Chapter 448 Major blow, rushing response
"Moriyama, Toyota Motor called and asked when our 5AT automatic transmission could be developed."
As an important parts company under Toyota Motor, Aixin is responsible for the research and development and production of various transmissions.
Most of Toyota's gearboxes are supplied by Aisin.
The 4AT automatic transmission is the most used one now, which is similar to the situation in the global automotive industry.
Nanshan Gearbox has invited so many OEMs to Shenzhen City to attend the world's first 5AT automatic transmission mass production and launch ceremony.
This incident has brought a huge impact on Toyota.
President Akiichiro Toyoda personally called Taji Tanaka, the person in charge of Aisin, to inquire about the development of the 5AT automatic transmission.
Since most of the main models have used 4AT automatic transmissions in recent years, no manufacturer around the world promotes 5AT automatic transmissions.
So there is no pressure inside Aixin.
The development plan for its own 5AT automatic transmission is repeated.
"President, according to the tacit understanding we have formed with major gearbox manufacturers such as ZF, BorgWarner and Gateco."
"No manufacturer will launch a 5AT automatic transmission in the next five years."
"From the matching of the engine and the gearbox, the 4AT automatic transmission can already meet most of the working conditions."
"In this case, the significance of developing a 5AT automatic transmission is not particularly significant, whether from the perspective of cost or performance."
"So although we had developed a development plan for the 5AT automatic transmission before, we have been still in theoretical discussions."
"The actual production verification work has not begun."
Moriyama's words made Tanaka Taiji feel nervous.
Is its own 5AT automatic transmission still stuck on paper?
The key is that the drawings are not in a state where they can be mass-produced directly, but in a situation that has not been verified yet.
Even the drawings have not been drawn.
What to do about this?
According to past experience, it is impossible to develop such a new 5AT automatic transmission without three to five years.
What should I do?
"If the development of the 5AT project is started immediately, when can we come up with products that can be mass-produced as soon as possible?"
As the president of Aisin, Taji Tanaka first needs to consider how to meet the needs of his major shareholder Toyota Motor.
Then there are some actual situations within your company.
This time, Toyota Akiichiro called him personally, which means that Toyota already wants to launch a car equipped with a 5AT automatic transmission as soon as possible.
Then what else can hesitate about?
I won’t talk about my abilities for now, but my attitude must be correct.
"The transmission is not only a regulator of the engine's power output, but also a decisive factor in the vehicle's driving performance."
"The design and adjustment of the gearbox are directly related to the power, economy, comfort and reliability of the vehicle, and are an important indicator for measuring the technical level of the car."
"It will take at least three years for us to develop single products of 5AT automatic transmission."
"After that, we need to adjust some parts of the gearbox in combination with the matching work with various engines."
"Then we invest in the construction of a new production line for assembly and production."
"This process basically takes more than 5 years."
Moriyama Shurang certainly dared not say too much.
Otherwise, if the product cannot be produced then, it will be troublesome.
Although Nanshan Transmission has launched a 5AT automatic transmission, they have never seen the finished product and are not sure about the specific structure and performance of the other party.
It can be said that there is no reference material now, and Aixin's engineers need to think about it and develop it themselves.
This is also very time-consuming.
It also takes five or six years, or even seven or eight years, to develop a 5AT automatic transmission from scratch.
But if you are consciously avoiding patents and conducting replicative development in response to other people's designs, then it may be done in two or three years.
This gap is very huge.
"5 years have passed too long. At that time, all the products of BMW Auto Group were probably replaced with 5AT automatic transmissions."
"Then how do we sell our products?"
"Especially for Lexus, we focus on high-end luxury models. If the configuration is not as good as other people's mid-range models, consumers will definitely not admit it."
Although Taji Tanaka is the head of the parts company, he does not participate in the specific sales of the whole vehicle.
But he can definitely understand some of the normal psychological activities of consumers.
Because of this, he could understand why Toyoda Akiichiro called him personally.
"If we want to be faster, we can only wait until we get the 5AT produced by Nanshan gearbox and then conduct disassembly and test, and then develop our gearbox based on their products."
"If you do this, you will probably save about two years."
As Ai Shin's research and development integration, Moriyama Shurang definitely does not want to take the path of plagiarizing others.
