What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 81 Steel, Start Again
Wu Long talked on the phone for half an hour and finally figured out what was going on:

Sanwang Agricultural Machinery Factory initially produced agricultural equipment, but later began to produce four-wheeled vehicles in order to fill the gap in the market where prices were lower than those of trucks.

The "Si Bu Xiang" is actually also a truck structure and looks not much different, but its internal design is crude and its structure is simple. It uses a single-bar diesel engine as its power and is relatively cheap.

But even so, the Sibu Xiang still has many shortcomings when facing a regular truck, and it can only be used in deep mountains and forests.

Customers with a little financial resources will buy trucks. It is remarkable that Sibu Xiang can achieve a total sales volume of more than a thousand per year.

Is it hard to build a truck? Not really.

The agricultural machinery factory produces the four-in-ones by hand welding and manual assembly just like a small workshop. However, the situation in many automobile factories across the country is not much better.

It’s nothing more than the difference between small workshops and large workshops, the difference in materials and management.

Moreover, obtaining qualifications to manufacture trucks is not as troublesome as obtaining qualifications to manufacture cars, and is relatively easier to obtain.

It was not until 2001 that private enterprises were officially approved to manufacture cars in China, but they can still produce cars by acquiring state-owned car manufacturers or listing and borrowing qualifications.

For example, by establishing a shell company in a joint venture with a qualified state-owned automobile factory and then acquiring this company, you can obtain the qualification to manufacture cars.

It is easier to do private labeling. For example, if you ask "Liuqi" to do private labeling for you, the vehicle you produce will be called "Liuqi Shanwang Truck". You have to pay a private labeling fee for each vehicle you produce, and it is easy to give others a handle.

In any case, it is not difficult to sell regular trucks, but you have to compete with car manufacturers for the market.

Of the two options, lower price and better quality, at least one must have an advantage.

The engines provided by Gaijin have high horsepower, low price and very good quality, which gives the agricultural machinery factory hope.

There is no problem with the frame and body, and the axles, leaf springs, wheels and other things are also a piece of cake. The main problem lies in the engine and gearbox.

Sanwang Agricultural Machinery embarrassingly discovered a fact: excessive torque is not a good thing, and the gearboxes they can buy basically cannot withstand the high-horsepower engine of Gaijin.

The working environment of trucks in Guangxi Province is basically low speed and heavy load, which is a very harsh environment for manual transmissions. Frequent starting and shifting will cause serious consumption of the clutch.

The starting torque of Gaijin's engine is exaggerated, and the clutch will easily become overheated if it is rubbed for a while. If it happens a few times, it will burn out and deform.

The torque of trucks on the market is less than half of that, so no manufacturer makes a gearbox that can match it.

Sanwang Agricultural Machinery must organize the engine data and then ask the gearbox manufacturer to produce a new model that is more durable.

But when they thought about Gaijin's great power, they simply asked if they could build the gearbox as well and cooperate in building the truck?
However, when Tang Wen heard the news, he felt numb:
The engine and gearbox are both made of gold, so why not let you manufacture the chassis as well?

If we can produce a car shell, can a shipyard also be built into a car factory?
Although he was extremely dissatisfied, Tang Wen still wrote it down and found Tang Yi after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"Gearbox? No problem."

Tang Yi didn't think there was anything wrong, it was just that ships generally use gearboxes with fixed reduction ratios rather than variable speed gearboxes.

But who says it can't be used on ships? Shipyards can only produce marine equipment, not necessarily for use on ships.

However, after hearing about the problem of burning clutch, Tang Yi began to think:
"Commander, besides the problem with the transmission itself, could the burning clutch also be due to improper operation?"

Tang Wen thought about it and realized that it was true. Today's drivers are all unskilled and rely entirely on experience to drive.

Violent gear shifting, gear clashing, and half-clutch acceleration are commonplace, and it is estimated that a major overhaul will be needed after every few thousand kilometers.

Tang Yi: "In fact, if we really want to withstand large torques, we have to use a torque converter. Tanks basically use torque converters to drive, otherwise they simply cannot withstand huge torques.

We might as well just produce hydraulic automatic transmissions, so the driver only needs to step on the accelerator and avoid human damage."

"Does it work?"

Tang Wen was a little skeptical. Hydraulic transmissions (also called AT transmissions) have been around for a long time, but the current AT is completely different from what it will be in a decade or so.

Today's AT transmissions rely on dense oil circuits in the transmission to achieve automatic shifting through pressure changes, and will be computer-controlled in the future.

Simply put, the current AT is not very smart, not to mention that the shipyard only has the technology level of the 60s.

"Then we can produce both automatic and manual transmissions. Such small things don't require much experience."

