At the hotel.
The first person to visit was not the other CEOs who had been invited, but Wang Chuanfu, whom Li Dong had personally called to invite.
When Tan Yong led Wang Chuanfu into the hotel, Li Dong took a step forward, stretched out his arms, and laughed. "Brother Fu, you are becoming more and more like a lucky man!"
Regardless of whether Old Wang was willing or not, Li Dong went forward and gave him a hug.
Wang Chuanfu also laughed. "You are too enthusiastic. You should take care of this old bag of bones."
"Brother Fu, you must be joking. You have just passed 40 years of age. At your age, Boss Liu had not even started his own business. "
Li Dong laughed and used Liu Chuanzhi as an example.
Then, he extended his hand and invited. "Please, have a seat. I was planning to visit you personally, but now that I am the most unpopular person in the industry, I will not trouble you."
Wang Chuanfu raised his eyebrows. "You are treating me like an outsider. Who doesn't welcome you? Even if outsiders do not welcome you, we are all on the same side! Dongping has you, Li Dong. It is my honor, the whole of Dongping, and Jiangbei's honor! In fact, it is Hua Xia's honor. If it were not for you, Hua Xia would still be dominated by foreign companies, and we would not be in this situation now … "
Wang Chuanfu said a lot, and his words were very heavy.
His relationship with Li Dong was better than what people thought, even though they did not meet often.
Not only were they members of the Hua Xia Alumni Association, but they were also from Jiangbei.
Many people knew this, but some people did not pay attention to their specific birthplaces. They were both entrepreneurs from Dongping.
It was rare for a county to have two famous entrepreneurs from Hua Xia.
Dongping was not a developed county. It was already beyond everyone's expectations that the two of them could come out. In the next ten years or even longer, no one would be able to compete with them.
Because of this relationship, the two of them often communicated on PP and on the phone.
Previously, when the Jiangbei Merchants stood out to support Li Dong, Wang Chuanfu was also the first Jiangbei Merchant to stand out to support Li Dong.
Of course, the current Wang Chuanfu was much more low-key than Li Dong. Many people didn't even know who Wang Chuanfu was.
But those who knew who he was knew that Wang Chuanfu was not an ordinary person.
BYD. This was probably the first impression people had of BYD. However, the reality was that BYD didn't start off as a car.
BYD, which was founded in 1995, was not initially positioned as a car company.
Within a few years, BYD had become the world's second largest rechargeable battery manufacturer in Hua Xia.
It was not until 2003 when BYD acquired Qinchuan Automobile that it officially entered the automobile industry.
To be able to become the world's second and Hua Xia's first in a certain field, just this alone was enough to make countless people raise their eyebrows.
Moreover, BYD is also a promoter of alternative energy vehicles and is one of the world's leaders in the alternative energy vehicle industry.
The only pity is that this was not the right time.
Pushing the alternative energy vehicle industry in the 2000s was very troublesome, and the technological breakthroughs were also very difficult.
Of course, this concept was supported by many people.
In 2008, Warren Buffett invested in BYD because he was optimistic about BYD's development in the alternative energy vehicle industry.
It was also because of this investment that BYD's concept of alternative energy vehicles was known to the public.
Of course, the current alternative energy vehicle industry, which was the focus of the world's attention, will soon usher in a global bubble.
Now, Hua Xia's national automobile brands are using alternative energy vehicles as their capital to make a comeback. They feel that this is the only chance for Hua Xia's national automobile brand to make a comeback.
Capital, talents, technologies, and height had accumulated in this area.
However, the low utilization of alternative energy was a fact, and the technological breakthroughs were also a fact. With the entry of all kinds of capital, the blue ocean strategy was about to enter the red ocean.
But in 2009, a large amount of capital had entered the automobile industry. Even if many people saw this trend, they wouldn't care too much.
Even the country and the government felt that this was an opportunity for them to make a comeback. All kinds of incentives, subsidies, and all kinds of talents and technological resources were tilted towards this area.
At this time, whoever stood up and said that the alternative energy vehicle industry would be a huge bubble would be scolded and cursed.
This was the only chance for Hua Xia's automobile industry!
Yes. Everyone, including the government and these entrepreneurs, felt this way.
Li Dong, of course, knew the impact of this bubble. At least five to six years of BYD's time was wasted on this, causing BYD to lose competitiveness and gradually fall behind the national automobile brands.
