Reborn in 1982: I Became the Richest Man by Repairing Cars

Chapter 165 Wealthy Retirees: Amazing Purchasing Power

By 1992, most World War II veterans were around 70 years old.

Of course, some of them have already passed away.

According to some organizations, there are approximately 500 million veterans in Europe.

More than one million of them are in Germany.

For a country like China, which counts its population in units of 10 billion, 100 million people doesn't seem like much.

However, for Germany, one million people is definitely a very large number.

In particular, these 100 million people are mostly high-income retirees, and their influence is considerable.

Since confirming his collaboration with Jiang Hui, Lucas has done a lot of work.

So, after the first batch of 200 J71 motorcycles arrived, he specially asked his uncle Thomas, a senior member of the Veterans Association, to invite hundreds of local veterans in Munich to participate in the "World War II Classic Motorcycle Appreciation Event".

With this title, there's no need to worry about people not being interested in this event.

As for whether the J71 is a classic motorcycle from World War II, that depends on how you interpret it.

Although the motorcycle is new, its design is definitely that of a classic BMW R71 from World War II.

No one can deny this.

"Lucas, it seems you haven't wasted those years in China. I think this promotion of the J71 could very well become a milestone in our family's development."

Although Thomas has retired, he is still very concerned about the development of the family business.

He also greatly admires his nephew.

He was busy with everything at this "World War II Classic Motorcycle Appreciation Event".

It's all being done for free.

"Yes, Jiang Hui, I've known him for many years. He's the most special person I know among all the Chinese people I know."

"In him, I see the shadow of Karl Benz, the traces of Henry Ford, and I also think of Soichiro Honda."

"In the future, he will definitely be an outstanding figure in the Chinese business community, and even the world business community."

"I think it's worthwhile to treat him well when we're working together."

This wasn't the first time Lucas had mentioned Jiang Hui to his uncle.

"Since you're so optimistic about it, then let's cooperate on the J-71 without any problems."

"We will not keep a single penny of the profits that should be shared."

"This collaboration deepens mutual trust, and there should be more opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Thomas is not the kind of short-sighted person.

Since his nephew is so optimistic about Jiang Hui's future, he will definitely support him.

"Yes, that's what I thought too."

"Now China is further promoting reforms and vigorously encouraging economic development."

"I feel that Jiang Hui's company is about to usher in a new round of rapid development."

"Although his net worth is far less than ours now, in ten years, we might be far less wealthy than him."

It must be said that as a former third secretary at the German Embassy, ​​Lucas spent nearly ten years in China and was very familiar with the situation there.

Many of his judgments were also very prescient.

This fact foreshadows that his future wealth will not be small.

It was precisely because of this judgment that he readily agreed when Jiang Hui approached him about cooperation.

The two sides reached a consensus on the various ways of operating the joint venture without even any arguments.

This kind of tacit understanding is also very rare.

Dealing with smart people is much less stressful.

"The guests are almost here."

"Let's show everyone your J71 today."

As guests began to appear one after another at the manor gate, Thomas led Lucas to greet them.

"Hey Thomas, you've gotten more and more energetic in the months I haven't seen you."

Wolfgang, you are as young as ever; you don't look 75 at all.

After a series of pleasantries, the "World War II Classic Motorcycle Appreciation Event" officially began.

"Lucas, where did you get these brand-new R71s?"

"They're bringing out so many R71s at once; there aren't that many in all of Munich, are there?"

When Lucas opened the warehouse door, a line of brand-new J71s appeared before everyone.

This immediately caused a huge reaction.

Wolfgang was a driver of a BMW R71 back in the day, and he even drove it to Poland.

Seeing the R71 in its brand-new condition again today fills him with immense excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the star of our tasting event today, the J71 from China."

"It perfectly replicates the design of the BMW R71 and incorporates upgrades to the engine and emission system to reflect modern advancements."

"Ensure compliance with current regulations and usage habits."

"Everyone can go and experience it first."

Lucas did not hide the fact that the motorcycle was from China.

After all, it's impossible to hide this information.

If you say these are all R71s left over from back then, no one will believe you.

"A J-71 from China?"

Wolfgang went over first and circled the tricycle for a long time.

"It does look exactly like the BMW R71 I rode in back then, and it looks just like the R71 that I have in my collection at home, only it's a bit newer."

Bernd is the president of the Munich Veterans Association and is naturally a seasoned R71 enthusiast.

"Berndl, Wolfgang, you two try it out first and see if you like it."

Thomas, beaming, invited his two old friends to take a test drive.

The estate is so big, it's very convenient for everyone to test drive inside.

Soon, a group of old children started driving or riding in the J71 and went wild around the manor.

"Thomas, is this the nephew Lucas you were talking about?"

Bernd was in a very good mood after having a great time.

"That's right. He used to work in China, but he came back last year to take over the family business."

The group continued chatting.

However, Wolfgang couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Thomas, how much would it cost to buy a motorcycle like this?"

Clearly, everyone knows the purpose of this tasting event.

However, since Lucas didn't make it public, everyone else refrained from asking.

"I originally wanted to sell it for 1 marks, but then I thought about how this car was a source of hope for many people."

"I hope more people can own it, so I'm finally going to sell it for 5000 marks."

"For just 5000 marks, you can own a brand new R71."

"This is absolutely a very valuable thing."

Seeing the enthusiastic response, Lucas temporarily raised the price.

The price of 5000 marks is equivalent to about 20,000 yuan, which is 30% more expensive than the previously planned 15000 yuan.

As a result, Lucas and Jiang Hui's profits naturally increased.

"5000 marks?"

"No problem, I'll take one!"

No sooner had Wolfgang finished speaking than others chimed in.

"Give me one too, the one I just test drove."

