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

Chapter 149 Mr. Xu, you're going too far!
seriously.

If we can produce a truly domestically made, high-end car.

Even if it's only in the 300,000 range.

These are all major breakthroughs for domestically produced cars!
Leaving aside salary and benefits—

The R&D staff present were also filled with excitement!

but--

The L2 assisted driving system is clearly not something that can be achieved by simply "gritting your teeth and stomping your feet".

This is no longer a question of whether or not someone is cheating.

Rather, it involves an extremely large industrial chain.

Mature L2 driver assistance hardware includes: a forward-facing monocular camera, a 77GHz front millimeter-wave radar, a 24GHz rear corner radar, ultrasonic radar, a domain controller, electronic power steering (EPS), and electronic stability control (ESC)...

Suppliers include, but are not limited to: Mobileye, Bosch, Sony, Continental, ZF, etc.

Just by hearing the name, you can tell how valuable it is.

Even a single "EyeQ3 chip" uses a 28-nanometer manufacturing process.

If Xingchen can develop these things independently in a short period of time...

Then there's no need to sell the car.

Selling hardware directly worldwide can transform a company into an industry supply chain giant.

……

"For the L2 hardware, we'll initially use the mature solution from Bosch's joint venture procurement, but we'll be deeply involved in developing the algorithms ourselves..."

We will adapt the driver assistance algorithms to suit domestic roads and make them more compatible with the driving habits of Chinese users.

We will strive to implement the "lane change with turn signal" function.

Even if the algorithm is developed in-house, it's still in-house!

Holding a press conference then will still be a huge publicity opportunity.

Xu Yi made the decision.

—Taking the path of full self-development does not mean that I will not purchase parts from joint ventures.

The inequality is instantly solved!
in fact.

The most crucial element is actually the accumulation of algorithm technology.

at this point.

First, we will gain experience by cooperating with joint venture supply giants.

Based on this, developing our own algorithms will progress very quickly.

Before the meeting.

Xu Yi then had his assistant gather some information.

Currently, domestically developed L2 driver assistance hardware is available.

The two biggest bottlenecks—

The prototype of the domestically produced Senstech "77GHz millimeter-wave radar" has just been released and has not yet reached the mass production stage.

The Horizon Robotics Journey 1 chip, which will replace the EyeQ3 chip, was also rumored before the Lunar New Year, but its actual release is not expected until the end of the fourth quarter.

Horizon Robotics is currently in its Series B funding round, while Senstech is still in its Series A funding round.

Given Xingchen Auto's current sales volume and position, securing a place in the market is a piece of cake.

With just a small investment, they promised to use the "Journey 1 chip" in the domain controller of one of their car models and to purchase a bulk order of "domestic 77GHz radar".

It's no exaggeration to say that they were immediately valued by the other party and regarded as a core strategic shareholder.

present.

Domestic smart hardware suppliers are still in a rather difficult situation.

It's not just that its performance and stability can't compare to joint venture suppliers.

Even the number of orders is difficult to guarantee.

Most of them are still at the critical juncture of going from "0 to 1".

Even if Xingchen Motors only places a purchase order for 50,000 vehicles per year, it would be enough to make the other party drool and cling to its coattails.

Xu Yi didn't mind investing first.

By then.

Then, using order volume as the core bargaining chip, we will conduct in-depth negotiations.

With an order like this carrot, you don't have to worry about the other party not agreeing.

In some ways, a large number of orders for automakers are even more crucial than large-scale financing.

Because intelligent driving chips need to be "installed and tested on a large scale in vehicles" to verify their reliability.

"Real road data" is still needed to further optimize the algorithm.

Millimeter-wave radar requires extensive vehicle testing to solve the interference problem and optimize detection accuracy.

At that time, Xingchen Motors will leverage its own domestically developed supply chain.

It's not just about demanding "priority supply rights".

It also allows for "customized algorithms" and extensive "data sharing".

First, gather all the available autonomous driving algorithms and data.

They have accumulated sufficient technical expertise and connections.

Then, the "Self-developed Intelligent Driving Chip" plan was launched, and the tape-out of high-computing-power chips with a resolution of "500 TOPS" or higher was initiated.

Completely eliminate the dependence of advanced intelligent driving systems on NVIDIA chips.

...

Speaking of intelligent driving chips, Xu Yi also recalled something.

In the next two or three years, it was almost a wave of rise of domestic car companies, with prices ranging from tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan to hundreds of thousands of yuan.

But the result is.

A wave of chip sanctions and supply disruptions nearly broke the backbone of China's domestic automobile industry.

Intelligent driving chip suppliers like Nvidia and Mobileye have taken advantage of the situation to raise prices several times or even ten times, and the key issue is that they still can't get their hands on the chips.

Domestic suppliers like Horizon Robotics were able to grow rapidly thanks to domestic orders.

To avoid this from happening.

Xingchen Automotive's early planning was quite necessary.

……

"Mr. Xu is right, developing algorithms in-house is still developing them in-house!"
At this stage, how many companies in China are capable of independently developing L2 assisted driving algorithms?

Wang Jingming agreed even more!
We'll just announce it at the press conference!
It mainly emphasizes the "self-developed" banner.

If any competitors disagree, they are welcome to bring out their own "self-developed algorithms" for comparison.

...

"In addition, regarding the chassis, we adopt a front double wishbone and rear multi-link structure design."

The high-end version is equipped with CDC variable damping shock absorbers.

In terms of chassis configuration alone, it can completely rival joint venture luxury cars in the 500,000 yuan price range.

Wang Jingming continued.

Compared to the MacPherson strut suspension, which costs 1200 per set in the supply chain.

The procurement cost of a double wishbone suspension is higher, reaching 2500 yuan per set.

