Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

Times have changed!

This was Bai Jianbo's only thought at the moment. The changes of the times are ruthless, and so is the innovation of technology. It will not slow down just because an industry is the livelihood of millions of canal workers.

The emergence of the Snapdragon car not only affected Shanghai Automotive's attitude towards Volkswagen, but also the Volkswagen Group headquarters in Germany. When Volkswagen CEO Joachim asked his subordinates where the Snapdragon came from, no one could answer.

Holding so many advanced technology patents, possessing such top-notch engine technology, and designing such a groundbreaking car model—could a Chinese automobile factory possibly accomplish this?

The final information found directly indicates that Xiaochi Motors is directly controlled by two Americana funds: Dagong Fund and Huasheng Fund. The former is an internal fund of the Americana Hongmen Society, while the latter is held by an Americana Chinese couple named Chen Zaidong.

"Such advanced car design concepts couldn't have been designed by Yang Jihao. Their technology must have a source. Have our people in China sent back any reliable information?"

Paul looked at the division manager. His preconceived notions made it hard for him to accept that such an advanced car design came from an American. If it was designed by a Chinese person, it would be even more unbelievable.

The district manager, reviewing the information he had received that day, hesitated before saying, "According to the limited information we obtained in China, this Xiaochi Automobile company in China was acquired by Huasheng Fund after it optimized and integrated the technology from Saab Automobile in Ruidian, and then transferred it to Xiaochi!"

"They have blatantly violated the COCOM ban. We should sue Huasheng Fund and Saab Automobile, which they control," Paul said with a sneer, as if he had found a sore spot for Snapdragon.

"We're going to sue Saab and Huasheng, and get them stripped of their car import/export licenses in Europe," Ball said, his eyes growing brighter. "Maybe we can use that as leverage to force Huasheng to make concessions!"

The district manager frowned at the excited president. "Mr. Paul, we've checked. When Huasheng Fund acquired Saab, it had already passed the scrutiny of the Swedish government. The technology transfer of Saab was all carried out within the legal framework."

"Furthermore, most of the core technology of Snapdragon cars is patented by themselves, not directly from Saab," the regional manager shrugged. "Saab is now controlled by America Corporation, and his transfer of technology to China will not violate the COCOM ban at all, Mr. Paul!"

"Why?" Paul asked, puzzled, staring wide-eyed at the division manager, wanting a reasonable explanation.

"Because the Americans proposed the 'China Green Line,' or rather, 'China Differential Treatment,' trade relations between China and the United States were restored in 79, with both sides granting each other Most Favored Nation status. Sir, we cannot bypass the American and impose sanctions on the Washington Corporation in the COCOM court!"

"These damn Yang Ji guys, he's the one who shouts for a fight, but he's also the one who lets people go to the tech team," Bohr said, speechless.

In order to contain the expansionist threat from Russia, America had no choice but to adopt the strategy of "allying with China against the Soviet Union." At this time, China and America were in a "honeymoon period." Not to mention automobile technology patents, America was even willing to transfer technologies related to nuclear power plants and fighter jets soon after.

At this critical juncture, if the Volkswagen Group dares to go to Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM) and make a fuss about how an American company has blatantly violated COCOM's ban by secretly transferring various technology patents to China, it would be a blatant slap in the face to the American government.

Given America's politicians' inherent mindset of "if you can't solve the problem, then solve the person who raised it," the Volkswagen Group will likely be destroyed by the powerful American government. It's not just Nelson who has learned to wield the big stick of sanctions.

In the 1980s, the Russians were powerful, but America was not weak. If you jump out now and disrupt the plan, don't blame me for wielding the big stick and restricting your car exports first, giving you a good dressing down.

"Sir, and if we report Saab's technology transfer to COCOM and the Chinese government finds out, then our years-long plan to enter China will be completely wasted, and none of the shareholders will agree to it!"

Like a defeated rooster, Bohr slumped back into his boss's chair. "What technology patents does Xiaochi Motors hold?"

"High-pressure common rail electronic fuel injection technology, active airbag control system, integrated body structure," another manager flipped open the documents in front of him and looked at Paul, "They have applied for global patents in dozens of key areas of automobile manufacturing, which means that in the future we will probably be unable to get around these patents."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Volkswagen Group executives present, including Bohr, all turned green. This was indeed the same old Yang Ji-laoshi's style of doing things: monopolizing the technology, building up technological barriers, and charging exorbitant technology licensing fees.

One trick is all you need to succeed!

"This is impossible," Bohr hurriedly flipped open the documents in front of him. The densely packed patent numbers, technical descriptions, and application dates in the documents were like needles, piercing his eyes.

After a long time, Ball had to admit the truth: the technologies held by Huasheng Fund represented the future direction of automotive technology development in the world for the next few decades. If Volkswagen wanted to bypass the technological barriers held by Huasheng Fund, it would need to invest several times more money, manpower, and time.

The Volkswagen Group is a shareholder-owned company that needs to make a profit. Huasheng Fund has not restricted any company from paying to use these patents. If Ball dares to propose developing his own technology today, the shareholders will definitely kick him out of the Volkswagen Group.

Since there is no legal way to restrict it, and Xiaochi Motors is owned by two funds, Huasheng and Dagong, offending Huasheng will lead to future repercussions.

Then the only option left is legal competition. Thinking this, Paul looked at Thorne, the future regional manager for China, and asked, "Where are our negotiations with Shanghai Automotive Group progressing?"

"Uh! I've already informed our people in China to restart negotiations with Shanghai Automotive, but Bai from Shanghai Automotive doesn't seem to be in a hurry to talk to us," Thorne stammered.

"Change our negotiation strategy with Shanghai Automotive," Paul said, frowning. "The emergence of Xiaochi Motors will definitely give Shanghai Automotive a new idea. We can't delay any longer."

"As for the investment ratio, the Chinese are demanding that we help them localize the production of major components within a few years, and that we provide the latest car models..."

"Agree to their demands!" Paul roared, glaring at Thorne, the division manager. "We're no longer the only option for the Chinese!"