"This ESP doesn't need to be included!"
At the research and development center of Nanshan Auto, the young general manager, Xiao Hui, was reviewing the configuration list of a new car model and giving his opinions.
"What? ESP is a standard feature in all cars nowadays. If we don't include it, who will buy our cars?"
Xiang Changle, the head of the R&D center, looked at Xiao Hui with a conflicted expression.
He knew very well about the current state of the company. To develop a new model and turn the situation around, he had made numerous preparations.
He was aware of the popular car models on the market, their features, and pricing.
But Xiao Hui was not following the usual playbook.
"ABS is unnecessary too!"
"What? No car on the market lacks ABS."
"Remove the airbags completely!"
"Cars on the market have six airbags as standard. Our configuration is already considered low."
"Replace all aluminum wheels with steel ones, and change the rear windows to manual operation."
Xiao Hui ignored Xiang Changle's objections and directly laid out his requirements.
In this world's version of China, all car companies competed with high configurations, as if producing an affordable, basic model was shameful.
Cars ended up costing €14,000 to €28,000 apiece.
However, car design here was still stuck in the aesthetics of the 1990s from his previous life.
Moreover, most of the market was dominated by foreign brands that profited from Chinese consumers while still looking down on them.
These companies, to suppress local brands, frequently employed underhanded tactics.
By leveraging their advanced technology in component manufacturing, they choked local carmakers with various supply chain restrictions.
Nanshan Auto's current dire situation was directly related to the suppression by companies like Benben Motors and other firms from the East and the West.
This state of affairs left Xiao Hui deeply dissatisfied.
After locking himself at home for a week, furiously researching this era's state of affairs online, he finally adapted to the situation.
But while Xiao Hui had adapted, others found it hard to keep up.
"If we do this, our cars will be worse than trucks."
"Things like reverse radar, sunroofs, navigation systems—all of it, remove them."
"And don't make the seats overly fancy. Forget about heated seats, eight-way electric adjustment, or leather upholstery. Stick to plain cloth seats with a simple manual adjustment for the driver's seat."
Hearing Xiao Hui issuing commands, Xiang Changle stopped speaking.
To him, Xiao Hui, at 22 years old, was just a kid who had studied vehicle engineering in university but dropped out in his third year to take over the family business.
What did he know about running a company?
It felt like Xiao Hui was blindly issuing orders.
Just days ago, a headhunter had approached Xiang with a job offer. Out of loyalty to the elder Xiao, who had treated him well, Xiang didn't immediately accept.
Now, he felt relieved he hadn't outright refused.
"Remove all unnecessary features! We are going to produce a car that everyone can afford."
Of course, Xiao Hui wasn't just being reckless.
As a reincarnator, he had a gold finger: the "Car Empire System."
Though he could only redeem one item per month, it was enough to turn the tide.
During his week-long retreat, he ultimately decided to redeem the technology of the legendary "national pride" vehicle to make Nanshan Auto's comeback a reality.
This car might seem stripped down, but its sales figures had proven its market demand in his previous life.
In this world, cars under €14,000 didn't exist.
This was entirely different from the previous world's situation.
Xiao Hui was determined to show how the Chinese earned their nickname as the "price butcher."
"Drop expensive hot-forming materials for the car body. That technology isn't mature yet and costs a fortune."
"Remember, this car isn't meant to compete with niche luxury brands or Western manufacturers like Bentan or Baben. We're making a car that everyone can afford."
"Xiao Hui, where's the safety in a car like this?"
Xiang Changle, after holding back for a long time, finally spoke up.
"That depends on what you compare it to. If you insist on comparing it to cars costing tens of thousands of euros, of course, it falls short."
Xiao Hui showed no embarrassment.
"We're a car company; our products must prioritize the safety of ordinary people!"
As a subordinate, Xiang Changle's words carried weight.
"Let me ask you this, how does such a car compare in safety to a motorcycle?"
"That… there's no comparison. A car is metal protecting flesh, while a motorcycle is flesh protecting metal. Even the worst car is safer than a motorcycle."
"Glad you understand! China has hundreds of millions of farmers living across vast rural areas. How many of them can afford cars costing tens of thousands of euros?
Every year, countless accidents happen because of motorcycles.
Shouldn't we care about their safety too?"
"That's a separate issue!"
Xiang Changle suddenly felt warm, realizing he was sweating.
"No, I think it's the same issue."
The meeting room grew tense.
Everyone noticed Xiao Hui was different today.
Previously, he had no firm opinions and usually approved whatever proposals were brought to him.
But today was entirely different.
"The company's previous models were all sedans. This time, you proposed an MPV. Overall, it's commendable. But clearly, this model lacks proper positioning."
Knowing he had been too forceful earlier, Xiao Hui softened his tone.
"I have a design plan here. You can integrate it with the parts we currently use to minimize investment.
Reuse parts wherever possible and prioritize domestic suppliers.
Our target price for this car is €4,200."
"What? €4,200?"
Xiang Changle's eyes widened in shock.
Forget €4,200—even at €5,600, €7,000, or €9,800, there wasn't a single car on the market from any legitimate manufacturer.
The car market in this world was that absurd.
If Nanshan Auto launched such a car, it would be like dropping a bomb on the Chinese automotive industry.
"That's right, €4,200. You heard correctly!"
After Xiao Hui's words, Xiang Changle fell silent for a full three minutes before speaking again.
"Are you serious about this, Xiao Hui?"
"Uncle Xiang, you were one of the pioneers who started this company with my father. Over the years, our family has always valued your efforts.
Nanshan Auto carries your hard work and is our family's pride.
I don't want to see it end in bankruptcy or acquisition.
Think about it. If we produce this car, can't we turn the tide?
Don't you want those competitors to look up to us?
Don't you want to see China's auto industry truly grow and thrive?"
"China is a major auto market, but foreign brands account for 80% of sales.
The remaining 20% is only sustained by local government support, and even that is barely holding on.
This isn't the future you want, is it?"
Switching to a softer, more emotional appeal, Xiao Hui hoped to win over Xiang Changle.
The company's older generation still had significant influence and value.
"Xiao Hui, I understand what you're saying, but even if we cut costs and produce such an affordable car, will anyone buy it?"
"If we produce what people need, we won't have to worry about sales." Xiao Hui's tone was confident, almost defiant.
"Uncle Xiang, I'll have the technical details of this model sent to you shortly." He paused for a moment to emphasize his next words.
"Gather all department heads for a meeting tonight. This project officially starts today."
With that, Xiao Hui stood up and strode out of the meeting room, his determination unwavering.
There was no room for argument anymore. This project wasn't just a plan—it was a mission, and it had to succeed.