Chapter 58 - 58 National Machinery Committee_l

Translator: 549690339

Nie Zhenbang’s desire to delve into the automobile industry stemmed from his passions and grievances from his previous life. Most, if not all, men are fascinated by cars; the raw power and the fervor they ignite are irresistible for many men. As for grievances, it lies in the prices of these jointly-owned brands. In effect, if one were to look at imported brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and so on, apart from some top-tier models, the prices of average models overseas were not exorbitantly high.

However, the cost of imported cars doubled, and even with the factor of tariffs eliminated, the locally manufactured cars from the joint ventures sold for the price of imported automobiles. This was where Nie Zhenbang’s frustrations lay.

Of course, there was also the aspect of national policies aimed at protecting the domestic automobile industry. However, Nie Zhenbang believed such protection wasn’t truly beneficial for the industry. The term ‘innovate to thrive’ aptly applied here. If they aim to invent more patented technologies, and bring about new automotive technologies, they needed to rival the top competitors. This was what the automobile industry needed, instead of following sheepishly behind others. Otherwise, domestic cars would always be doomed to be second-best.

The National Machine Industry Commission, a newly-founded department established last year, resulted from the merger between the First and Second Machinery Industry Departments. It oversees the civil machinery and defence industries.

If Nie Zhenbang were to get involved in the car business, interaction with the National Machinery Industry Commission, the head authority in this matter, was inevitable. As for Jingcheng Automobile, at this time, they were in heated collaboration with the American company, Chrysler, to manufacture the domestically renowned Cherokee.

If Nie Zhenbang wanted to seize Audi and snatch the business from FAW, having substantial amounts of US dollars was not enough. As a luxury brand owned by Volkswagen, the company was not in need of funds. Apart from financial aspects, they would mainly consider the production capability and quality of their partner’s products. After all, their brand name would be associated with the joint-produced products; choosing the partner poorly would damage their own reputation.

Thus, since Nie Zhenbang had returned and shared this idea with Yang Anbang, Yang Anbang had started to take action. His arrangement to meet the personnel from the National Machinery Industry Commission and Jingcheng Automobile was in preparation for future collaborations.

For this occasion, Yang Anbang arranged the dinner at Quanjude. When Nie Zhenbang arrived, Yang Anbang was already waiting at the entrance.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s puzzled expression, Yang Anbang laughed and helplessly explained, “Brother, I didn’t have much of a choice. The Premier particularly fancies Quanjude, having selected it as the venue for numerous state banquets. Personally, I’m not accustomed to it. However, the Deputy Director from the National Machinery Industry Commission, our guest of honor tonight, enjoys this place. So, I’m catering to his preference.”

The Deputy Director was the former head of the Second Machinery Industry Department, which managed the defense industry. With the merger, he had become the Deputy Director of the new National Machinery Industry Commission.

Nie Zhenbang teased at this moment, “Wow, who would’ve thought that even the infamous second young master of the Yang family would have to wait for someone?”

About five minutes later, a military green Cherokee 2500 drove directly to the entrance. A somewhat overweight middle-aged man descended from the back seat.

At this time, Yang Anbang stepped up to greet him, “Uncle Fang, thank you for gracing us with your presence. The private room has been prepared. It’s in the ‘Blessing Hall’ on the second floor. The Peking Duck Banquet you love so much is ready, and the drinks include 30-years old Maotai Liquor. Today, we hope you drink to your heart’s content.”

Deputy Director Fang was about fifty-five or sixty years old, with a prominent stomach and a hairstyle reminiscent of Mao Zedong’s. This hairstyle was common among men of his age in this era.

Based on the head of the Yang family’s seniority, Nie Zhenbang should theoretically address him as ‘Uncle’. However, due to their lack of a close relationship in Beijing’s complex society, they simply used an informal and somewhat ambiguous term.

Hearing Yang Anbang’s words, Deputy Director Fang laughed heartily, his eyes squinting into fine lines. He patted Yang Anbang’s shoulder and said, “Ah Anbang, you are now a well-known magnate in the city of the emperors. You’re the tax star among all privately-run enterprises here in Jingcheng. Your dear father, Mayor Yang, praised you to the skies at the People’s Congress. Why be so formal? A casual meal would have sufficed.