But if the leader is so anxious, he can only follow the power in a hurry.
Don’t think that the moral bottom line of Japanese people is as high as it is impossible!
"We also need to find a way to get the sample of Nanshan gearbox as soon as possible. If it really doesn't work, let Toyota help them find some samples."
"Just say it is for verification and use, I guess the Nanshan gearbox should be given."
"Otherwise, there is no need to send Toyota Motor an invitation letter to the mass production and offline ceremony of the 5AT automatic transmission."
Although such trivial matters require help from shareholders, it is a bit embarrassing.
However, considering the urgency of the schedule, Tanaka Taiji, who was already a little busy, couldn't take care of so much at this time.
If many years later, many OEMs will start to use 5AT automatic transmissions in large quantities, and Aixin will not be able to come up with such a product.
That was the real embarrassment.
"This is also an idea."
"Otherwise, if we buy the mass-produced cars equipped with their 5AT from the market, we will probably have to wait a longer time."
Moriyama Shuai will definitely not reject the proposal made by his own leader.
Anyway, this is the practice of reducing the pressure on R&D centers to the greatest extent.
...
ZF is the one who is also a little busy like Aixin.
As the most important gearbox supplier for many automotive giants such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes, ZF is very powerful.
They not only produce gearboxes, but also chassis parts and electronic components, and are considered to be the top giants in the automotive parts industry.
ZF has always led the development direction of the European transmission market.
When they were founded in 1915, they began to develop automotive gearbox products.
However, in terms of technical level, they cannot be considered the world's number one.
After all, the 4AT automatic transmission of other automakers such as General Motors was launched earlier than ZF.
In order to rank first in the world in terms of technology and production scale, ZF's management team has also put a lot of effort into it.
Their 5AT automatic transmission has also been developed for many years.
Historically, in 1990, ZF launched the world's first passenger car, the 5HP, the 5-speed automatic transmission.
At this time, ZF was once again in the leading position in the transmission field.
Now that the rhythm has been suddenly disrupted, ZF is naturally a little busy.
"Stephen, our prototype of 5AT automatic transmission has been developed and various tests are now underway."
"If nothing unexpected happens, the vehicle matching test will be carried out with BMW."
"It was finally mass-produced and launched on BMW's latest models at the end of 1990."
As ZF's R&D director, Mikas was called by President Stephen early in the morning to report the latest situation of the 5AT automatic transmission.
This project can be said to be the most important project of ZF in recent years, and it is related to the development of the next decade.
According to their original idea, ZF can become the first gearbox manufacturer in the world to launch a 5AT.
At that time, we will cooperate with various OEMs to quickly get to the next level.
However, all this has changed because of the emergence of Nanshan gearbox.
"Communicate with BMW. We will accelerate the matching test in the next three months and strive to launch models equipped with our 5AT products within next year."
Although there is no way to get the first place, Stephen doesn't want ZF to be behind for too long.
Otherwise, if Nanshan gearbox has a firm foothold, it will be difficult to do the future work.
BMW has always supported ZF's work very much, and most of its products are equipped with ZF gearboxes.
Therefore, the 5AT planned by ZF is naturally first equipped with BMW models.
"This may be difficult, mainly because of some of our own testing work, and we must adjust the structure of each part in light of the matching of the entire vehicle."
"Otherwise the performance of the transmission will not be able to be the best."
Those who work in technology sometimes simply think about technical issues and don’t think about too many other things.
Mikas has been in charge of this project for seven or eight years, so naturally he does not want to cause some imperfect situations because of the last two years of work.
"Huaxia has launched the world's first 5AT product, we can't wait any longer."
"The customer definitely doesn't want us to continue waiting, right?"
Stephen made the situation simple and clear.
However, Mikas still frowned and said, "Our 5AT is currently doing synchronous development with BMW's new generation of 5 Series and 3 Series models."
"Unless BMW can accelerate the development of new models simultaneously, even if our 5AT is mass-produced in advance, there will be no way to load and use it."
The situation in the automotive industry is obviously different from many industries.
One by one, it’s not enough to just get one of your parts done.
Stephen didn't understand this principle, but he was very anxious.
