A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 93: Drag him into the water?
Back at the Changjiang Motors headquarters, Chen Guangliang looked at the information on the "taxi industry" recently sent by Li Chao, He Xiangdong and others.

The first truly professional taxi company in Shanghai was the Oriental Automobile Company, which was established in August 1911. Its dealership was located on Nanjing Road and its headquarters was located on Sichuan Road. It mainly used French Renault cars.

As urban roads improved and living standards continued to rise, the number of cars used by Shanghai residents also increased, with Chinese becoming the primary consumers. This growing demand fueled a boom in the taxi industry. According to the 1922 edition of the Shanghai Guide, there were 1921 taxi companies in Shanghai in 24, a figure that grew to 1926 by 51. By this year (1928), Shanghai was completely flooded with taxis, with an estimated 500 vehicles.

In Shanghai's taxi industry, four major companies are prominent: Xiangsheng, Yunfei, Tailai, and Yinhe Automobile Company. Yunfei and Tailai are foreign-owned, while Yinhe and Xiangsheng are Chinese-owned. Competition for business is fierce between these two groups.

Of course, at that time, Xiangsheng Taxi had only a little over 20 vehicles, and the other three major taxi companies were of similar size, and were far less powerful than in later generations.

Regarding fares: A one-hour taxi ride costs 15 or 20 yuan (silver dollars). A one-hour taxi ride costs 4.5 or 6 yuan. The speed is generally - miles per hour, which means the fare is - yuan per hour, which is basically the same as the fare calculated by mileage.

However, it should be pointed out that fuel was very expensive in that era, costing 0.5-0.6 yuan per liter, so taxis could not run empty. They all waited at a fixed location, and then the passengers called to make an appointment for a visit - the overall process was somewhat similar to the taxi-hailing software of later generations.

Of course, a taxi can also run a "shady taxi" business. No phone is needed; all it needs to do is wait at a popular location, arrange for two drivers to pick up passengers, and it's off to the races. This doesn't require a license, so it's called a "shaokan" (illegally parking on the side of the road to solicit passengers).

After reading these materials, Chen Guangliang began to think.

They are very familiar with Changjiang Car Dealership for running illegal cars and doing "dumping" business, so they can choose to start with a used car and gradually become familiar with the development of this industry.

Although the taxi industry may not be as profitable as the rickshaw industry, Chen Guangliang knows one thing - he also needs a taxi fleet. The first reason is convenience, the second is the extension of the rickshaw industry, and the third is an advanced intelligence network.

Next, Chen Guangliang called He Xiangdong into his office and said, "Let's investigate. Especially let the drivers gather information to see where the 'pick-up' business is better. We'll buy a car later and try it out. We must be well prepared."

He Xiangdong was feeling a bit excited and immediately replied, "Well, we've done some preliminary research and found that the Hongkou and Jiangwan areas are more suitable for the 'posting business'. There are fewer patrol officers this generation and the inspections are less strict. We'll continue to work out a detailed plan and be more fully prepared!"

"Well, that's right. The key is to learn from experience, because we're just trying to buy a used car first. We'll definitely have to invest more than this later."

"Yes, boss"

In fact, even with the development in the past two years, Chen Guangliang would not blindly expand the taxi business. He mainly waited until around 1930 and took advantage of the exchange rate of the US dollar to silver to gain greater development opportunities.

Zhou Xinggao arrived at Chen Guangliang's office and reported, "Boss, the car dealership alliance seems to have reached a compromise. Many small dealerships have offered to give Gu's dealership a 10% commission, and Gu's dealership has also said it will let bygones be bygones. I hear only Feng's dealership and a few other mid-sized dealerships haven't made a statement yet. It looks like this situation is almost settled!"

From the beginning, an alliance of more than 20 car dealerships protested against the high collection rate of Gu’s Car Dealership. At that time, Gu Zhuxuan was even overwhelmed and was in a weak position for a while.