As the two sat down, Li Dong did not talk about alternative energy vehicles. Instead, he smiled and said, "Congratulations, Brother Fu. The influence of the God of Stocks is indeed extraordinary. I've only been a shareholder for a few months, and BYD's share price has increased fivefold when the global economy is in a slump. Congratulations. "
Wang Chuanfu was not too happy, but he said suspiciously, "There's a hint of mockery in your words. I can hear it. Is it because foreigners are investing in BYD, and you think I'm embarrassed? "
"That's not what I meant."
Li Dong laughed. "To be honest, everyone has misunderstood me. I'm not a nationalist, and I'm not that nationalistic.
As long as we are not controlled by foreign investors, I don't have any thoughts about foreigners investing in our domestic enterprises.
Domestic enterprises need funds to develop, and our country has just risen, and we don't have the time to care about private enterprises.
At this time, given the choice between development and bankruptcy, if it were me, I would not reject foreign investment either. You can see it from Weibo.
Without the help of the investment banks, can we go online overseas?
Without the help of the big investment banks, can we compete freely in foreign countries?
BYD is the same. Warren Buffett's influence is extraordinary, and his entry has opened a shortcut for BYD to enter the overseas market.
But as a friend, I still want to say a few words. Don't be blinded by these people's foresight and strategies.
In the capital market, their foresight and strategies are top-notch. But when it comes to actual operations, they are just amateurs.
BYD's future depends on itself, and not outsiders.
Although BYD's performance has been rising, and its share price has been rising, there are still some problems that cannot be ignored. "
Wang Chuanfu's face changed. Li Dong was one of the most famous and outstanding entrepreneurs in China. Although he was not the leader of the automobile industry, he was well-versed in many industries. At Li Dong's level, many industries seemed to be the same.
Li Dong invited him today, and Wang Chuanfu initially thought that Li Dong was here to express his gratitude.
But the moment he entered, Li Dong started talking about BYD, which woke Wang Chuanfu up.
After calming down, Wang Chuanfu asked, "Dongzi, if you have something to say, just say it. Do you think there's a problem with BYD?"
Li Dong smiled and shook his head. "That's not it. I'm just an outsider, and I don't know much about this.
But Big Brother Fu and I have a special relationship, and we have known each other longer than anyone else.
In 2002, Dongping No.1 Middle School invited Big Brother Fu to give us the opening speech. I stood on the field and listened. It has been 7 years since then.
Although they were all over the place, they didn't have many opportunities to interact with each other.
But I've always thought that friends don't have to care about these things.
Since we're friends, I'll say a few words that I'm not familiar with. Brother Fu, just listen. If you don't like it, just laugh it off and don't take it to heart. "
Wang Chuanfu raised his eyebrows and said, "As expected! I've always felt that something was wrong. I've read your resume many times. You graduated from Dongping No.1 Middle School in 2004, so you should have been there in 2002. I did go there to give a speech, but you didn't mention it the last few times. I thought maybe I was thinking too much. Only now do I know that you're really among the crowd. At that time, I'm afraid that no one could have imagined that you would reach this stage today. "
Wang Chuanfu was a little emotional. How many years had it been?
Back then, he didn't even dare to imagine that a monster like Li Dong would appear among the thousands of students listening to the lecture right under his nose.
Now that Li Dong mentioned it himself, Wang Chuanfu felt that the world was unpredictable. Sometimes, it could really surprise people.
Li Dong laughed and said, "It's not that I didn't want to mention it in the past. Back then, Brother Fu was a big shot in the industry, and I was just a supermarket owner. If I mentioned this, people would have laughed at me and thought that I was bragging. And to be honest, I've almost forgotten what you said in the lecture back then, so I was too embarrassed to mention it. But then again, I actually didn't have much of an idea back then. You were dressed like an old farmer, and I didn't even know who you were. I only heard people say that you were in the battery business … "
Wang Chuanfu laughed heartily and said after laughing, "If you want to reminisce about the old days, let's talk after dinner. Don't change the topic. Tell me, is BYD's problem really that serious? The onlooker sees the game better than the onlooker. You, Li Dong, are willing to say a few words to me as an outsider. It can be considered as a fortuitous coincidence back then. "
Li Dong laughed and said, "I was just about to say that you were the one who interrupted me, okay?
I won't reminisce about the old days with you. I'll simply say a few points, just listen.
Currently, BYD is very competitive in terms of independent brands. Your F3 has always been the number one independent brand in terms of sales, and sales are increasing day by day.
Also, the current domestic policy is constantly supporting the development and sales of independent brands. It can be said that this is the golden age for independent brands to rise!
I believe that Brother Fu can see it more clearly than I can.
But policy is policy, and Warren Buffett's influence is only temporary.
The key is that in this golden age, laying the foundation, perfecting itself, improving quality and service, and increasing technology development are the foundations of the enterprise.