It didn't take Tang Yi long to write out the technical requirements for the two gearboxes, and Tang Wen directly sent them to the shipyard for research and development:
[Development: 14-speed heavy-duty manual transmission, maximum input torque 1600 N·m, transmission efficiency 96%, transmission weight 300 kg, required experience: 10]

【Direct manufacturing: 4 silver coins/0.2 hours
Processing of supplied materials: 315 kg of steel, 40 kg of aluminum alloy, 10 kg of oil, 2 silver coins/0.2 hour]

[Development: 6-speed automatic transmission, maximum input torque 1800 N·m, transmission efficiency 90%, transmission weight 480 kg, required experience: 30]

【Direct manufacturing: 6.5 silver coins/0.2 hours
Processing of supplied materials: 315 kg of steel, 40 kg of aluminum alloy, 10 kg of oil, 2 silver coins/0.2 hour]

Seeing such a low price and working hours, Tang Wen directly told Wu Long to produce 20 units each to test the waters first.

As for cooperating in the production of trucks, there is no need for that. He has not yet decided to stir up trouble in the automobile market.

……

In the dock filled with seawater, the huge hull of the Hashidate - no, the Fukto was floating steadily, with colorful strips and red flowers everywhere.

According to the contents of the contract at that time, the ship was named after Fudong Fisheries.

Huang Dongfu came down the gangway, grabbed Tang Wen's hand and shook it hard.

"Brother, you guys are so fast, awesome, really awesome!"

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed that the ship could be built so quickly.

"Once we've completed the sea trials, we'll be able to send it out to sea in a dozen days at most."

Tang Wen also had a good impression of Lao Huang. After all, it was rare to find someone who could afford a steamboat these days.

Huang Dongfu: "Brother, do we really not need to send sailors up?"

"Don't worry, the people in the shipyard are all veterans, nothing will go wrong."

"Then I wish you all the best. If you have any questions about refueling at Echeng Port, just call me!"

The two had a great conversation and had a meal at the Grand Bay Hotel in the evening. Huang Dongfu returned to the city early the next morning.

As he left, Tang Wen had already ordered people to load supplies onto the Fudong and set off in the evening.

Next to the shipyard, Chen Yonggui and the villagers have enclosed the LV2 shipyard site with iron fences.

Before setting off late at night, Tang Wen found him, and then silently summoned Gai Jin's supreme power, spending tens of thousands of silver coins to check the full simulation.

Two dark ship shadows appeared vaguely on the distant seashore. When they got closer, they were found to be engineering ships converted from tank landing ships.

The landing ship rushed directly to the coast and ran aground. The closed door at the bow opened outward, and engineering vehicles drove up one after another, and hundreds of people in work clothes also landed.

They moved in an orderly manner, quickly reached their designated positions, and completed the deployment in less than half an hour.

The cranes on the two tank landing ships were also busy, continuously transporting supplies down.

Within an hour, a fully equipped construction team appeared on the deserted construction site.

The lights of the landing ships and engineering machinery illuminated most of the beach. The construction team that came from the sea immediately started working, and for a while the whole place was filled with the rumbling sound of machinery.

Chen Yonggui, who witnessed this scene with his own eyes, was stunned and finally believed what Tang Wen said about the construction speed of Dayuan Port.

This kind of beach landing-like appearance is simply unheard of.

"The construction period will be about a month. They don't need any help. They just need to make sure there is no interference from outsiders." Chen Yonggui nodded.

"No outsiders will come in to cause trouble. The most important thing is to report on your work."

……

Late at night, the duty officer at Echeng Port heard a call on the radio that a fishing boat was about to dock to refuel, and the fuel was heavy residual oil used by large cargo ships.

The duty officer yawned as he arranged the port call and then left it to the oil depot to make its own arrangements.

The people at the oil depot didn't think much of the strange-looking Fudong until they got closer and saw the chimney still smoking.

He wiped his eyes to make sure he hadn't traveled through time.

"Guess what I saw today, a steamboat!"

"Eyu 4410, registered as a fishing boat, a steam-powered fishing boat!"

The port's intercom suddenly became lively, and the guys on night shift came over to admire the steam fishing boat.

Tang Wen did not get off the boat, as he had expected the staff watching the excitement on the shore.

The radio in the bridge never stopped, and people kept asking where the antique ship was obtained.

It took a long time to fill up 170 tons of fuel. For a while, the Fudong became a little star in the entire port, and some people even took cameras to take pictures.

Tang Wen chatted on the radio intermittently until the fuel was fully filled.

When the Fudong sounded the whistle and left the port, a young man holding a camera on the shore took out the tear sheet, shook it and slowly tore it apart. The color contrast of the fishing boat under the light in the photo was not as sharp as that of human eyes, and it actually had a sharp feeling.

"Xiao Zhou, you're actually willing to use tear-off films. You don't mind spending a few dollars on them."