Speaking, Deputy Director Fang seemed to ignore Nie Zhenbang and walked past him. Nie Zhenbang didn’t care. Now, everyone in the Jingcheng circle knew that Nie Zhenbang was domineering in his actions and was a top figure in the “princes” circle. He first punched Zhou Chen and then swept Ou Zheng, in Peng City, he had wiped out a young official. Finally, he snatched Dong Wan from Zhang Xu. His reputation was well-known now.

However, that was all hearsay. Nie Zhenbang was not an unreasonable man. To put it plainly, Nie Zhenbang’s character was such that he did not stir trouble nor seek trouble. However, if anyone wanted to climb over him, they had to be prepared to bear his wrath. As for minor issues like Deputy Director Fang’s behavior, Nie Zhenbang didn’t care.

At this time, Jingcheng Automobile Factory’s Factory Director Lü had already been waiting in the private room. Seeing Yang Anbang and Deputy Director Fang enter one after the other, Factory Director Lü stood up. He greeted them with a smile saying, “Deputy Director Fang, you are indeed a rare guest. Next time you visit our factory, you must let us serve you. You can’t leave without eating like last time.”

Jingcheng Automobile Factory was also a state-owned large factory. Factory Director Lü held the equivalent position of Secretary-level in the government. He ranked only slightly lower than Deputy Director Fang. Therefore, he was not nervous speaking now.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Deputy Director Fang looked somewhat disdainful at this moment. He asked Yang Anbang, “An Bang, who is this young comrade?”

At this moment, Yang Anbang wished he could punch Deputy Director Fang. First disdain, and now contempt. If he upset Nie Zhenbang, this dinner would probably be over. Immediately, Yang Anbang also said with a smile: “Uncle Fang, I was negligent. Let me introduce him, this is my brother, Nie

Zhenbang.”

Upon hearing the name “Nie Zhenbang”, Deputy Director Fang suddenly stood up, and the contempt on his face disappeared. With a full smile, he said: “Zhenbang, I’m really sorry, look, this is really a case of not recognizing family in waters. When the old leader was at the Ministry of the Third Machine, I was his subordinate.”

Nie Zhenbang didn’t care too much at this moment. People like Deputy Director Fang were not rare in the society. In his past life, Nie Zhenbang had seen many people like this. When the Nie family was flourishing, many people tried to curry favor. However, as the Nie family fell, those who didn’t kick them while they were down were considered nice. Nie Zhenbang had never met Deputy Director Fang, either in his past life or this one. His claim of being a subordinate under the old man was just a polite remark to save face.

Nie Zhenbang was not in the mood to care about such a person. He also replied with a smile: “Uncle Fang, you’re too kind. I should be the one saying sorry for not greeting you first. Please don’t mind it.”

Because they learned about Nie Zhenbang’s identity, it was clear that Deputy

Director Fang and Factory Director Lü’s attitudes improved a lot. Unlike Yang Anbang, Nie Zhenbang’s ferocious reputation was well-known. As it was said, he was the adopted grandson of the former head of state, these people naturally dared not mess with him.

After three rounds of drinks, Yang Anbang saw the hint in Nie Zhenbang’s eyes, and immediately stood up and said, “Deputy Director Fang, Factory Director Lü, this time, our Wal-Mart Group is planning to set up a joint venture with Volkswagen of Germany to establish Huaxia Audi Automobile Co., Ltd., specifically for the production of Audi cars, to fill the gap in our country’s lack of high-end cars. However, as the two leaders know, our Wal-Mart group only has money without a foundation. Therefore, this time, my intention is to hope for a collaboration with Jingcheng Automobile. We first establish a joint venture. Then we negotiate with Audi under the name of this company. We need the full support of the two leaders.”

Upon hearing this, Factory Director Lü was shocked. Jingcheng Automobile Factory had collaborated with Chrysler to produce Jeeps, so he had tasted the sweet fruit of such a venture. Factory Director Lü was very interested and immediately smiled, “Young Master An, you’re too polite. This kind of project gives us at Jingcheng Automobile Factory a great advantage. I warmly welcome it. ”

On the side, Deputy Director Fang glanced at Nie Zhenbang. Such a thing involved the auto industry. Under the current situation that the government has not yet formally opened up the auto industry to private enterprises, such cooperation naturally required the approval and recognition of the state machinery committee.

However, Deputy Director Fang laughed at this moment and said, “Personally, I fully support this cooperation. That’s it, Young Master An. I will report this when I go back, and then give you a reply, okay?”

Upon hearing this, Yang Anbang’s face instantly turned cold..