The story wasn't new. The foreign auto giants had played this game for decades:
Selling downgraded models in China
Removing core safety features
Marking up prices by ¥100,000+ ($13,700)
And when things broke? Offering fake recalls and bolt-on "fixes"
They treated Chinese consumers like fools.
And now, the public knew it.
"President Lu is right."
"For years, I've wanted to smash these foreign companies for how they've bled us dry."
People had put up with this nonsense because there were no domestic alternatives.
Until now.
Haifeng stood at the center of it all, facing his team.
"Why were we humiliated for so long?
Because we didn't have the core tech."
But now?
"We have our engine.
We have our car.
We have our brand."
And so, he dropped the final hammer:
"The Audi A4 1.8T base model starts at ¥248,000 (≈ $34,130).
The top trim will not exceed ¥400,000 (≈ $55,060)."
Let's break that down:
Production cost: ~¥100,000 ($13,770)
Total cost after tax and raw materials: ~¥150,000 ($20,660)
Leftover margin: ~¥98,000 ($13,500)
Of that:
Over ¥50,000 ($6,880) was reserved for the dealers
The rest went to China Star
Why so generous to the dealerships?
Because Haifeng set strict rules in their contracts:
4S stores must follow official pricing.
No hidden charges or forced add-ons.
No "optional extras" manipulation.
Follow all manufacturer service standards.
Violation = instant termination.
No refund of the deposit.
It was clear:
"Service defines reputation.
And dealers represent the brand."
To make them obey, he gave them real profit.
More than Baolai (BMW), Autuo (Audi), or Benma (Benz) offered.
Has anyone still tried to play dirty?
They'd be crushed.
The room was stunned.
"President Lu, isn't that price too low?"
"Our profit margin will be tiny."
Haifeng didn't waver.
"This car isn't about maximizing profit."
"It's about destroying the pricing bubble.
And breaking foreign control of the high-end market."
At 10:00 a.m.
The launch began.
Haifeng walked onto the stage in front of thousands of attendees and millions of livestream viewers.
"Distinguished guests, members of the media, and friends watching online—good morning."
"I'm Lu Haifeng, Chairman of China Star."
"Let's skip the fluff. Today, we unveil the Audi A4."
Thunderous applause.
He smiled and continued:
"Over a year ago, this brand was just a vision."
"Today, thanks to the hard work of every single Audi Auto employee—
That vision has become a car. A symbol. A new beginning."
"Let me express my gratitude:
To the city, to our partners, and our nation."
Then he stepped to the car…
grabbed the cover…
"Ladies and gentlemen—this is the Audi A4 we built for China."
[T/N: 100th Chapter Baby!!! There will be final exam week for FAU in a few weeks, so I won't be able to drop 10 chapters every few days. I think I'll get to 5.]