Chapter 439 The Last Crazy, A Generation of Magic Cars
1988 was a year when the Iraq War took a major turning point.
In the first quarter, the two sides used hundreds of missiles to attack each other's towns, setting off an unprecedented "city attack war".
After that, in the stalemate, Baghdad gradually gained a certain advantage.
However, due to the large amount of Persia's use of Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks, it also caused huge losses to Baghdad.
Especially on April 17, the Baghdad army launched an offensive code-named "Ramadan" against the Persian defenders in the French-Austrian region.
In the original history, after two days of fierce fighting, Baghdad completely recovered the Faudo region, which was occupied by Persia for two years, on the afternoon of the 18th.
However, because there are various heavy firepower equipment in Persia, it can quickly support various battlefields in a short period of time, Baghdad's attack failed.
Baghdad naturally was unwilling to accept this.
"Didn't Land Rover open a branch here?"
"Let them transport all the nearby stock to Baghdad, and we'll get all of it."
"I then asked to deliver at least 20,000 Land Rover X-Series pickups in one month and 50,000 in the next three months."
Abdul Hamid is the head of the Baghdad military supplies department.
He had arranged for someone to purchase a batch of X-Series pickup trucks from Land Rover.
But many of these pickups are placed in various levels, and only a part is used to attack Persia.
On the other hand, all of Persia have equipped these special equipment to the front line, and the differences in influence between the two sides are immediately revealed.
Still now, both Baghdad and Persia have been a little exhausted and cannot continue.
But everyone is a little unwilling to accept it.
Because Persia cannot voluntarily withdraw from Baghdad's territory, and Baghdad cannot accept the loss of territory.
Then you have to continue fighting until the territory is regained.
At that time, conditions for peace between the two sides were basically formed. "I heard that Land Rover car transports a large number of X-Series pickups to the American and European markets every month."
"As long as they temporarily deliver this part of the inventory to us, it will be no problem to collect 20,000 vehicles in one month."
Ajibug, as Abdul's proud assistant, is quite familiar with the situation of Land Rover X.
After all, the high-quality and low-cost heavy firepower support device that Baghdad can obtain now is undoubtedly the Land Rover X pickup.
On the battlefield, this pickup has proven its superiority.
Whether in extremely harsh environments or in high-strength use, the Land Rover X series can maintain excellent performance and is not prone to failure.
Open cabin and solid body structure provide it with great potential for modification.
Armed personnel can modify the vehicles in various ways according to specific needs to improve their combat performance and adaptability.
Now not only Baghdad and Persia are equipping this pickup truck, but many tribes below also follow suit.
In a vague way, Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks have become a popular choice for armed personnel in the Middle East.
Even this trend has begun to spread to Africa.
This is undoubtedly a great thing for the sales of Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks.
"Then go and contact us as soon as possible."
"It is acceptable to be more expensive at an appropriate price, but the speed must be guaranteed."
"We must use this batch of pickup trucks in the next battle."
Abdul knew that Baghdad also wanted to find a suitable step to end the war.
If you continue to fight, you will not be able to gain any advantage, and it will also bring even greater losses.
But things that were not obtained on the battlefield were obviously impossible to obtain at the negotiating table.
They must drive Persia from its own territory before the end of the war,
At the same time, after fully experiencing the combat effectiveness of Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks, Persia is also increasing its orders.
…
"Mr. Jiang, the orders we have received in Persia and Baghdad now have 50,000 vehicles that need to be delivered next month, and there will be another 50,000 orders for the next three months."
"Relying on orders from these two countries this year, our Land Rover X Series has successfully surpassed its sales and became the highest-selling model under the group."
Chen Chenxing is in a very good mood now.
"So, our Land Rover X-Series pickup has become the new king of war in the Middle East?" Jiang Hui knew that with the emergence of the Land Rover X-Series in various battles, his popularity will inevitably increase rapidly.
But he did not expect that Persia and Baghdad would have such a big deal to put so many pickups into the battle.
Of course, if there are too many pickup trucks participating in the battle, they will naturally suffer more losses.
After all, these pickup trucks cannot be running at high speed all the time.
Once the speed drops, it is easily destroyed by anti-tank missiles.
In addition to some mines and pickup trucks, there are countless Land Rover X-Series damaged.
But considering its low cost and very easy-to-access channels, both parties can accept this situation.