But what about BYD?
Although F3 has the highest sales, it has also been criticized. It is the car with the most complaints in the market.
You blindly expand the distribution channels. Cars are not like retail. Our stores can be opened, and if not, we can just close down.
What about you?
Your investment is much larger than ours, and because of this, your distributors are more concerned about making a profit. As for after-sales and other things, who cares?
All kinds of problems, poor service, and incomplete after-sales system. What's the use of expanding the distribution channels?
Also, outsiders say that I, Li Dong, am greedy, but you are actually greedier than me.
I'll admit that your vertical integration model is invincible when it's on a small scale.
But now, you have started to enter the international market, and you are still holding on to the vertical integration model. Do you really think BYD can do this? "
BYD's famous vertical integration model is actually similar to Li Dong's Far away model.
What does that mean?
That means it's a grab!
Not only the cars, but all the car parts, except for a few parts that BYD cannot produce, are all made from raw materials and are all manufactured by BYD itself.
However, BYD Motors has been established for too short a time, and the technology for these parts is not in place. The quality control is also not in place.
They are all from the same family, and many of the products' quality is not up to standard. Because they are from the same family, they are directly put into production.
This causes BYD Motors to have more and more problems, and the quality is plummeting.
Coupled with the increase in production, sales, and customer demands, BYD's best-selling models in the market have received countless complaints and complaints.
Although Li Dong's Distance was also entering the production field, it was not on a large scale, and there was no focus on it. The quality control was even stricter.
Furthermore, the retail industry is not like the automobile industry, and the product's technical requirements are higher.
Because BYD is distracted by these, and they have allocated a lot of funds, manpower, and resources to the alternative energy industry, it has caused their own automobile brand's product quality to drop to an unbearable level.
Wang Chuanfu did not mind what Li Dong said. Speaking of this, Wang Chuanfu slightly frowned and said, "Vertical integration is still necessary. At least we are still in the early stages of alternative energy vehicles. We must carry out vertical integration to achieve our expectations and goals. Of course, what you said makes sense. Maybe it is time to make necessary changes to the vertical integration strategy. Channel expansion and follow-up services cannot keep up. Actually, I want to open up the market first, and then follow up … "
Li Dong twitched his lips and said, "It will be too late by then. Your reputation will be tarnished."
"Is it that serious?" Wang Chuanfu frowned and felt that Li Dong is exaggerating.
"It is that serious. Of course, I am just saying. Just take it as it is."
Li Dong continued. "Also, don't you think you have too much faith in Warren Buffett's influence?
Because of Warren Buffett's investment, you guys did not even do any marketing.
Look at the companies now. Which one of them is not doing any marketing? You guys are not doing anything.
To be honest, many people do not even know about BYD. At least on TV, on the internet, and in the newspapers, you guys rarely see your advertisements.
Even Chery and Geely are doing it. Are you guys lacking advertising money?
Lastly, I think your alternative energy vehicle industry is doing well. Of course, this is referring to the future.
But at the current stage, your technologies cannot keep up, and you guys have accumulated too much capital, talent, and technology. If this carries on, problems will arise sooner or later.
The future trend is good, but I don't think you should focus all your attention on it. This is not something that can be done overnight. It may take ten years, or even longer to see results.
If you put all your energy into it, maybe you will create a shocking Hua Xia automobile company in ten years.
But can you really afford to waste ten years? "
"Ten years?"
Wang Chuanfu said, "You think it will take ten years?"
"Maybe more than that."
"Why do you say that?"
Li Dong smiled and said, "It's a one-sided story. Believe it or not, that's how I see it.
Lastly, I'd like to add, can you guys be a little more reliable? We have hundreds of employees who have bought F3, but there are often problems. Even I know about it.
"Later, change the parts that you can, and maintain the parts that you can't.
"Far away, we have a lot of employees, and your cars are not cheap. Maybe one day, I will want to work with you and buy tens of thousands of cars for our employees.
"Also, I want to eliminate our express cars. Your electric cars are not good for long-distance driving, but they should be good for city driving.
"Brother Fu, don't say that I don't take care of you.
"If we really want to buy electric cars on a large scale, it will be hundreds of millions, or even billions!
"Of course, I will say in advance that this is not certain. Even if it is decided, the plan may only be implemented in a few years.
"Also, Chery has always wanted our orders. They are all local companies in Jiangbei, and I can't just act on my personal feelings.
"Currently, it depends on your efficiency and quality.