It is generally only used in mid-to-high-end models.

The Xingchen S7 and most gasoline cars under 25 yuan use the "MacPherson strut" structure.

One feature worth mentioning is the "CDC variable damping shock absorber." It's definitely a cutting-edge technology in today's market.

The function of this thing is to provide real-time adjustable damping.

It also offers two preset chassis modes, "soft" and "hard," for enhanced driving comfort.

On the joint venture car manufacturers side, those that can be equipped with "CDC shock absorbers" or similar technologies are all at the level of "Mercedes-Benz E-Class", "BMW 5 Series" and "Audi A6".

This includes models like the Lexus GS and Infiniti Q70L, which start at around 400,000 to 500,000 yuan.

Their public relations efforts are incredibly impressive.

Features like "the perfect combination of comfort and handling", "real-time intelligent adjustment within 30ms", and "adaptive suspension" are used.

Similar technologies include the general-purpose "electrohydrodynamic suspension," which also focuses on real-time adjustment and response.

Domestic consumers can only drool with envy.

……

In order to elevate the concept of "high-end".

Xingchen Automotive has included the "CDC variable damping shock absorber" from its joint venture supplier in its procurement list this time.

"In terms of configuration alone, it's sufficient, but I feel... this car is still lacking something more exciting and more touching."

Xu Yi shook his head.

The extended-range SUV they developed is essentially an enhanced version of the Li Auto ONE.

It's definitely better than the Li Auto ONE in every aspect, but not by that much.

It's worth noting that the Li Auto ONE only sold 30,000 units in its first year, but this number grew to 90,000 units in its second year.

Production capacity is one aspect, but the main issue is the lack of absolute market dominance.

"Something even more touching?"

Everyone was stunned.

"That's right. If we're going to go for the high-end market, then we must have the high-end features that the general public recognizes."

CDC shock absorption alone, along with refrigerators, color TVs, and large sofas, isn't enough...

Air suspension is the most suitable choice!

Xu Yi made a startling statement.

As soon as these words came out.

Not only was Wang Jingming bewildered.

Yu Nian, Sun Pengfei, product manager Zeng Daiyan... in short, all the senior executives present.

They were all completely dumbfounded!
hiss--! ! !
"Wow, air suspension?!"

"Mr. Xu, isn't this a bit too extreme...?"

"Currently, only Continental and Weibac supply air suspension in the industry. The purchase price alone is between 15,000 and 20,000 yuan per set, not including the cost of customized R&D. This cost is really..."

……

Compared to a configuration like "CDC variable damping".

The name "air suspension" is well-known both in the industry and among consumers!

For joint venture car companies, this feature is only available in vehicles priced around 80 yuan, not only because of the high purchase price.

The key issue is that the official repair cost for this thing is also high.

In the early years, official after-sales replacements would cost approximately 5 to 10 yuan!
The function it provides is also quite straightforward.

Air suspension can actively adjust the vehicle height, and airbags have a lower vibration transmission rate than steel springs.

It's only around the level of Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series that it's equipped with.

It can be said.

Fifteen years ago, most ordinary consumers thought they would never be able to drive a luxury car with "air suspension" in their lifetime.

Because this thing is notoriously expensive, and it can't be made in China.

However, that's why Xu Yi said that.

There are reasons for that.

Many of the "luxury" and "high-end" features of joint venture car companies are the kind that look extremely "amazing"!
But once it's made in China...

It instantly lowered the class.

Take "air suspension" as an example.

The procurement cost alone is ten to twenty thousand yuan per set.

But who would have thought.

After localization, the cost was reduced to over a thousand yuan per set.

This has led to subsequent car buyers becoming somewhat immune to "air suspension".

But in the present moment.

The phrase "air suspension" is incredibly powerful!

The key is.

The research and development and mass production costs of this thing are actually not high.

It requires significantly less investment than the hardware and algorithms required for intelligent driving systems.

As long as we can develop it ourselves.

It can easily create a "disruptive" publicity effect!

He'd even come up with a slogan: "[The first mass-produced car in China equipped with air suspension]!"
If he remembers correctly, the first NIO ES8 was marketed under this banner.

Its high-end, sophisticated configuration and image have truly impressed a group of wealthy consumers.

A company document appeared on the conference screen.

"The founder of Changchun Konghui is the first academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in the domestic automotive industry. Its main business is to provide automotive chassis technology services to car companies, including Dongfeng, Brilliance, and Wuling..."

Moreover, since last year, they have claimed to be developing their own air suspension system. Currently, they have a team of only 100 people and a registered capital of 4 million yuan.

......"

Xu Yi pointed to the information on the large screen.

In the new energy industry chain a few years later, "Konghui Technology" became a household name and an "industry leader".

They monopolized almost 40% of the domestic air suspension supply.

But today.

Yet it is still a very "struggling" technology company that needs to coordinate the rental of its R&D workshops and is even reluctant to buy foreign production line equipment, so it can only design from scratch.

Its founders and team are very capable.

Not only did they develop electronically controlled suspension prototypes for FAW, they also developed hydropneumatic suspension systems for missile launchers for China Ordnance Equipment Group.

That qualification alone carries a lot of weight.

However, air suspension is a rather expensive system.

It's not a very necessary component in gasoline-powered cars; it's only used in a small number of high-end luxury cars.

Before new energy vehicles have been widely developed, few people are optimistic about the development of this technology.

So what if we develop it? Will it make us a lot of money?

Almost all investors think this way.

They believe that even if they can manufacture it independently, the profit margin will not be large.

Until domestically produced new energy vehicles began to widely adopt "air suspension"!!

……

　Happy Mid-Autumn Festival everyone!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)