Chapter 584: Saving TCL
After a brief thought, Lu Yiming smiled and said, "Electric bicycles are a new thing. We are mainly targeting young people, so we should give them a simple, easy-to-understand and catchy name."
After hearing this, Lu Ding immediately looked disgusted and complained: "Your name is not domineering at all, it's even a bit dramatic."
Lu Yiming quickly explained, "Xiaolu Electric, Lu and Lu are homophones, and we registered a deer pattern on our trademark, which makes it easy to pronounce and leave a deep impression on people. In addition, our product design also leans towards the cute and deer style. We especially want to attract young users who have just entered the workforce and have a rigid demand for travel. Domineering is nothing compared to cuteness."
Lu Ding immediately made the decision and said, "Okay, let's do as you say."
The father and son were talking when they saw a man walk in.
"Mr. Lu..."
When Shi Jinhua arrived at the door, he was slightly startled. Seeing that Lu Yiming and Lu Ding were both looking at him, he quickly said, "What a coincidence, Mr. Lu is here too."
Lu Yiming asked curiously, "Why did you come to see my dad? Dad, do you have any new moves?"
Lu Ding said: "I applied for a piece of land before."
Shi Jinhua smiled and said, "The approval has come down. The higher-ups have approved it, but they require that construction must begin within three months."
The official requirements are actually very normal. When you apply for state-owned land use rights, the government approves them so that you can create GDP immediately. Of course, they will not allow you to hold on to the land and wait for a higher price. It is said that the buyer is not as smart as the seller. In this land of China, no matter how big your company is, you can never outsmart the country.
Talking about Lu Ding, Shi Jinhua looked at Lu Yiming with a resentful expression, like a punching bag who was abandoned after being seduced: "I say, Mr. Lu, the chip laboratory is such a big project, why don't you consider Baiyun City? This is your hometown where you were born and raised."
An investment of tens of billions of yuan, if it were to be implemented in Baiyun, not to mention the entire urban area, the entire upstream and downstream industries of Guangdong Province would be boosted, how much benefit would it create? How much more tax revenue would it generate?
Lu Yiming said helplessly: "This matter is not my fault."
Chip research and development is an intellectual intensive industry. Although Guangdong Province has the strongest foundation and the best conditions in the electronics industry, its higher education is still a bit behind that of Beijing and Zhonghai.
Therefore, when it comes to the layout of the chip industry, Lu Yiming can only choose between Beijing and Zhonghai. Baiyun was eliminated early and has no chance to participate in the competition at all.
Of course, such offensive words should not be said.
"The Fudan University Microelectronics Laboratory was originally in Zhonghai. In order to speed up the research and development progress, I can't move all the personnel and equipment to Baiyun."
Then, Lu Yiming had an idea and said, "I'm discussing a new project with my father. It's estimated that the annual output value can reach more than 1 billion. Isn't it just approved? The project can be launched immediately."
Although it was only 1 billion, which was ten times less than the 10 billion that Lu Yiming invested in the semiconductor industry, it was still a pleasant surprise for Shi Jinhua. He immediately asked excitedly, "Oh? It seems that I came at the right time today. What project is it?"
Lu Yiming said: "A battery company I invested in has made a breakthrough in technology and produced safe batteries that can be reused many times. My father and I are discussing setting up a new brand under Dianguang Automobile to produce and sell electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles."
Shi Jinhua was so happy. This kind of project could obviously create a large number of jobs. Isn't this a political achievement for him?
"Okay, we have great policy benefits for this type of enterprise. So, as long as the project can be successfully signed, I will strive for a three-year tax exemption for you. We will also be responsible for the three connections and one leveling. The land transfer fee will remain the same as before, and will be directly halved."
Shi Jinhua treated Lu Yiming as well as his own father. He was the richest man in Xia Country. Wherever he invested, he could directly drive the economic development of that place. He was completely the "financial sponsor" of these officials. So Shi Jinhua couldn't wait to report to the higher-ups and made a promise to Lu Yiming first, fearing that he would be unhappy if he hesitated for a second and the project would fail.
The two talked a lot about this project. Seeing that Lu Yiming was so optimistic about the market prospects of electric bicycles, Shi Jinhua couldn't help but feel excited.
Then, Shi Jinhua said, "Mr. Lu, there is one more thing I would like to ask you for a favor."
Seeing Shi Jinhua's serious expression, Lu Yiming couldn't help but murmur in his heart, "You're too polite. If you have anything to say, please tell me first. If it's within my ability, I will consider it. "
Although Deng Yu didn't say anything else, Shi Jinhua couldn't ask for more. He could only sigh and say, "It's like this. I want you to help and save the ace."
Ace Technology Group Co., Ltd. was established in 1982. It is mainly engaged in the research, development, production and sales of semiconductors, electronic products and communication equipment, new optoelectronics, liquid crystal display devices, etc. It is a global smart product manufacturing and Internet application service enterprise group.