"Then let's ignore BMW's reaction for now. The company will hold a press conference next week and announce to the media that we have also developed a 5AT automatic transmission."
"Then I will arrange for the sales department to take action as soon as possible. In addition to continuing to promote and expand use with BMW, all customers such as Volkswagen, Peugeot Citroen, Renault and Fiat Automobile must move as soon as possible."
Stephen is a little busy now and feels that he must deal with the mass production of Nanshan gearbox 5AT as soon as possible.
Otherwise, the market will be occupied by others and if you want to seize it, it will be very difficult.
"But our products are not yet mature?"
Mikas, born as a doctor of engineering, has always been thinking about technology. This left Stephen speechless.
“Although the technology still needs improvement, it has been developed successfully.”
"As long as a customer is ready to use it, we can complete matching development in the next time."
"Isn't it?"
Stephen took a deep breath and looked at Mikas with a very serious expression.
At this time, Mikas, who had realized it later, finally understood the current situation.
In the end, the arm is better than the thigh, so we must do it according to the president's ideas.
...
"Wisker, what do you think we cooperate with China's Nanshan gearbox to produce their 5AT automatic gearbox?"
As the president of American parts giant BorgWarner, Wolford is a pure businessman.
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He doesn't know much about technology, but he understands the market very well.
BorgWarner is the largest transmission company in the United States, supplying some of the products to several major automakers.
In the past few days, due to the mass production and offline of Nanshan gearbox 5AT, various car companies and gearbox companies around the world are paying attention to this matter.
Many people become sleepless at night.
Especially for various gearbox companies such as Aisin, Gatco, Hyundai Mobis, their 5AT is still far from mass production.
The situation at BorgWarner is actually a bit unoptimistic.
But Walford felt that he didn't need to be nervous, he just needed to find the best business cooperation route.
"It's not impossible."
"Nanshan gearboxes are Chinese companies. The gearboxes they produce need to be transported to the United States, and the supply cycle is relatively long."
"The most important thing is that a gearbox is such an important product. Our customers should not want to purchase it directly from Huaxia."
"GM can cooperate with Chinese companies to produce OEM models, and we can also cooperate with Nanshan gearbox in the field of 5AT automatic transmission."
"At that time, they provide various components in the gearbox and assemble them in our factory."
"Then it will be supplied to customers such as General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler Motors."
Wisk is Wolford's direct subordinate, so he naturally will not oppose the boss's proposal.
And objectively speaking, this plan is not without feasibility.
In the early years, BorgWarner launched technical cooperation with Japan's Aisin, and the two parties even established a joint venture to jointly produce 4AT automatic transmission and other products.
Now that we are in the 5AT era, it is obviously possible that they will cooperate with Nanshan gearbox in turn.
"Since you think it's possible, then arrange someone to contact Nanshan gearbox as soon as possible."
"Strive to confirm this plan within the next half month."
"Then we can also report our 5AT response plan to each customer as soon as possible so that customers can have a clear idea."
Wolfo is an impatient person.
Nanshan gearbox has produced a 5AT, which has brought a major blow to the global gearbox industry.
All transmission companies are busy considering response plans.
At this time, if BorgWarner can seize the opportunity, he might turn bad things into good things.
At that time, BorgWarner's transmission sales may return to its peak.
...
"Austin, it seems that your previous judgment of Jiang Hui was very correct."
"This is a Chinese who is completely different from ordinary Chinese."
"Under his leadership, BMW Automobile Group has achieved rapid development."
"The efficiency of exports of various models has set a historical record now."
"What makes people even more exaggerated is that his Nanshan gearbox has now become the first company in the world to launch a mass-produced 5AT automatic transmission."
On the plane, General Motors' sales director Edward and R&D director Austin came to China to participate in the 5AT mass production and offline event of Nanshan gearbox.
On the one hand, we need to understand what the 5AT produced by Nanshan gearbox is and how it performs.
On the other hand, it is also considered how to cooperate with Nanshan gearbox in the future.
In the 4AT era, there were many gearbox manufacturers who could produce such products.
General Motors doesn't need to cooperate directly with Nanshan gearbox at all.
But in the 5AT era, the situation obviously changed.
So far, Austin hasn't heard that any other gearbox company has created a 5AT.
