This compelling book explores the rise of China’s manufacturing prowess, providing a captivating narrative of a regional automotive enterprise’s remarkable journey. From its humble beginnings, the enterprise confronts harrowing challenges, ultimately establishing itself as a global powerhouse. This story is set against the dramatic backdrop of China’s industrial evolution spanning over six decades, offering a window into the heart-pounding saga of the country’s automotive sector. It is a tale of resilience and growth, illustrating the intricate interplay between local and international dynamics. Woven seamlessly into the narrative are three compelling strands: the unwavering determination of entrepreneurs, the transformative journey of the manufacturing system, and the dynamic trends defining the age of Chinese manufacturing. Together, these elements create a majestic and dynamic portrait of industrial vigor and ambition.
Chapter 1 Prologue One City, One Legacy Chapter 2 Bygone Tales Along the Liujiang River 1958?C1998 2.1 Nationwide Dreams of Automobiles 2.2 A Quest for Direction 2.3 The Ephemeral Arc of Joy 2.4 The Rise of Mini Vehicles 2.5 The Year of Administrative Intervention 2.6 The Strategic Reorientation of Two Cities 2.7 The Essence of the Enterprise 2.8 Steadfast in the Tide: The Unswerving Path to Rewards Chapter 3 The Maelstrom of Transformation 1999?C2000 3.1 Crisis in State-Owned Enterprises 3.2 The Surge of Youthful Vigor 3.3 Historical Echoes of Flaming Torches 3.4 The Second Salvo of Reforms 3.5 The Commanding Presence of the ISO 9000 Office 3.6 The Lament of the Weeping Cars 3.7 Striking with a Masterstroke 3.8 Forging Wuling’s Manufacturing DNA 3.9 The Stone of Burden and the Sword of Peril Chapter 4 The Whirlwind of Joint Ventures 2001?C2002 4.1 Joint Ventures: A Race Against Time 4.2 A Half-Torn Business Card and Three “In-Laws” 4.3 The Widest Road Ever Crossed 4.4 A Lamb in the Wolf’s Embrace? 4.5 A Pot of Traditional Chinese Medicine 4.6 Gains for All Parties Chapter 5 The Age of Iconic Vehicles 2003?C2008 5.1 Farewell to Flat-Fronted Vehicles 5.2 First Strike in the Auto Wars 5.3 A Spring’s Ambition 5.4 From Joke to Jewel 5.5 The Sky Is the Limit 5.6 Quality’s Quantum Leap 5.7 Bridging North and South: A Tale of Two Bases 5.8 Crazy Gambit, Winning Hand 5.9 Battle for the Discourse of Power Chapter 6 The Million Milestone Unveiled 2009?C2010 6.1 Global Spotlight 6.2 Quality-Crowned Legendary 6.3 Excellence Evolved in the 4S Store Saga 6.4 The Perceived Quality 6.5 The Most Important Car in the World 6.6 Global Strategy: GM’s Calculated Moves Chapter 7 Passenger Cars: From Cocoon to Butterfly 2011?C2019 7.1 Dawn of Autonomy 7.2 Baojun’s Debut Bout 7.3 The Unity of Squads 7.4 The Chief Test Driver 7.5 Sharing a Ride to Navigate Uncharted Waters 7.6 The Baptism of Independence 7.7 Crafting a Unique Essence 7.8 Peaks and Valleys: Mastering the Balance 7.9 Navigating the Smart Innovation Maze Chapter 8 Minimalism Redefined 2020 8.1 The “950” Initiative: Saving Wuling! 8.2 Pursuing Success without Subsidies 8.3 “Three-Good Student” Meets Liuzhou Model 8.4 Sizing Down: The Big Challenge 8.5 Pivot to Demand: Creating What the People Need 8.6 Epic Journey: The Grand Relocation 8.7 Banyan Roots: Sourcing Vitality and Mastery from the Depths Chapter 9 Valor Across Borders 2021 9.1 At the Intersection of Progress and Regression 9.2 The Supply Chain Stranglehold 9.3 Lost and Found Amidst Cultural Ambiguity 9.4 Blazing Trails Across Barriers 9.5 Mastery of Localization 9.6 The Best Diplomatic Engagement 9.7 An Arduous Ascent 9.8 Reversing Fortunes: From Downturn to Triumph Chapter 10 The Road Ahead 2022 10.1 Dawn of Electrification 10.2 The 2C Revolution 10.3 Shifting from Funnel to Hourglass 10.4 Nostalgia’s Sweet Return