2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 455 Jiangcheng Test Drive
Jiangcheng.

Tan Jincheng, a reporter from Dongfeng Motors, looked with great curiosity at the dozens of electric buses displayed in the square. These buses would be delivered to Jiangcheng Bus Group and used as the first batch of electric buses in Jiangcheng.

The delivery of this batch of electric buses also means that our electric vehicles have the capacity for mass production. At the same time, Dongfeng Motor is also the sponsor of the Olympic Committee's electric vehicles, providing electric vehicles for the Olympic Games.

Flash Motors provided two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled simple electric vehicles for the Olympics, while Dongfeng Motors was responsible for electric vehicles. Tan Jincheng shamelessly used the guise of serving the Olympics to reach some technological cooperation with Dongfeng Motors.

These days, they don't bother with fancy names or new energy vehicles; they just call them electric vehicles. Dongfeng Motor's electric vehicle production technology is currently leading in China.

Large state-owned enterprises are actually quite strong. Chery's growth is due to its own efforts, but SAIC's assistance was also very important.

However, state-owned enterprises are quite arrogant these days and generally look down on private enterprises, not even giving them a chance to cooperate. But in the last two years, as the influence of private enterprises has grown stronger, things have improved a little.

FlashTech was able to contact Dongfeng through connections with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. The reason given was quite honest: to learn technology from Dongfeng, even though this technology has absolutely nothing to do with FlashTech's current products.

But the people at the Olympic Organizing Committee don't understand. Since they're using lithium batteries anyway, it's naturally good for them to be able to create better products to serve the Olympics.

With this intermediary connection, Flash was able to reach a certain cooperation with Dongfeng, and the benefit was that Tan Jincheng found a customer for Jinshidai's power batteries.

Jinshidai's power batteries can be used in some of Dongfeng Motor's electric vehicles in the future, and can also be used to test Dongfeng Motor's electric vehicles.

Securing this order from Dongfeng Motor is of great significance to Jinshidai's power battery development. It is far better than playing along with a mediocre company like Zhongtai.

Tan Jincheng realized that after Zhongtai produced two blockbuster models, Ying Jianren had truly tasted the sweetness of acquisitions. In addition to wanting to acquire Fiat, he was also looking around for anything else he could acquire.

I don't know why he would acquire such dilapidated assets. If he could just use one or two of them to start up and enrich his car models, and have something to sell, wouldn't that be enough?

The important thing is to do independent research and development. You can buy all the parts and not the engine, but you still have to have your own appearance design. Even if you copy, you have to copy something with your own characteristics.

This old guy has clearly gone astray. Boss Wang is still very farsighted. Last time he went to Shenzhen, he said that Zhongtai was not a good partner and had no intention of investing in technology. If FlashChe wants to do battery testing, they will have to think of another way.

Tan Jincheng had actually realized this a long time ago, but at the time there were not many good options. Regardless of how Zhongtai operated and developed, its cooperation with Shanchi had always been very pleasant.

The Beicang factory has ready-made cars, and it's easy to dismantle and modify a few. Although the technical capabilities are insufficient, this kind of low-cost testing is what Flashcar needs right now. Let's just make do for now and accumulate experience slowly. Anyway, there's no particular rush.

However, Tan Jincheng cannot place all his hopes on Zhongtai. The cooperation with Dongfeng is the first step, but not the last. In the future, he will cooperate with more car manufacturers.

The stability of battery properties requires multiple tests. Currently, we have two partner manufacturers, one of which can provide support with the most advanced technology, which is already quite good.

This is why a simple delivery ceremony by Dongfeng attracted Tan Jincheng to personally fly over; this delivery represents a qualitative leap for the electric vehicle industry.

The small-scale production here and there is completely different from the mass production of Dongfeng.

It's a pity that Tan Jincheng can't drive this kind of bus; he doesn't have a high-level driver's license. However, Li Yaohui came along too, so he can try it out for Tan Jincheng and record the driving experience.

Dongfeng has not disclosed who provided the battery system for this batch of electric buses, and the four major domestic power battery manufacturers have not revealed any details in this regard. It is possible that Dongfeng developed it on its own.

It would be even better if they developed it themselves. Jinshidai could learn from them; the research and development capabilities of large state-owned enterprises should not be underestimated.

"Mr. Tan, how about we take a ride and experience it? How about we take one and drive around Jiangcheng?" The junior leader in charge of the handover ceremony suggested, seeing that Tan Jincheng was quite interested.

