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

Chapter 168 Asia's Number One, A Huge Breakthrough

"No problem, this is a piece of cake for me."

"I guarantee you'll get a much cheaper price than through domestic distributors."

Lucas agreed without hesitation.

This was really not a difficult thing for him.

It could even be considered a good thing.

After all, he's the client when he buys equipment from the manufacturer.

Jiang Hui didn't hold back either.

He also sent Lucas all the machine tools he needed, and even some accessories needed for laser cutting equipment.

With the final delivery of these devices, the Wudaoying Parts Factory also made a significant move.

China's first hot stamping production line has officially started production.

The materials were developed in cooperation with Shougang Group, and Jiang Hui directly provided a hot stamping forming solution for aluminum-silicon coating.

Although Europe now also has hot stamping production lines, and these lines are used in some car models for door bumpers and bumper beams.

However, the steel plates used are all uncoated 22MnB5 steel plates.

This type of uncoated hot-stamped steel suffers from drawbacks such as high-temperature oxidation, decarburization, and the need for shot peening, which greatly limits the application of hot stamping technology.

Historically, ArcelorMittal of Europe successfully developed aluminum-silicon coated hot-stamped steel sheets in 1999, which became the benchmark product for hot-stamped steel sheets worldwide for decades to come.

Now that Wudaoying Equipment Factory directly possesses the technology for aluminum-silicon coating, the situation is completely different.

When this technology was shared with Shougang for production, the other party was naturally very enthusiastic.

The patents in China are licensed to Shougang Group free of charge, provided that Shougang Group provides hot-stamped steel plates to Wudaoying Parts Factory at cost price.

However, international patents certainly won't be licensed for free.

This patent alone could bring Jiang Hui at least tens of millions of dollars in revenue in the future, or even more.

"Director An, this is the door anti-collision beam we designed for the BJ212, which uses a domestically pioneering hot stamping forming technology."

"The strength of the parts reaches 1500MPa, which is several times higher than that of the current BJ212."

"It can significantly improve collision safety and help the BJ212 become the first in China, and even the first in Asia."

Products made using hot stamping technology for steel sheets.

From the moment he started investing in the hot stamping production line, Jiang Hui was considering what products it should be used on.

In later generations, even a random car would have dozens of hot-stamped parts, basically covering the entire passenger compartment.

However, the current situation is far from reaching that point.

To ensure the fastest possible acceptance, the best approach is to adopt the door anti-collision bars and bumper beams that are already widely used by European automakers.

The door anti-collision bar has the simplest structure.

It's basically just a simple long strip.

This can greatly reduce the difficulty of mold processing and improve processing efficiency.

"Director Jiang, can the tensile strength of these hot-stamped parts really reach 1500 MPa?"

An Qinghe never expected that after several months, when he met Jiang Hui again, it would be to inspect their hot stamping production line.

"Yes, this technology is currently being used by some car companies in Europe, but it will definitely be rapidly rolled out globally in the future."

"In particular, our collaboration with Shougang Group to pioneer hot stamping steel plates will definitely accelerate the development of this technology."

Jiang Hui has great confidence in the technology of aluminum-silicon coated steel plates.

To promote this technology, he was even willing to license it to Shougang Group for free within China.

However, if Shougang wants to export this type of steel plate, it will need to pay a patent royalty of up to 10%.

Of course, even if you pay a 10% patent fee, you don't need to worry about not having a market.

Jiang Hui plans to take Shougang's people with him to personally explore this market next.

This also makes it easier for him to maximize the value of the aluminum-silicon coating patents he holds.

He was hoping to use these things to obtain more funds in preparation for entering the automotive industry in the future.

You need to understand that without hundreds of millions of yuan in start-up capital, you'll be restricted in everything you do in the automotive industry.

This did not meet Jiang Hui's expectations.

"Based on your description, are the hot-stamped parts you're currently producing the most technologically advanced in the world?"

An Qinghe confirmed it once again.

According to his understanding, the domestic automobile industry cannot achieve global leadership in any aspect.

Being able to narrow the gap with the international advanced level is already a remarkable achievement.