At its peak, the entire Ace Group had more than 80,000 employees, 23 R&D institutes, 21 manufacturing bases, sales offices in more than 80 countries and regions, and business operations in more than 160 countries and regions around the world. Its technical strength was considered quite good in China.
The predecessor of Wangpai was one of the first 13 joint ventures in Xia State - TTK Home Appliances Co., Ltd., which was engaged in the production and manufacturing of recording tapes, and later expanded into telephones, televisions, mobile phones, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, small household appliances, LCD panels and other fields.
Lu Yiming said calmly: "What's wrong with the trump card? I remember it was pretty awesome, wasn't it?"
Hearing what Lu Yiming said, Shi Jinhua sighed again and said, "Ace's development in the past few years was quite good. It even became one of the 'economic pillars' of our Guangdong Province. It not only provided a large number of jobs, but also boosted the local economy and promoted the rapid development of related industries. But the situation this year is a bit special..."
After Shi Jinhua's explanation, Lu Yiming realized that there was a problem with Wangpai's TV business.
In 2000, the color TV industry in China suffered losses across the board.
Color TV industry giants such as Xiaokang and Rainbow are all caught in the vortex of vicious price wars within the industry.
Xiaokang, in particular, was particularly ruthless in every price war, and suddenly reduced the price of its 34-inch color TV to less than 3,000 yuan, which surprised the industry.
However, Xiaokang is not willing to fight a price war, but it has to fight because with the development of the industry, more and more color TV manufacturers are producing color TVs, but the market has not expanded, so all color TV manufacturers have to enter a brutal battle royale mode.
In order to maintain the existing market share, to ensure the turnover of working capital and to sell the inventory whose value is falling more and more, they have to fight.
Rainbow has suffered greatly from the price war, but it is also the initiator and cheerleader of the price war.
One of Wangpai’s main products is television, so it was also caught up in this storm and could not remain immune.
Shi Jinhua complained: "The government has previously held talks with several major color TV manufacturers. Everything was said and done at the meeting, but when we look back, the entire industry is in chaos again."
Just a few weeks ago, Wangpai, Rainbow and other eight major brands reached a consensus that everyone should treat price wars rationally, establish a dialogue mechanism and get rid of the entanglement of price wars. At present, the domestic color TV industry can only promote the development of the industry and make the cake bigger by cooperating in competition and competing in cooperation.
But just a few days later, Rainbow lowered the price of its rear-projection color TV to less than 10,000 yuan.
Across the entire industry, everyone is engaged in a bloody price war, driving televisions down to almost rock-bottom prices. In some places, televisions are even being sold by the pound.
With such continuous and massive bleeding, many companies began to be unable to bear it, including Wangpai.
In fact, Wangpai had contacted many people and thought of many solutions before, but unfortunately, they were of no use in solving the current dilemma.
As Lu Yiming is the most famous "business genius" in Xia Country today, Shi Jinhua asked for help with a try-it attitude to see if Lu Yiming could come up with a good idea to help Ace out of the predicament.
After understanding Shi Jinhua's needs, Lu Yiming suddenly felt a little embarrassed and said, "I have never been involved in the television industry, so I'm afraid I can't be of any help."
Lu Ding next to him also chimed in, "That's right. Different professions are like different worlds. People in their own professional field can't understand it. My son has never been exposed to these things. What can he do? Don't rush to seek medical treatment."
Although he said so, Shi Jinhua did not give up. After all, Lu Yiming had done cross-border things before.
Speaking of major, he majored computer science, but he started trading stocks and made a lot of money, which is not related to his major.
Not to mention the distant past, just recently, he also guided the New Energy Technology Company to make breakthroughs in lithium battery technology, which is something that even Nokia engineers couldn't handle.
Isn’t this cross-border enough?
Now what are you saying about not being involved in the television industry?
Why does this sound so much like an excuse?
Shi Jinhua immediately said earnestly: "Mr. Lu, don't you have connections in America? Why don't you try overseas channels?"
After all, Ace’s predicament is caused by vicious competition and reckless price-cutting among each other, so Shi Jinhua is eyeing Lu Yiming’s network of relationships in the United States, hoping that Lu Yiming can help Ace open up overseas sales - we don’t understand domestic sales, but if we export to the other side of the ocean, won’t it be a mess?
In addition to this reason, the country's foreign exchange reserves are seriously insufficient, and with the development of the economy, the demand for imports is very large. Therefore, if Wangpai can make a name for himself overseas, it will not only increase tax revenue and foreign exchange earnings, but also serve as a model for domestic enterprises. It is simply killing three birds with one stone.
Although Lu Yiming had never been involved in the television industry, he was very familiar with import and export. After all, USB flash drives were now popular all over the world, with production bases established in Asia, Europe, and America. Shi Jinhua felt that Lu Yiming should be very proficient in the export and sales of consumer electronic products.
