From knock-off old-man's electric vehicles to industrial giant

Chapter 143 Recruiting Talent and the New Hybrid R&D Team

and.

Toyota's approach is "deep integration of oil and electricity," but ultimately it still relies primarily on oil; no matter what, it still needs to refuel.

For domestic automakers, hybrid technology is only a temporary supplement; in most operating conditions, it can be charged rapidly and driven like a pure electric vehicle.

The two sides differed in their routes.

Given the future trend of new energy development, this dual-engine hybrid system is bound to be unacceptable to the domestic market.

But now.

This system is of great significance to all automakers that are going to develop hybrid or even range-extended electric vehicles!

They are definitely someone worth learning from!

Even though the technical logic of range-extended vehicles is different, their hybrid engine thermal efficiency optimization, structural design integration, and NVH noise control are still worth studying.

In particular, the THS hybrid system is inherently more efficient and complex than the range extender system. Understanding its structure is like solving a high-level math problem, making simple math much easier.

"So, if we thoroughly study Toyota's hybrid system, our range extender system could actually reach a leading level in China?" Xu Yi couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, but it's quite difficult to study and master it in a short time, especially in the area of ​​improving engine thermal efficiency. Recruiting people is also not very smooth, and there aren't many people in the industry who can meet our R&D standards."

Wang Jingming sighed. The R&D department's requirements had already been released, and the compensation was definitely not low.

However, in the short term, recruiting highly skilled personnel with experience in hybrid system R&D presents the same problem as before: the mobility of such personnel is not high.

"If I remember correctly, Toyota has a research and development team in China that is responsible for the research and development of global hybrid technology, and many of them are top graduates from our country."

"Yes, these people are all elite engineers selected by Toyota from around the world. Every year they also go to Toyota headquarters to learn the latest hybrid technology. In terms of understanding and development experience of hybrid systems, they are absolutely top-notch in the industry."

"What if we poach these people?"

"Poach them...poach them? Mr. Xu, these people all have non-compete agreements, the cost would be..."

"Hey—time is money! If we can make our next high-end model the best in the industry, the return on investment will far exceed any amount of non-compete compensation!"

...

Xu Yi stroked his chin, pondering for a moment.

Then, to everyone's slightly shocked gaze, he made a decision that showed his "deep pockets".

—Start digging!

They poached Toyota's hybrid team from mainland China.

Not only should we reverse engineer advanced vehicles from our competitors, but it would be best if we could also acquire their hybrid vehicle teams.

Having the experienced team that originally developed this model provide research and development guidance—that's what true reverse engineering looks like!

The Starry Sky S7 is now on the market and sales are performing exceptionally well, resulting in a large influx of funds. Naturally, there are now resources available to do more things.

……

After leaving the R&D center, Xu Yi casually sent a message to the human resources department.

Instruct Fang Ziqiang to contact top headhunting firms in the industry and utilize their resources to uncover relevant talent information.

three days later.

Fang Ziqiang arrived at the office with a smile on his face.

"Mr. Xu, there has been significant progress in the technical talent you requested for the hybrid team at TMEC (Toyota Motor Corporation Research and Development Center)."

Xu Yi: "What do you mean?"

Fang Ziqiang said, "We contacted a total of five people through headhunters. They are all core team members of TMEC. Among them, three are currently employed. They promised to cover the non-compete penalty, increase their salary from the current 120% to 140%, plus project profit sharing rights, and they all agreed."

The departing hybrid engine thermal efficiency engineer was also responsible for the overall development of the fourth-generation Prius engine project. With ten years of team R&D experience, his qualifications and experience make him fully capable of serving as the R&D director of our hybrid team, and able to solve the most critical engine thermal efficiency optimization issues.

"So easy?!" Xu Yi was slightly taken aback.

He never expected that this recruitment would be so efficient.

“We pay well here. Generally, 30% more than the salary is considered very good. Besides, there are quite a few R&D staff in TMEC who are dissatisfied with the status quo, and some have even taken the initiative to jump ship to new forces to seek employment,” Fang Ziqiang said, shaking his head.

After Fang Ziqiang explained, Xu Yi understood.

That's why it was so easy.

to be honest.

The technological research and development of traditional large manufacturers has also reached a bottleneck.