Now, when Jiang Hui says they've developed the world's most advanced technology, he's a little skeptical.

"That's right, that's exactly it."

"My next step is to contact various car companies such as Ford, Volkswagen, and Volvo to recommend our hot-stamped parts to them."

"They had used hot-stamped parts before, and after comparing the two, they were even more aware of our advantages."

"Whether it's the heating furnace exclusively developed by Wudaoying Equipment Factory, the hydraulic press they specially produced for hot stamping forming process, or the laser cutting machine we developed on our own, the technology is unique."

"In the niche field of hot stamping, our equipment is also among the world's leading, and we may be able to export it overseas in the future."

Jiang Hui went to OEMs to recommend his hot stamping technology, but his main purpose was actually to sell steel plates and equipment.

Selling parts is actually quite difficult in the short term.

After all, shipping from China takes too long, which many OEMs may not be able to accept.

Even if it's acceptable, this rate of making money certainly can't keep up with selling equipment or steel.

It's important to know that Shougang Group has to pay patent fees for the hot-stamped steel sheets they sell.

Jiang Hui even planned to use his company in Gangcheng to directly purchase hot-stamped steel plates from Shougang and then resell them to manufacturers in Europe.

In this way, we can obtain more profits.

"If this hot-stamped part is really that good after we test it, then it will definitely be used on the BJ212."

"But the cost of this part must be much higher, right?"

After visiting the hot stamping production line, An Qinghe could feel the complexity of the process without Jiang Hui saying anything more.

It requires both heating and laser cutting, so only a few parts can be produced per minute.

The cost will definitely be much higher than the original cold stamping.

"The cost is definitely much higher than the original parts, after all, we have added a lot of processes to achieve the ultra-high strength of 1500MPa."

"But we only need to bear the cost increase of a few hundred yuan per car to gain another core selling point."

"In today's market-oriented world, I think it's very meaningful."

Upon hearing Jiang Hui's words, An Qinghe couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Since this spring, the pace of marketization in all sectors of China has accelerated significantly.

The number of joint venture car companies in China has increased by several.

FAW-Volkswagen was established last year.

Shenlong Automobile was also established this year.

It is foreseeable that competition in the domestic automobile market will become even more intense in the future.

"No problem. I agree to use this door bumper in principle. The purchasing department and quality department need to coordinate with you on the specifics."

Having considered the pros and cons, An Qinghe quickly made a decision.

Key selling points.

This is something that the BJ212 is very lacking.

Jiang Hui had really hit the nail on the head.

Having settled things with BAIC Motor, Jiang Hui immediately began contacting Volkswagen in Shanghai.

"Minister Wang, congratulations on your promotion."

Wang Huiliang is the purchasing manager at Shanghai Volkswagen. Jiang Hui had dealings with him many years ago.

The other party has now been promoted from senior manager to minister.

Meanwhile, Liu Yongjun, the original department head, was successfully promoted to deputy general manager.

This is definitely a good thing for Jiang Hui.

Having acquaintances makes things much easier.

"Director Jiang, I heard that your motorcycle factory's business has been developing very rapidly this year, and you've already sold your products to Europe?"

"I've seen your news in the newspapers several times."

Wang Huiliang also treated Jiang Hui very well.

Many people assume that when Party A sees Party B, their attitude will definitely be aggressive.

In fact, this is not the case in most situations.

Especially when facing a powerful private business owner like Jiang Hui, Wang Huiliang would be even less likely to be so lacking in emotional intelligence.

Of course, relationships definitely require effort and maintenance.

"Thanks to you, business has been pretty good this year."

"After years of accumulation, this year our factory's various businesses have ushered in a period of great success."

"That's why I'm here today to report to you on the hot stamping forming technology that has been put into production at the Wudaoying Parts Factory."

"In Europe, I heard that Volkswagen will use hot stamping technology for the door anti-collision beams and front reinforcement plates on the new generation Passat B5 model."

"We are currently looking for suitable suppliers. I think we can also consider making some targeted upgrades to the Santana models sold by Volkswagen in Shanghai."