"I think 5AT is just the beginning. Maybe in the future, Nanshan gearbox will become the first company in the world to launch a 6AT automatic transmission."
"In the future, Nanshan Engine and Nanshan Technology will continue to bring us surprises."
"Jiang Hui's understanding of the automobile industry is beyond our imagination."
"His talent in this area is not comparable to that of ordinary people."
Austin has been dealing with Jiang Hui for so many years, and naturally has a very clear understanding of Jiang Hui's strength.
Anyway, he is willing to give up the disadvantage and knows that he is not the opponent.
"Fortunately, such a strong competitor is now our partner, otherwise it would be really troublesome."
"The Japanese car companies and the Korean car companies have already brought us so many things."
"If a Chinese car company is added, the domestic automobile market situation in the future will become even more chaotic."
As the sales director, Edward is naturally concerned about things in the sales field.
The rising rise of BMW Auto Group has undoubtedly brought an impact on many car companies.
If General Motors had not had OEM cooperation with BMW Auto Group, its sales would have been more or less affected.
"Yes, so this time we come here, we must strengthen the cooperation between the two sides."
"The shareholders also have the idea that they may establish a Huaxia joint venture in the future and officially enter the Chinese market."
In this life, the automobile market in China has undergone very little changes compared with the same period in history.
The appearance of various joint venture car companies has also been advanced.
Similarly, due to the rapid development of the economy, the scale of the domestic automobile market has also increased a lot.
Historically, the production of China's automobile industry this year was only 640,000 vehicles.
This number is completely incomparable to the more than 15 million vehicles in the United States.
Now with the emergence of Jiang Hui, China's automobile production this year will definitely exceed 1 million vehicles, and it can even touch the threshold of 2 million vehicles.
Each car has tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of parts.
The driving role of the industrial chain is huge.
The increase in automobile production by several times will naturally benefit many people and companies.
As well as the overall economic environment after the domestic reform, the overall economic environment has improved a lot.
The pressure on all aspects has also become smaller.
"Since Nanshan gearbox is going to mass-produce 5AT automatic gearbox, we must purchase a batch and go back and study it carefully."
"See if it is equipped with Cadillac models first."
General Motors is the world's largest automobile industry.
In the application of new technologies, we naturally don’t want to lag behind our peers.
It would be fine if 5AT did not appear. Now that it has already existed, it is impossible for General Motors not to use it.
Even if the price is relatively high at the beginning, it doesn't matter.
Anyway, it is used in luxury cars like Cadillac.
...
"Mini No, what impact do you think the 5AT automatic transmission that emerged from China will have on the automotive industry?"
As the president of Honda Motor, Taro Shimahara is naturally very concerned about the most popular information in the industry.
Most of Honda's gearboxes are developed and produced by themselves, and now they mainly use 4AT and 5MT gearboxes.
They are also in the design of the 5AT gearbox solution, but according to the plan, it will take another seven or eight years to enter mass production.
The current situation of Nanshan gearbox undoubtedly disrupts their rhythm.
So Taro Shimahara must have to carefully evaluate the impact of this matter.
"The internal structure of the 5AT automatic transmission is much more complex than that of the 4AT."
"And the accuracy requirements for each part are higher."
"I don't think the quality of the 5AT produced by Nanshan gearbox can be very good."
"It's impossible for them to have this level."
Mizuno Somori obviously did not regard the appearance of the Nanshan gearbox as his own threat.
In his opinion, Nanshan Transmission said that it had created the world's first 5AT, which was completely sensational.
After a few years, after various quality problems arise, I guess I will be unable to take it and leave.
"I also think this matter is a bit strange. Everyone knows what level of China's automobile industry is."
"Although the situation changed a little after the emergence of BMW Automobile Group, many things in essence cannot be changed."
Taro Shimahara breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this, and felt that what Mizuno Somori said was also what he thought.
"So I think the institute can speed up the speed appropriately according to the original plan."
"There is no need to disrupt the original arrangement because of the appearance of the Nanshan gearbox."
From Taro Shimahara's reaction, Somori Mizuno understood what the leader meant.
Then we naturally have to follow the leader's wishes.
Anyway, there is no way to prove which path is correct in the short term.
(This chapter ends)