During this period, many reporters have also photographed a large number of Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks carrying heavy machine guns or mortars in the two countries.
The photos on the battlefield also showed some Land Rover X, who were shot with thousands of shots, were driving tenaciously.
Invisibly, these have become huge advertisements. "Yes, not only that, the hot sales of Land Rover X-Series pickups in the Middle East and Africa have attracted widespread attention from the global market."
"Our brand influence is rapidly increasing, especially in areas with extremely high requirements for off-road performance and durability."
Chen Chenxing further analyzed, his eyes flashed with optimism and expectations for the market prospects.
This situation is much better than he had expected.
"This is indeed a market response we have never expected."
"Originally, the original design of the Land Rover X-Series pickup was to meet the needs of off-road enthusiasts and the operating needs under some special terrain."
"I didn't expect that its application in the military field, especially as a heavy firepower support equipment, would actually bring such a huge increase in our sales."
Jiang Hui certainly could not tell others that he wanted to push the Land Rover X-Series pickup to militants everywhere from the beginning.
After that happens, it is easy to be attacked.
In fact, the heavy machine gun installation bracket that comes with the pickup truck frame has been criticized.
But even if those media want to pour dirty water, they cannot regard pickup trucks that are obviously civilian vehicles as arms.
If it were really like that, I guess there would be no need for Land Rover to jump out, and other car giants would jump out to oppose it. "Yes, this is entirely due to the excellent durability, off-road capability and modification potential of Land Rover X-Series pickup."
"On the battlefield, it can not only withstand high-intensity use, but also quickly modify it according to specific needs to adapt to different combat environments."
"This flexibility makes it the first choice for armed forces with insufficient strength."
"In the future, more armed forces will definitely choose our X-Series."
Chen Chenxing added optimistically.
"Hot sales are definitely a good thing, but we should also note that as sales increase, our production pressure is also increasing."
"How to ensure product quality while meeting market demand is the main challenge we are currently facing."
Jiang Hui changed his tone and raised a key question.
The current situation of the Land Rover X series is closely related to various factors such as solid skin and durability, stable quality.
If Land Rover itself ruins this reputation, the loss will be huge.
Chen Chenxing nodded in agreement: "Indeed, we have begun to adjust production arrangements, and our fourth factory is also under construction in full swing."
"At the same time, I will notify the Procurement Department and the Quality Department to strengthen the quality control of raw materials and accessories procurement to ensure that every Land Rover X-Series pickup truck that leaves the factory can meet the highest standards."
Land Rover Auto has finally gradually established its reputation in the international market.
It must not be destroyed.
"As the increase in the ownership of the Land Rover X Series in the Middle East and other markets, we also need to strengthen the construction of the after-sales service system."
"In the future, the quality of after-sales service will directly affect our brand image and reputation."
Jiang Hui mentioned a factor that has not been fully valued by domestic companies in this era, but has a particularly huge impact in future generations.
During this period, the after-sales service of cars generally relies on the driver to do it themselves.
Otherwise, the driver would not be required to have the ability to repair cars when taking the driver's license.
There is obviously a reason why drivers can become one of the "Eight Major Members" of this era.
Not anyone can eat this bowl of rice.
"I have considered this." I
"We are establishing more after-sales service outlets around the world and training professional technicians to provide timely and efficient after-sales service."
Chen Chenxing is busy every day now, and naturally he has achieved remarkable results.
Many things no longer need Jiang Hui to arrange in advance, he had already considered them.
Many things in the automotive industry are made with successful experience to learn from.
Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen...
So many car companies can always find some experience suitable for Land Rover.
If it really doesn't work, combine the practices of several car companies and adjust them in combination with the actual needs of Land Rover.
Not to mention, just such a sharp operation, Land Rover Automobile's various after-sales system construction was carried out very well.
"Although our pickup trucks are very competitive now, we still need to continue to pay attention to market trends, understand user needs and feedback, and continuously optimize product design and functions."
"Only in this way can we maintain market competitiveness and continue to lead the development of the industry."
With its excellent appearance design and model structure, the current Land Rover X Series does not need to undergo major changes in the next ten years.
But in some specific details, adjustments are definitely needed every or two years.
Or continue to launch some new configuration models.
For example, the diesel version, such as the power version with a larger displacement, can be considered.
Chen Chenxing naturally had no doubts about this.
This is what the sales department should do.
"By the way, we must try our best to ensure that orders are delivered on time for Persia and Baghdad."