This is what he was thinking.
How could Lu Yiming not know Shi Jinhua's idea? After all, in the 20s of the 21st century, Xiaguo became the world's largest "factory", and the working people exchanged their blood, sweat and sudden death for a great economic boom, which not only crushed domestic peers, but also made peers around the world scalp numb. Lu Yiming was too familiar with this path.
Lu Yiming said helplessly: "Good fellow, so this is what you are thinking about? Who gave you this idea?"
Shi Jinhua heard Lu Yiming's tone and seemed to have no intention of helping. He immediately became anxious: "What? Is there something wrong here?"
Lu Yiming shook his head slightly and said, "It's a huge problem. There's nothing wrong with the idea of knocking on the door of the American TV market with a low price, but the question is whether America is willing to do so? Secretary Shi, have you heard of the American Anti-Dumping Act?"
Mingyuan Technology's products, whether USB flash drives or MP4s, are technologically innovative products and are new things, so they are loved by young Americans and have seized market share.
In addition, Lu Yiming paid the bribe obediently and had a "protective umbrella" behind him, so he naturally didn't have to worry about anyone causing trouble.
But the situation of Wangpai is obviously different. Television was invented as early as 1925, and then entered thousands of households in Europe and the United States.
Many large American companies, such as Motorola, General Motors, and the military-industrial company Raytheon, have produced and sold televisions.
It can be said that this industry is already quite well developed in the United States. If domestic home appliances want to break in with low prices, it will cause a bloody storm, and American politicians will be the first to disagree.
Shi Jinhua frowned and asked, "Anti-dumping Act? There is such a thing? I have never heard of it. What is it for?"
Lu Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Let me explain it to you this way. This bill states that if it is confirmed that the goods imported into the United States are dumped at low prices, especially predatory dumping, and it can be proved that such dumping has the intention of deliberately damaging American industry, preventing American industry from establishing, or suppressing and monopolizing the operation of a certain commodity in the United States, it will be deemed a crime according to the law and criminal penalties will be imposed. To put it simply, if the Ace TV you sell is much cheaper than their products, they will think that you are attacking their industry and it is an act of war, so they will fine you, and a huge fine, and then arrest the person responsible."
Shi Jinhua was completely confused. After all, he didn't know export trade. In his opinion, Wangpai's TVs were of good quality and cheap, so they would definitely sell well in America.
But in fact, it is not the case at all!
Lu Yiming said: "That's the thing. I can use my channels to help you buy things, but I don't care whether you can get the money in the end."
Shi Jinhua was very depressed: "How can I not get paid after selling the goods? If I sell them too cheaply, I will be fined. If I sell them too expensively, no one will buy them. Isn't this obviously bullying? Where is the free market? Where is the invisible hand? Mr. Lu, is there no other way besides this?"
Lu Yiming thought for a moment and said meaningfully: "I do have a solution, it depends on whether you dare to use it."
Huizhou, Ace Headquarters.
Because of the price war, Li Dongsheng has been so worried that his hair is almost turning white.
If we lower the price, we will be operating at a loss.
If we don’t lower the price, the products won’t be sold, the inventory will be piled up, and we will still be losing money.
At this moment, Ace is really caught in a dilemma and will never be as glorious as before.
Just when he was frowning, Shi Jinhua pushed open the door of his office.
"Ahem... Lao Li, is there a fire in here? There's so much smoke?"
Seeing Shi Jinhua suddenly come to his house to rebel, Li Dongsheng was overjoyed. He quickly put out the cigarette in his hand, opened the window and the electric fan, and said with a smile: "Secretary Shi, you are joking. I was upset and just smoked a few cigarettes. Secretary Shi, how is the matter I asked you to do before? Is there any news? We are a big taxpayer, and the government can't just stand by and watch us die."
To put it bluntly, they want more bank loans and more preferential policies to make up for the losses caused by the price war.
Shi Jinhua had no say on bank loans and preferential policies. Li Dongsheng had mentioned this more than once, but Shi Jinhua never responded. It was just that Li Dongsheng was unwilling to give up.
But today, Shi Jinhua said with a smile: "Ace is saved."
After hearing what Shi Jinhua said, Li Dongsheng breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Will the loan we applied for before be approved?"
The current Ace is short of money and cannot afford to consume. If the loan applied for before can be approved, Ace will have the confidence to continue the price war with other peers until others can't bear it anymore.
Shi Jinhua shook his head slightly and said, "No, don't think about the money. After all, this is not a long-term solution. If you lend money to others, they will also lend money to you. Won't you end up working for the creditors? As the saying goes, it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. If Ace wants to get out of the predicament, it is useless to rely solely on official blood transfusions. In the end, it still has to rely on self-help."
When Li Dongsheng heard this, he was so angry that he cursed.
If you don't want to pay, then don't pay. And you still say it so refreshingly!
"Secretary Shi, then tell me, how should our ace save himself?"