Someone came over to look, but was pushed aside by the young man:
"Go away, what do you know? This is a steam fishing boat. I haven't seen one in years. If I sell it to the newspaper office, it must be worth at least a hundred dollars, right?"

"It's true! That fishing boat is different from other boats. It looks like a warship."

……

The Fudong has a base speed of 19 knots, and with the SM signal flag added, the maximum speed is 20 knots.

In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, we will stay close to the mainland when crossing the strait to avoid attracting the attention of the water police on the other side.

"We now have about 1200 nautical miles to go and are expected to arrive at our destination at noon in two days.

Commander, you can take a rest."

Susumu Kimura is the captain of this voyage. As a level 6 commander, he can reduce the fuel consumption of the Hashidate to 73.5%, adding an additional 1000 nautical miles of range.

The original maximum range of 2500 nautical miles was just enough, but now it is more than enough.

"If you encounter patrolling coast guards, wake me up immediately."

Tang Wen gave an order and then went into his cabin.

There were still only five people on the Fudong this time, so Tang Yi brought two researchers on board.

Therefore, there is plenty of space on the ship and everyone can get a private room.

However, living on a boat was not a good thing for Tang Wen. The salty smell of sea water was everywhere, just like entering a seafood market.

In other words, there is no wind or waves, otherwise I would definitely vomit it out.

He thought about the arrangements made before departure and felt that there should be no mistakes.

……

"Wu Lao Er, did Xiao Tang tell you what to do?"

"Brother Yonggui, I am a manager after all, even if you call me by my name."

After Tang Wen left, Wu Long took over the shipyard affairs temporarily - if you can stop it, then stop it; if you can't, then delay it. This was Tang Wen's order.

"Hey, you're dressed like a real person and you're pretending no one knows you? Look around you, isn't everyone calling you Wu Lao Er?"

"vulgar!"

Wu Long walked away silently for a few steps. He was different now. He could make hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of business with just a wave of his hand. He would not bother with the village chief.

Gai Jin's efficiency is unimaginable. He just mentioned it the day before yesterday, and today the people at the shipyard told him that the gearbox had arrived at the warehouse.

In addition to manual transmission, are there any other hydraulic automatic transmissions? Are there any cars that don't require gears?
He immediately decided to tell the agricultural machinery factory the good news and went to the office to make a phone call.

It’s not that I can’t afford a mobile phone, but the signal here is so bad that it all depends on luck. It’s not as stable as a wired connection.

But just as I picked up the phone, the landline rang.

"Hello? Brother Tang, why can't I get through to you on your phone? I found out about that matter."

"The boss is out. I'm Wu Long, the deputy general manager of Gaijin Power. If you have anything to say, please tell me."

"Then tell Boss Tang that the Guo Chenliang and Zheng Hai he was looking for went to Hong Kong to rob, and then there was no news. I think they might be in trouble."

Wang Hu's words were more euphemistic, but in reality, there were only two possible endings for Guo Chenliang.

Even if he is still alive, he will have to spend a few years in jail.

"Okay, I'll pass it on."

After Wu Long hung up the phone, he began to wonder why Tang Wen wanted to know about Guo Chenliang?
It was completely expected that someone like Guo Chenliang would go to smuggle money. He had never seen anyone with the surname Guo do anything serious.

Wu Long thought about it and called the town’s convenience store. When the call was connected, it was An Yu’s voice.

"Sister-in-law, Boss Tang heard about your husband. He ran off to Hong Kong for business and never came back. He probably lost money and was too embarrassed to tell you."

When Guo Chenliang went to evacuate and never came back, he was either arrested or killed. Wu Long felt from the bottom of his heart that both Guo's mother and daughter were miserable people and he didn't want to provoke them anymore.

Anyway, the family can live happier without Guo Chenliang, so let's just consider it a good deed.

There are many people doing reselling business on the Hong Kong border now, so this explanation is also reasonable.

As expected, An Yu had no doubt that her eccentric husband was capable of doing such a thing.

The woman on the other end of the phone complained a few words, then thanked Wu Long repeatedly. After hanging up the phone, she sighed in front of the counter, forced a smile, went to the backyard to find Guo Panpan who was already in bed, and told her the news.

"Let him die in Hong Kong."

When Guo Panpan heard the news about her father, she sat up immediately. After listening to it, she lay down again and covered her head. After cursing fiercely, she felt much more relieved.

She will take the bus to college tomorrow, and she can finally put the burden of worry aside.

But before going to bed, she couldn't help but think of the college life described by a technical secondary school dropout.

ICQ, Yahoo... and what else? Don't buy PHS and pagers. If you are not satisfied with your major, switch to computer-related fields immediately and earn a million dollars a year as a programmer?
Although I don’t understand it, why does it feel inexplicably real?

But considering that Tang Wen was able to open a factory even though he dropped out of technical secondary school, he shouldn't be a liar, right?
(End of this chapter)