Therefore, Gu Zhuxuan had to rely on Chen Guangliang, and then deal with the two leading car dealerships, Han's Car Dealership and Zhigao Car Dealership. Now the two sides have reached a "equally matched" situation.

Because Gu Zhuxuan knew that car dealership owners like Han Yanbao and Wu Guangpeng, like him, came from gangster backgrounds, and if they were forced into a corner, they would definitely take risks.

Next, Gu Zhuxuan got a capable assistant - Tang Jiapeng. This man was talented and ruthless. He quickly attacked and suppressed a number of small car dealerships, making them unable to raise their heads. Since then, the "Car Dealer Alliance" has been in name only.

In just two months, so many things happened in the small rickshaw industry, which is really sigh-worthy.

"Do you think it will have a big impact on us?" Chen Guangliang tested.

After a moment of thought, Zhou Xinggao said, "Actually, a fight between them would be the best for us. After all, we could take advantage of it to expand. Now that everyone's gone silent, it means two things: First, Gu Zhuxuan will try to suppress us. After all, he doesn't want anyone to threaten his position in the industry. Second, the number of car dealerships or license plates being sold will decrease, making it more difficult for us to add new licenses."

Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction, "You're a good thinker and have learned to use your brain. However, I think Feng Jingtao is a difficult person to compromise with, so those mid-range car dealerships will continue to pretend to comply. Next, it will depend on Tang Jiapeng to find out what means he can use to bring them to heel! In addition, after this incident, and with the price of a large-scale license plate soaring to 400 yuan, the sale and rental of license plates will theoretically be very active. Therefore, our chances will be very low, and your security team must provide good protection."

"Yes, Boss. Our security team is very loyal to you and the company. We guarantee they will be of use at any time."

Zhou Xinggao knew his boss was a master at winning people over, but the recent "military training" had made him even more impressed. Everyone was talking about things like "hoping to be promoted to Silver Bodyguard one day," "making great achievements," and "retiring and receiving a pension in ten or twenty years." Their loyalty to the company was undeniable.

Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction: "Okay, I will continue to train with you all in the next two months. After the security company is established, its scale will continue to expand, and there will be many opportunities for everyone."

"Um"

Chen Guangliang only now understands that the more car dealerships he runs, the higher the operating costs will be. 4% was enough before, but now it requires almost 7-8% because he has more people to employ.

Of course, he usually takes out 10% to 12% for the operation of the car dealership, and the excess funds are kept in the account or invested in illegal cars.

Of course, he employs quite a few people, many of whom serve him personally and for his other careers.

Chen Guangliang, dressed in a gray suit, a woolen coat, and a top hat, rode a rickshaw toward the French Concession. Despite the biting cold of March, he remained elegant and graceful.

After arriving at the French Concession, he walked into a teahouse and was then led by a waiter to a private room.

"Boss Chen"

"Boss Han, Boss Wu, Boss Feng"

The private room was filled with owners of medium-sized rickshaw shops, including several owners who had previously had grudges against Chen Guangliang.

But yesterday's enemies have to become friends today.

Things are unpredictable!

It was simply because there was a more powerful enemy that everyone sat together. After everyone sat down, they immediately started discussing.

Han Yanbao immediately said angrily, "Boss Chen, your promise is not true. Now Gu's car dealership asked our two dealerships to provide us with the vehicle information. It seems that they want to continue to draw the number as usual!"

Feng Jingtao sneered at the side, meaning that if he had known this earlier, he wouldn't have done it in the first place.

If they had united at the beginning, they would not be at a complete disadvantage now.

Chen Guangliang was stunned, then thought of something and said, "Who told you that?"

Han Yanbao immediately said, "It's a man named Tang Jiapeng. He's very assertive and said he's now the head of Gu's Car Dealership!"

It was him!

"Ah," Chen Guangliang sighed and said, "I didn't expect what happened today. Tang Jiapeng is a ruthless and talented man. He's only been with Gu's Car Dealership for less than two months. Most of what's happened to you recently is related to him. He's very difficult to deal with."