"At the very least, you have to solve the problem of our employees' cars immediately …"
Wang Chuanfu looked at him suspiciously and said, "Why do I feel that what you said at the beginning was just foreshadowing, and the main point is at the end. "In the end, it can't be just for this, right? If that's the case, then I can only say that I made a profit. "You, Li Dong, said a few words, but I see a lot of shortcomings. Because of this, I won't just stand by and watch. Furthermore, BYD's customers' problems are caused by our own problems. No matter what, we will not shirk our responsibility. "
Wang Chuanfu continued. "You mentioned a large scale purchase and changing express cars. Is it true or not?"
Wang Chuanfu still believed Li Dong when he said he wanted to change cars.
If they could really accept Far away's orders, it would be amazing!
BYD's current annual sales were less than 500,000 units. In fact, it was even lower.
Far away's scale was huge, and they had hundreds of thousands of employees. Especially in the express delivery industry, if they really wanted to change cars on a large scale, it would be amazing.
Just Far away's orders alone could increase their sales by more than 10 figures.
Of course, the cost of electric cars was very high, and the infrastructure was not in place. Li Dong might not choose this option, but there was still hope.
For a 1 billion RMB order, it was normal to negotiate for one or two years. Who knows, the cost might drop by then.
Both of them chatted for a while, and Wang Chuanfu suddenly said, "You suddenly talked about cars today. Do you have an idea?"
Li Dong was stunned and shook his head. "No. I can't understand this, and I don't want to. But you guessed it right. I said so much because I hope BYD can do better. I think we will have a greater chance of cooperation. Next, I might integrate the express delivery industry. When the alternative energy automobile industry has a breakthrough, we will have a greater foundation for cooperation. "
"You want to integrate the express delivery industry?"
Wang Chuanfu was stunned. This guy was too ambitious!
Not long ago, he was integrating the retail industry's resources, and now he wants to get involved in the express delivery industry. His ambition was boundless!
Li Dong laughed. "Don't misunderstand. It is actually similar to the Rookie Alliance. But Old Ma and the rest only talk and do nothing. I want to do it first. I will not invest too much in this area. I just want to specialize in e-commerce. I am not interested in other areas. "
"No wonder. You gave me a fright."
Wang Chuanfu heaved a sigh of relief. Express delivery was not just e-commerce express delivery. The two could not be equated.
At least for now, e-commerce had not become the mainstream of the express delivery industry.
Li Dong wanted to integrate the resources in this area, and it was possible for him to succeed.
But Wang Chuanfu still joked. "You are not afraid of being the absolute overlord of any industry. Aren't you afraid of problems in the end?"
Li Dong said indifferently. "Not really. I am just sharing the resources to let everyone earn money and have a business to do. Why not? I will not invest too much. That's what I mean. "
Although he said that, Li Dong still wanted to use these methods to snipe Taobao. Whether Tencent agreed to cooperate or not, Taobao would be a target Far away sooner or later.
In the online shopping area, Li Dong wanted to integrate the online and offline retail platforms successfully. He wanted to make it the largest and the best.
Express delivery was also part of it.
Any online shopping platform could not do without the support of express delivery.
Li Dong wanted to bully Taobao because they did not have their own express delivery system. He wanted to poach their newbie alliance first, then the third-party merchants. Taobao would become an empty shell.
Of course, it was not so easy to do it.
Anyway, Li Dong did not think he could deal with Taobao in a few days. Fighting a price war was not the only way. Fighting a price war would hurt both sides. It was best not to use it unless absolutely necessary, especially against a big platform like Taobao.
Only by working together from all sides could he suppress Taobao's living space.
Express delivery, third-party merchants, users, prices …
These few aspects slowly drained Taobao, and Taobao's value will be close to zero.
In the future, when Jingdong and Taobao fought, they will often use express delivery as an excuse. Also, Taobao had lost a large number of customers because of express delivery.
What Li Dong needed to do now was to slowly perfect his plans. When the mobile online shopping market explodes, he will be able to suppress Taobao's living space.
As for BYD, it would be great if they could work together. It was also fine if they could not work together. Alternative energy vehicles were still not Li Dong's main consideration.
But if BYD had a large scale development, the prices will be lowered, and working together will be beneficial.
As he thought about it, Li Dong suddenly thought of something.
BYD's share prices are still rising. Should he buy some?
Warren Buffett's reputation was not just for show. BYD's market value was only around 18 billion HKD previously, and now it is almost 80 billion HKD.
Feng Yu's share prices will continue to rise.
On the way to lunch with Wang Chuanfu, Li Dong was thinking if he should buy some BYD shares. At least he should earn back the 100 million he owed Old Wang.
The feeling of using other people's own money to repay their debts felt great, just like what Xu Shengzhe did previously.
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