In addition, joint venture car companies are experiencing a talent spillover effect.

Toyota's THS system is now in its fourth generation, and technological iteration is quite slow, making it difficult for engineers within the system to achieve any technical advancement.

Without promotion, there is naturally no technical leadership or improved compensation.

Meanwhile, new energy vehicle companies within the industry, and even domestic car manufacturers that are rapidly developing in China, are offering premiums to poach talent. The annual salary for these hybrid engineers is generally between 30 and 60 yuan, which is a level lower than the current battery R&D experts at Xingchen Automotive, and they are not particularly scarce.

As long as it's not one of the very top-tier groups.

Experienced technical talents can generally be poached if you're willing to spend money and show enough sincerity.

Therefore, not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of talent reserves, joint venture car companies are, to some extent, the true Whampoa Military Academy for their own brand enterprises.

"Regarding the non-compete penalty, I've prepared a few alternative plans for you here. If we don't want to pay compensation, there's still room for maneuver." Fang Ziqiang handed over a paper plan.

Xu Yi looked at it carefully, his expression slightly strange.

He had already factored in the cost of non-compete agreements. Based on a five-person R&D team, the cost of breaching a non-compete agreement would be around two to three million yuan, in addition to a settlement allowance.

But unexpectedly, the HR and finance departments also came up with a series of unorthodox tactics.

It's important to understand that non-compete agreements aren't a panacea.

For any large company, there will always be loopholes to circumvent regulations.

For example, these talents could be placed under the name of an invested subsidiary, or the entire core team could be broken up and placed in completely unrelated companies.

Alternatively, they could first sign a secret holding agreement, allowing the employee to resign and start their own company, with Xingchen taking a stake of less than 10%, and then showering them with money.

If they don't hire someone from their own company, they naturally won't have to pay a penalty for breach of contract.

...

From childhood to adulthood, there are various ways to operate.

"There's no need for that. Unless you have top-tier talent or a large team of hundreds of people, we're a righteous company, so why make a fuss over this small amount of liquidated damages?"

Xu Yi rejected it.

Poaching can be a big deal or a small deal. If you can afford the penalty for breach of contract, then poaching someone is perfectly legitimate.

If you use all sorts of means to poach them and empty their research institute, and then don't even want to pay a penny in breach of contract fees.

That would be disgusting, and people would talk behind your back!

“Yes, Mr. Xu… I just happened to mention it. Our company’s core values ​​are unshakeable!” Fang Ziqiang nodded immediately, his expression becoming both agreeable and righteous.

Of course.

It's almost unnecessary to poach a small team.

However, as a subordinate, if he has ways to save costs, he should still try to inform the boss.

Let's leave this choice to Mr. Xu!
This is true loyalty!!
……

A week later.

Xu Yi first met with two former core R&D personnel from Toyota TMEC.

Because they had already resigned voluntarily, they did not need to go through any formalities, while the other three were still going through the resignation process.

The engineer in the lead was named Chen Zhou. He was the most senior among them and the technical director in charge of leading the development of the hybrid system.

can be seen.

Both of them had rosy cheeks and showed no signs of anxiety about changing jobs; instead, they were filled with anticipation and excitement for the new environment.

no way.

Starry Sky has given us way too much!!

"Mr. Xu, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Hey—I'm so glad to have such outstanding talents like you join us. Welcome to Xingchen Automotive!!"

The two shook hands, and faced with Xu Yi's enthusiastic attitude, they unconsciously developed a lot of goodwill towards Xingchen Company.

Both of the R&D engineers were over thirty-five years old.

After signing the pre-printed employment contract, I immediately felt a strange and indescribable feeling.

How do you say it?

It was like I had inexplicably returned home.

Very friendly.

"Mr. Xu, I've reviewed the company's next-generation range-extended vehicle project. Our thermal efficiency target is 39%, and I've also reviewed the internal structure of the Dong'an engine in advance. Therefore, I've prepared a material improvement plan for a high-compression ratio cylinder block. You can send the document to the department first, along with high-precision cylinder block measuring equipment..."

As soon as he sat down, Chen Zhou, the newly appointed technical director of the hybrid R&D team, couldn't help but speak up.

Switch to working status in seconds.

……

(End of this chapter)