High-ranking officials might look down on Tan Jincheng, but they can't. To be able to hold a minor leadership position in a state-owned enterprise, one must have some sense of responsibility. Was the cooperation between Flashcar and Dongfeng really just a matchmaking effort by the Olympic Organizing Committee? Not necessarily. In other words, why would the Olympic Organizing Committee act as a matchmaker for you? As for sponsors, Flashcar's level isn't particularly high; there are many intricacies involved.

"Is it possible? I've heard that bus drivers in Jiangcheng are different from those in other cities, and seem to be quite unique. I really want to experience it."

"Haha, Mr. Tan's internet speed is really fast, you even know that; then I'll make arrangements for us to go for a tour, and also show Mr. Tan around Jiangcheng. We'll need your help to promote it on Kaixin.com."

"Then I'll trouble you. As for promotion, that's only right. Speaking of which, our brand ambassador for the Fei Yi series is from Jiangcheng, so promoting it is our duty. If possible, I can contact our brand ambassador, Ms. Liu."

"That's great!" The junior leader's eyes lit up.

This matter has nothing to do with him, but being able to get a big star to promote the city at a small event is a testament to his ability. These days, there are examples of celebrities promoting their hometowns for free, but they are not many.

Most of them still need money. Firstly, their mindset hasn't changed, and secondly, this is a good way for them to generate income. After all, Ms. Liu's apparent income last year was only a few million, which isn't considered very wealthy.

She filmed TV series, movies, released records, and did commercial performances for several years, but her net worth was still lower than that of the female student Liu Xiaoli used to look down on. That student's net worth exceeded 100 million in just over a year.

Previously, Ms. Liu Xiaoli did not take Gu Qingqing seriously and would occasionally try to use Tan Jincheng to create a scandal. However, after Orange Technology's Series B financing, this idea completely disappeared from her mind.

In fact, when she first signed the endorsement contract, even Tan Jincheng looked down on her, thinking that she was just a small boss of an electric vehicle company. If it weren't for the generous money and the fact that he was so eager to make his daughter a big star, she might not have agreed to the endorsement.

But now, he can feel the capital pressure brought by Tan Jincheng and Orange Technology managed by Gu Qingqing. This kind of pressure is not something an ordinary star can withstand.

Ms. Liu ultimately ignored Tan Jincheng's advice and tried to use the resources of Da Wang and Xiao Wang to get in touch with the Hong Kong entertainment circle. However, after the movie was filmed, she was tricked again and refused to sign with Da Wang and Xiao Wang's agency.

In the mainland entertainment industry in 2007, the influence of the two kings was absolutely undeniable, something that a layman like a real estate tycoon like you couldn't possibly challenge. Besides, they were in the wrong in this matter, so it's only natural that they were being targeted.

The scandals that plagued Liu Yifei in her past life have returned as expected. However, she is lucky in this life. As the chosen spokesperson for the Fengchi Feiyi series, she has signed a ten-year contract. Tan Jincheng can't control what the entertainment industry does. It's only right that he lets her vent her anger by being slandered.

However, it shouldn't go too far, as this would be an invisible blow to the brand image of the Feiyi series. Tan Jincheng also stepped in when Xiao Liu was being attacked the most.

Old Ma had a good relationship with Da Wang and Xiao Wang, and even invested in their company. Although Tan Jincheng didn't like this guy or Ah Li's way of doing things, they were both within the Zhejiang Province business system, so he wouldn't completely cut ties with him.

Although he didn't meet with Lao Matou in person, Tan Jincheng managed to contact him through an intermediary, asking him to mediate and prevent the negative publicity from damaging the brand image of FlashCheer products.

In addition, he promised that if there are any opportunities in the future, such as for new products under his company, including electric vehicles, clothing, or even if Orange Technology has commercial performance or endorsement needs, he will give priority to the artists under his company.

Personal connections plus mutual benefits can often resolve many issues. Although the two kings were indignant about Liu Xiaoli's actions, they had already committed the crime. Now, a rising star in the business world had asked someone to intercede on their behalf and offered to exchange benefits for her.

That was the end of it. People might still talk about it behind the scenes, but it wouldn't be as bad as it was in the previous life. After all, just considering Tan Jincheng's character and the resources of Flash Group and Orange Technology, he was worth doing a favor for.

Tan Jincheng shielded her from the scandal, and the two Wangs did a good job of currying favor. Without Tan Jincheng saying much, the news reached the mother and daughter. Besides being grateful, they were also surprised by Tan Jincheng's current abilities.

Aside from regular product endorsement contracts and the occasional invitation of celebrities to perform at commercial events, Flash Group and Orange Technology's business have no connection whatsoever with the entertainment industry.

But this seemingly unrelated young man, using his growing network of contacts, saved the mother and daughter from a devastating attack.

It's reasonable to let Xiao Liu promote her hometown for free, right?

(End of this chapter)