Everyone's faces turned ugly when they heard Chen Guangliang's comments.

Feng Jingtao couldn't help but ask, "Is this person so powerful?"

He knew Chen Guangliang a little bit and thought he was a powerful enough figure, but he didn't expect Chen Guangliang to be so "afraid" of Tang Jiapeng.

Chen Guangliang nodded and said, "This man's nickname is Xiao Erzi. His ancestral home is Yancheng in northern Jiangsu. He grew up in Shanghai and relied on his uncle Tang Damazi for support. It's said that the Tang family has a relationship with Gu Zhuxuan. So Tang Damazi, as a fellow townsman, asked Gu to help his nephew. So, Tang Jiapeng went to Gu's house to ask for food. People like him are happy to fight and compete to get ahead, unlike us who have more or less many concerns."

Everyone nodded. After all, they had families and careers, so they always left a way out when doing things.

At this time, Feng Jingtao stood up and said, "Everyone, at this point, if we don't work together, are we going to have the heart to pay a full 10% of our sales?"

At this time, there were only a few medium-sized rickshaw companies (with more than 200 rickshaws) left in this alliance. The rest of the small rickshaw companies had all surrendered and reported their information, and then the company took a 10% cut.

Han Yanbao looked at Chen Guangliang wisely and said, "Boss Chen, are you also willing to take 10%?"

The implication is that they hope Chen Guangliang will join them, so that their methods may not be inferior to Gu Zhuxuan's.

There were seven middle-class rickshaw companies present today, with a total of over 1500 rickshaws, and their influence even surpassed that of Gu's. But in reality, no one could compare to Gu Zhuxuan in terms of influence or available personnel.

Chen Guangliang then said, "Everyone, although I was also pressured by Tang Jiapeng, I actually have some cooperation with Gu Zhuxuan, so the draw can be delayed for a year or two. But don't worry, no matter how confused I am, I will not stand on Gu Zhuxuan's side to deal with you. Therefore, considering my personal interests, I will not get involved in this matter at this time."

Then he offered to leave!

Unexpectedly, Han Yanbao grabbed Chen Guangliang and said, "Boss Chen, it doesn't matter if you don't participate. Then please listen to our opinions. We trust you very much!"

Drag him into the water?

Chen Guangliang was not very afraid. As long as he did not openly oppose Gu Zhuxuan, everything would be fine.

What's more, Chen Guangliang actually hopes to get everyone's support one day so that he can take the position of vice president of the "Rickshaw Merchants Association".

"Then let me listen!"

Then, Han Yanbao said, "My opinion is - let's talk about the numbers. Let's all get together and go talk to Mr. Gu in person. 5% is pretty good. Each car dealership pays two or three thousand dollars, and together we'll pay him tens of thousands of dollars a year."

It can be said that they never took more than 5% because the car dealership had too much business and they were not taking profit.

Feng Jingtao said: "I'm afraid he might not agree!"

"Try it!"

"Okay, let's unite once again, this time just to talk about numbers. It has to be 5%, otherwise it will be hard for us to accept."

"it is good"

After Chen Guangliang left, he thought about everyone's response and felt that it was unlikely to make sense.

Although the six car dealerships are now of considerable size, their power has weakened a lot. First, the small car dealership has surrendered, second, Gu Zhuxuan has gained a new talent, and finally, the confrontation that took place some time ago.

Of course, Chen Guangliang still hopes that this "alliance" can continue to fight with Gu Zhuxuan, so that he can have more opportunities.

The so-called 'opportunity' has two aspects:
First, it is an opportunity to fish in troubled waters. In the case of a "brawl", some car dealership owners may not want to get involved and sell their license plates. This is an opportunity for Changjiang Car Dealership to expand.

Second, Gu Zhuxuan was busy fighting with other car dealerships and naturally had no time to care about Chen Guangliang, which gave Changjiang Car Dealership an opportunity to rise.

(End of this chapter)