looked it up. The company was called Sakura, a joint venture, and it priced its products at around 1.7 million.

This price point is comparable to the Wuling Hongguang next door, indicating an intention to enter the low-end market.

Can't help but.

Kitahara thought of BYD next door. He had been paying close attention to the news from next door recently, so he felt that this was an inspiration he had drawn from the neighboring country.

after awhile.

After the three finished their conversation, Koji Sato walked up to Kitahara with a smile: "President Kitahara, it's an honor to meet you."

Kitahara was on the guest list for this financing party, and he is quite famous in Tokyo, not only for his keen eye for investment but also for his minor scandal with the Kosaka family.

"President Sato, you flatter me." Kitahara shook hands with him and then exchanged business cards.

Although the other party was the president of a traditional automobile company, Kitahara was not intimidated. His net worth was now in the billions. Although he couldn't compare to the other party, the gap was definitely not that big.

After all, he started from scratch, and in terms of ability, he is no less capable than these people.

Akio Toyoda also came over and said with a smile, "We were just talking about the domestic electric vehicle industry. President Kitahara is also interested?"

“I heard that the government has given preferential policies in this regard. In addition, I have invested in Tesla and understand their philosophy, which I think is very suitable for Japan.”

"President Kitahara really knows a lot."

Koji Sato was surprised, but he didn't say anything. It was true that the government wanted to invest in new energy electric vehicles, but there were also traditionalists in the government, and the specific level of support would depend on the actual implementation.

Even Lexus's foray into electric vehicles is merely a response to the times; their focus remains primarily on traditional gasoline-powered cars.

"There are quite a few. I specifically looked up a lot of information and also studied the new cars under President Sato's company."

"Oh? What do you think?" Koji Sato asked, immediately showing interest.

In any case, Kitahara has considerable expertise in finance, which may offer some valuable insights.

"There might be a problem with its positioning."

Lexus electric cars are usually priced at around seven million yen, which is considered high-end and affordable for ordinary families. But why buy an electric car?

Japan tends to be conservative, and things like craftsmanship tend to be stagnant and stuck in their ways.

Kitahara is not optimistic about pursuing the high-end market.

"Really."

Koji Sato smiled. He had naturally faced a lot of criticism to get to his position. If he accepted every opinion, he would not have the demeanor of a great general.

"Alright, let's go take a look around and see what this car is like." Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit off, Yuuka Kousaka quickly stepped forward and tugged at Kitahara's sleeve.

"Hmm, let's take a look around first."

Currently, Sakura Motors has only provided a concept and some preliminary ideas, which are clearly far from sufficient for these established giants.

But Kitahara was very interested. He thought the price was good. Electric cars are inherently energy-efficient and fuel-saving. As long as the electric car technology keeps up, it will definitely become a national brand.

"So, you've come all this way today, are you interested?" Yuka Kousaka asked.

“Yes, there is some, but I don’t know if we can subscribe to more shares.” Kitahara nodded, then shifted his gaze to the person in charge of NMKV in the distance. This was also a company of Sakura Motors, a joint venture established by Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Currently, the person leading this company is a man named Hiranuma Hinata, who seems to know Kitahara, and he smiled slightly and raised his glass in greeting.

Kitahara also raised his glass and responded with a smile, while Kosaka Yuuka whispered, "Following in is not a problem, but leading the investment is hopeless. Mitsubishi Nissan will not give you that opportunity."

“I know, we’re just watching the show for now,” Kitahara said with a smile.

Subsequently.

Kitahara found a corner to rest, quietly watching his companion, Kousaka Yuuka, surrounded by flowers and adored by everyone.

Although I knew that Yuka Kousaka was popular, it was only after entering the automotive industry and focusing on new energy vehicles that I realized how sought-after she was. The Kousaka family has conducted the most in-depth research on batteries in Japan, and their performance is the best in all aspects.

As time went on, various people gradually appeared in the hotel. It was at this moment that Hiranuma Yo went on stage to explain the financing plan and announce the share of this round.

Kitahara brought his assistant and asked her to make the purchases, specifically instructing her to buy as many as possible.

At last.

Kitahara successfully subscribed to 5% of the shares, which surprised even Yuka Kousaka with his large investment. Of course, this was not much, because even Toyota subscribed to 4%.

Soon, the financing was finalized, and Kitahara planned to return to his hotel to rest and enjoy the scenery of Shikoku.

However, before leaving, Kitahara saw the head of Mitsubishi chatting with Koji Sato, so he went up to make an acquaintance.

"President Kitahara."

Koji Sato was impressed by Kitahara and immediately greeted him. He then introduced Kitahara to the Mitsubishi department head: "This is Kitahara-san, the president of Kitamoku Corporation."

"I've heard so much about you." He immediately became serious and extended his hand in greeting.

None of those who can appear at this event are ordinary people; if they are noticed, an investment of tens of millions is nothing to them.

“You two have a connection,” Koji Sato smiled. “Your old subordinate, Jingu, currently works under him.”

"Shrine?"

Kentaro Ayada was stunned.

Koji Sato explained, "I always thought highly of your former subordinate, Ryo Jingu. But after she got married and left the company, I contacted a headhunter to inquire about her."

Kitahara couldn't help but glance at him: "Sato-san, Minister Jingu is doing a good job under me and has no intention of moving."

"Haha, I just think it's a pity." Koji Sato looked regretful. "I really admire Jingu-san's work ability."

Kitahara cast a suspicious glance at this. Who would believe that someone was only after a widow's wife?

Koji Sato noticed his suspicious gaze, coughed, and indicated that he had no such intention.

"However, she is indeed quite capable. With Jingu-san helping me manage the company, I feel much more relaxed." Kitahara also changed the subject at the right time, chatting casually, and casually mentioned, "Toyota has invested a lot in Sakura Motors. Aren't they afraid of creating a competitor for themselves?"

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Koji Sato burst into laughter, and Kentaro Ayada also started laughing.

As a traditional powerhouse in the Japanese auto industry, why would Toyota be afraid of a car company that has just launched a concept?

but.

After laughing, he still answered seriously: "So what if there are more competitors? It's good for me and everyone else to expand the market. I'm not afraid of competition, I'm just afraid that the market isn't big enough."

(End of this chapter)