"This not only affects our business reputation, but also directly affects our market share in the Middle East."
Jiang Hui knew that in the next ten years, with a large amount of oil trade, Baghdad and Persia will still be strong.
Especially in Baghdad, the economic strength was not bad before the United States engaged them.
This is a big market.
If their procurement needs are not met during this period, Land Rover will definitely encounter unnecessary trouble in Baghdad in the future.
On the other hand, Baghdad will completely try out the sweetness, and perhaps the Land Rover X Series will become a long-lasting model there. Jiang Hui knew that there were many tribes in Baghdad, and the armed forces there could not be compared with the regular Baghdad army.
For them, purchasing insensitive civilian cars to convert them into armed vehicles is definitely a very good solution.
Before, everyone had not used much in this regard. Now the regular army in Baghdad and Persia have set a model for everyone, and each tribe naturally knows that it should copy homework.
"Your direction, we have formulated a detailed production plan and inventory management plan."
"First move a portion of the vehicles exported to other places to Baghdad and Persia."
"Even a ship of vehicles sailing directly in the Indian Ocean will be transported to Baghdad first."
"The final delivery should not be particularly problematic."
No car manufacturer can truly achieve zero inventory.
All the middle circulation links must have various inventory.
It’s just that different car companies have different levels of control over this aspect.
The most new ⊥小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小小� "Okay, report any problems in time!"
Jiang Hui is still confident about Chen Chenxing's ability.
So he doesn't want to spend too much effort on these delivery issues.
There are many more important things waiting for him in the group.
…
"President, since this year, Land Rover's sales in the Middle East have seen a significant increase."
"Especially Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks have set historical records in Baghdad and Persia."
"Now Land Rover's sales in the Middle East have surpassed us, becoming the highest-selling car company this year."
At the monthly market situation analysis report meeting, Saito Shiheng reported a message to Toyoda Akiichiro who was very unhappy to hear.
In the American market, due to the cooperation between Land Rover and General Motors, Toyota's sales have been greatly affected.
Although I won’t be able to make it, the growth rate has declined significantly.
Toyota has been growing in North America over the past decade, but in recent years, it has experienced stagflation.
I have to say that this is something that makes Toyota very uncomfortable.
Now it is found that the Middle East market is even more exaggerated, and Land Rover has quickly become the sales champion.
Although the size of the Middle East market is incomparable to the North American market, European market and Japanese market, the annual sales volume of all countries is not small at all.
The market there was previously one of the overseas markets that Toyota Motor focused on expanding.
"Have you analyzed the specific reasons?"
"Why can Land Rover's pickup trucks be sold in the Middle East?"
Akichiro Toyoda asked with a frown.
In recent years, he has not heard much about Land Rover reports.
Almost every time I hear the information about this company, it is not good news.
"From the current situation, the Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks are used in large quantities to be transformed into armed vehicles by Persia and Baghdad." "It is equipped with heavy machine guns or mortars and other weapons and equipment." "This way, taking advantage of the fast movement of the pickup truck can provide timely support on the battlefield." "In particular, Persia purchased a large number of anti-aircraft machine guns from China. After these machine guns were installed on the pickup trucks, the lethality was amazing." "According to Reuters' reports, Persia repelled an important attack in Baghdad in April, and the key role was the Land Rover X-Series pickup trucks equipped with anti-aircraft machine guns."
Saito Shin-ei's answer was beyond everyone's expectations.
Many people present, including Akiichiro Toyoda, thought they had heard it wrong.
The Land Rover X-Series Pickup is actually sold in the Middle East for this reason?
This is too magical, right?
"How do you plan to break this situation?"
Toyoda Akiichiro, who is familiar with the market, felt the tricky.
The Middle East has now formed an inherent impression of the Land Rover X, and there will definitely be a large number of people who will continue to transform this car into an armed vehicle in the future.
Although other vehicles have a chance, it is unlikely that they can catch up with Land Rover X. "I have communicated with the design department to make some modifications to the Hilax car, so that it can also become a pickup truck suitable for modification and becoming an armed vehicle." "In this way, relying on our original sales accumulation, we should be able to compete with Land Rover X in the Middle East market."
The person who tied the bell must be untied.
The Land Rover X Series is famous for its armed vehicles. The way Saito Shiheng can think of is naturally used to promote it.