"If I pay now, can I ride away right away?"

"I want one too!"

With everyone chiming in, a buying frenzy quickly ensued.

The veteran, who was initially hesitant, became a little anxious when he saw that there were more people than motorcycles at the scene.

As a result, all 200 J71 three-wheeled motorcycles that Lucas had prepared were sold out in less than half a day.

Some veterans who hadn't managed to snag a shipment even chased after him, asking when a new batch would arrive.

This made Lucas extremely happy.

He asked everyone to register their information and promised to contact them first when the next batch of goods arrived.

"Jiang Hui, the warehouse is already full of J71s. Our working capital is basically tied up in them."

"Although most of the payments to suppliers won't be made until next month, once they do, we'll have no money left in our accounts."

Lin Wanqiu is no longer going to work; instead, she is helping Jiang Hui at the factory.

As the boss's wife, Jiang Hui directly put Lin Wanqiu in charge of the financial affairs.

This is also the most critical and sensitive business.

He felt most at ease entrusting the matter to Lin Wanqiu.

"It's alright, just keep producing, it will get better soon."

Although there are only a little over a thousand J71s, they have already tied up several million dollars in funds.

Jiang Hui's current net worth is certainly more than a few million yuan, but liquid assets and net worth are two different things.

The funds tied up in more than a thousand J71s have almost depleted its working capital.

Or rather, it's about to run out.

"If we can't sell them, we'll suffer huge losses."

"All the money I've earned over the years might be lost."

Lin Wanqiu was still very worried.

After all, seeing rows of motorcycles sitting in the warehouse made her genuinely worried.

In particular, she also knew that the J71 was actually the domestic Changjiang 750, a motorcycle that many factories could produce.

Jianghui Motorcycle Factory's advantages are not obvious at all.

"No, the J71 has a promising future in the European veterans' market."

"If we don't prepare some inventory in advance, it would be a pity if our production capacity couldn't keep up and we missed the opportunity to make money."

Upon hearing Jiang Hui's words, Lin Wanqiu wanted to refute them, but ultimately opened her mouth and said nothing.

She still had confidence in Jiang Hui's judgment.

Since Jiang Hui was so certain about it, she chose to continue believing in him.

However, just as the two of them finished discussing this topic, the phone rang at the factory.

Jiang Hui answered the phone quickly.

"Jiang, I have good news for you. Our first batch of motorcycles has all been sold."

"I sold them directly for 5000 marks each."

After some effort, Lucas finally got through on his international call.

Upon hearing Jiang Hui's voice, he couldn't help but share his joy with Jiang Hui.

After all, his past success was due to his family's success, and had little to do with his personal efforts.

But this time the situation is different.

He secured this deal entirely on his own.

In the future, there will definitely be far fewer people in the family business who will disobey him.

"Didn't you just arrive in Hong Kong a few days ago?"

Jiang Hui anticipated that his batch of motorcycles was targeting the market of World War II veterans, and that he was sure he would be able to sell a batch.

But he was still a little surprised by the sales.

Although there must have been some special reasons, it all proves that the path I chose was the right one.

Even if we don't expect to sell a large quantity in Munich later, the Munich market is not that big anymore.

Considering the entire European market, the sales performance of the J71 is highly anticipated.

It seems that continuously increasing the production capacity of the motorcycle factory during this period was definitely the right thing to do.

"Yes, they were all sold out in one day, and I also registered 122 potential orders."

"Based on my estimate, at least another 1000 cars can be sold in Munich."

"Selling 1 units in the entire German market is absolutely no problem."

"You need to increase your motorcycle production capacity as soon as possible."

Seeing such a great opportunity to make money, Lucas certainly didn't want to miss it.

He makes a profit of about a thousand marks for every motorcycle he sells.

1 vehicles would cost over 1 million marks.

Even in Germany, this would be a considerable fortune.

Not to mention that he believes the J71's sales in Europe are far more than 1 units.

He also worries that once this market is discovered by others, they will quickly compete with him.

"Don't worry, our production capacity here has increased significantly."

"Next time, instead of sending 200 units, we can send 1000 units directly."

"If needed, I can ship 1000 units every week."

After Jiang Hui said that, Lucas was completely relieved.

These wealthy retirees have astonishing purchasing power.

It's heartbreaking to watch money slip through your fingers without enough stock.

"Then send over all the goods from your factory first."

"The sales revenue from the first batch of 200 vehicles will serve as advance payment for this shipment. I will arrange for someone to transfer the funds to your factory's account tomorrow."

Without any hesitation, Lucas began to scale up his business.

Such good things are often most profitable at the beginning.

Once others follow suit, the price will likely drop rapidly from 5000 marks to 4000 marks, or even 3000 marks.

It is even possible that it will decrease further in the future.

Back then, selling several cars didn't generate as much profit as selling just one car now.

Lucas would definitely do everything he could to avoid such a situation from happening.

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Hui immediately shared the news with Lin Wanqiu.

"Is that exaggerated?"

"Is it going so smoothly right from the start?"

Although Lin Wanqiu was quite confident in Jiang Hui's judgment, she was still a little surprised to see the sales were so booming.

"That's right, the purchasing power of those WWII veterans in Germany is just too high."

"Fortunately, our factory was prepared, and we already have more than a thousand units in stock in the warehouse."

"A large sum of money will be coming in very soon."

Jiang Hui is in a very good mood right now.

After all, predictions are one thing, but when they actually succeed, the feeling is quite different.

"Great, I don't have to worry about not having money in my account anymore."

"Those J71s in the warehouse will soon be converted into cash, and our factory's scale will immediately reach a whole new level."

Lin Wanqiu breathed a sigh of relief.

Jianghui Motorcycle Factory is truly entering a completely new phase.

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