Upon hearing Jiang Hui's words, Wang Huiliang immediately became interested.

"As far as I know, the new generation Passat will not go into production until 1996, so it should still be in the early stages of development now."

"You found out about the technology used in this car so quickly?"

Although Shanghai Volkswagen has no plans to introduce new platform products from Volkswagen in the short term.

After all, the Santana already has enough competitiveness in China, and Volkswagen in Shanghai is not willing to give up so quickly after finally increasing its localization rate.

The speed at which car models were updated at that time was incomparable to that of later generations.

A car model won't be easily replaced unless it's been in production for five or ten years.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that the investment cost of upgrading is very large.

"Hot stamping technology is a relatively popular advanced technology in the global automotive industry."

"All car companies are trying this, and Volkswagen is no exception."

"However, Volkswagen itself does not possess this technology, so it needs to communicate with suppliers."

"As the first hot stamping forming manufacturer in Asia, we certainly pay close attention to industry trends."

Jiang Hui didn't intend to tell Wang Huiliang too much about intelligence, because the more he said, the more loopholes there would be.

It would be better to gloss over it briefly and then shift the focus to the direction you want to take.

Fortunately, Wang Huiliang didn't dwell on it.

"The rapid development of China's auto parts industry in recent years is inseparable from your factory's contributions."

"I didn't expect you to have moved from localization work to the innovation of new technologies so quickly."

"That's amazing!"

As a seasoned purchasing agent for Volkswagen in Shanghai, Wang Huiliang has an excellent understanding of the domestic automotive industry.

Not to mention the overall weakness of the vehicle, the strength of its parts is even weaker.

In particular, the gap between our automotive parts and components capabilities and those of international giants is too large.

Otherwise, the most important task for Volkswagen in Shanghai over the years wouldn't have been the localization of various parts of the Santana.

Even in the next few years, the localization of various parts of the Santana will remain a priority.

To achieve 100% domestic production, it is estimated that it will be impossible to do so even in another ten years.

"You flatter me, Mr. Wang. It's mainly because Shanghai Volkswagen has given us many opportunities. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to keep developing new technologies."

"Our breakthrough in hot stamping technology this time is also thanks to the continued support from Shanghai Volkswagen."

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Although this matter may seem to have little to do with the general public in Shanghai, if one were to insist on drawing a connection, it could certainly be made.

Today we're here to visit Wang Huiliang, so naturally we should make sure he feels involved.

Sure enough, Wang Huiliang was in a good mood after hearing this.

This logic, however weak, is still somewhat plausible.

Without the numerous orders from Shanghai Volkswagen to the Wudaoying parts factory, the factory certainly wouldn't have been able to grow and expand.

"If we're going to replace the Santana with new technology parts, this would be a completely new breakthrough for us."

"I need to speak with experts from Volkswagen."

"However, if your technology is really that good, I can recommend your factory to Volkswagen."

"Maybe they'll be very interested."

When Wang Huiliang said that, Jiang Hui naturally seized the opportunity to climb up the ladder.

"Thank you so much! This means so much to our factory."

This was one of the key purposes of Jiang Hui's visit.

Although you can contact Volkswagen through Lucas, it's definitely not as direct and fast as the recommendation from Volkswagen in Shanghai.

At this point, whether or not the Santana uses hot stamping technology is no longer the most crucial issue.

"I'll wait a minute, I'll go talk to my partner."

Wang Huiliang is also very efficient and decisive in his work.

In addition to him, the minister in charge of procurement at Volkswagen's Shanghai branch, there was also a Volkswagen representative stationed there to jointly manage the business.

However, he usually doesn't get involved too much.

After Wang Huiliang finished talking to him about hot stamping parts, he was indeed very interested.

Others might not know the headquarters' attitude towards hot stamping technology parts, but how could he not know?

This technology is arguably the most watched technology in the field of vehicle body parts.

It not only relates to compliance with collision regulations and lightweighting, but is also closely related to future development trends.

So he immediately followed Wang Huiliang to the conference room to meet Jiang Hui.