Anyway, the quality of Toyota is world-renowned, and its strengths and durability are no worse than that of Land Rover X.
But now I'm getting started by Land Rover X.
They dare to take the initiative to display armed vehicles to provide inspiration to others.
Toyota is more passive in this regard.
But now it is urgent to catch up, and Saito Junying feels it is not too late.
"You can try it first."
"The explosion in the Middle East market is likely to lead to the continued growth of Land Rover X's sales in the global market."
"The sales department needs to deal with it!"
Toyoda Akiichiro couldn't think of a better solution at the moment, so he could only let Saito Shiei try it out first.
It's always better to do nothing.
…
"Edward, why did the sales of the X-Series pickup trucks that Chevrolet cooperated with China Land Rover Motors decline this month?"
GM is also having a meeting at this time.
Murphy asked a lot of questions when he saw the sales department's report information.
GM has completely recovered in the past two years.
On the one hand, the cooperation with Land Rover has increased their sales by hundreds of thousands of vehicles a year.
These hundreds of thousands of models are high-quality and high-profit models, and the profits provided can reduce GM a lot of pressure.
So after Murphy saw the sales of Chevrolet X-Series pickup trucks decline, he immediately expressed his attention.
"Murphy, the situation last month was a little special."
"In fact, there was no particularly big change in the market demand, and we can also achieve a slight increase in normal times."
"But Land Rover reported that due to insufficient factory production capacity, some pickup trucks need to be delayed from being shipped for half a month to one month."
"This has led to some of our dealers not having enough cars to sell to consumers, which has a certain impact on the final sales."
Edward knew that this question would be asked sooner or later, so he had already made preparations in advance.
Although this result is not particularly satisfactory, it is at least not bad news.
If the vehicle is not popular with consumers and sales decline, then it will be troublesome.
"The Chinese factories will also have insufficient production capacity?"
In Murphy's impression, BMW Automobile Group hopes to sell all kinds of cars, parts and equipment to the United States to export and earn foreign exchange.
He also knew that in China, exporting foreign exchange is a big deal.
Now Land Rover has given up some orders for export earnings due to insufficient production capacity.
This sounds incredible.
"It's true that the production capacity is insufficient, but the reason is quite special."
"Land Rover X has become the hottest-selling model in the Middle East. Both Baghdad and Persia have ordered a large number of orders to be modified into armed vehicles."
"Affected by this, some armed forces in the Middle East have also followed suit and purchased Land Rover X from the market."
"Even some used Land Rover Xs that have been used for more than a year can be sold at prices close to the new car."
Murphy was even speechless when Edward said this.
Land Rover X actually became popular in the Middle East for this reason?
According to his understanding, the main market for Land Rover X before was the American market.
The second largest market is the one sold in Europe through the United States.
As for the domestic markets in the Middle East and China, it can only be used as a supplement.
So much changes have occurred now. "Do you think this situation will continue?" Murphy asked a question that many people would like to know.
The answer to this question will affect many things.
GM's own pickup truck, should we follow up in this market in the future?
Will the positioning of the pickup trucks be changed in the future? "I think this situation may continue in war-torn areas such as the Middle East and Africa." "In the future, the Land Rover X Series will become a classic model in this field and a generation of magic cars."
Edward knew very well that this kind of special vehicle would easily become a classic model.
In particular, the Land Rover X has a beautiful appearance and stable performance.
The situation has been completely opened up in Persia and Baghdad, and this trend will inevitably become more and more obvious in the future.
According to his understanding, these two countries alone have ordered more than 100,000 Land Rover X-Series in the past six months.
The demonstration effect brought by the use of these vehicles will definitely continue.
"Land Rover X occupies this area in the Middle East market is too special."
"Land Rover must be guaranteed for a while."
"But the supply of the American market must be guaranteed!"
Murphy thought for a while, and felt that he would just ignore the Middle East market for now.
The local market in the United States is the basic market of General Motors.
Chevrolet X-Series Pickup has become the choice of many American farmers, making a significant contribution to the increase in GM's sales.
As long as Land Rover does not continue to affect the supply of the American market because the explosion in the Middle East continues to affect the supply of the American market, Murphy doesn't want to care about that much. "From next month, all supply will return to normal." "And Land Rover is building a super factory, and the future production capacity will definitely be sufficient!" Edward's words made Murphy breathe a sigh of relief.
It doesn't affect GM's money making, so anything is easy to say.
(This chapter ends)