Tech Giants: Starting from Bankrupt Companies

59: Chapter 59: Giants’ Olive Branches, Collaborating for the FutureThe Q&A session with reporters concluded, and the host turned to the entrepreneur section in the first row. ”Now, we will open the floor for questions from our corporate partners in attendance. First, I would like to invite Mr. Li Fu, Chairman of Geely Auto.”

Li Fu took the microphone and stood up. This legendary figure in the Chinese automotive industry was wearing a simple jacket today, his smile warm and powerful.

”Mr. Zhang, fellow colleagues. Geely and Spark Power have been old friends for a long time. Several of our new energy vehicle models are already using Spark Power’s first-generation products, and the market feedback has been excellent.” He first affirmed the foundation of their cooperation, then shifted the tone. ”Seeing the Qingtian 2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor and Control System today, I am particularly interested in its deep customizability. Geely is currently developing our next-generation high-end pure electric exclusive platform, ’Haohan.’ We hope that the electric drive system isn’t just something we ’take and install,’ but rather one that can be deeply integrated with our chassis architecture, intelligent cockpit, and autonomous driving system, or even jointly define some underlying interface protocols.”

He looked at Zhang Zhen with burning eyes. ”My question is: Is Spark Power willing, and capable, of opening up deeper levels of technical cooperation for a strategic partner like Geely? Not just supplying components, but ’co-creation’ starting from the R&D stage?”

This question voiced the inner thoughts of every automaker aspiring to build a high-end electric vehicle brand. For a moment, representatives from Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and even Tesla listened intently.

Zhang Zhen’s smile deepened. ”Chairman Li’s question is actually what we have been thinking about the most lately. The traditional supplier model can no longer keep up with the pace of innovation in the electric vehicle era.”

He operated the screen, and a new organizational chart appeared. ”Just last week, Spark Power officially established the ’Top Partner Co-creation Center.’ This center will open up certain underlying technical interfaces and development tool chains to selected strategic partners—deep collaborators like Geely.”

He explained in detail, ”For example, we can jointly define personalized motor torque response curves to match the driving styles of different brands; we can open up some algorithmic interfaces of the electronic control system, allowing automakers to integrate their own unique chassis control logic and energy recovery strategies; we can even conduct joint R&D during the battery pack structural design phase to achieve the optimal vehicle space layout.”

Zhang Zhen looked at Li Fu and scanned the other automotive executives in the audience. ”Spark Power is no longer just a supplier; we prefer to become ’technical partners.’ So, Chairman Li, the answer is yes—we are not only willing but already prepared to start deep co-creation with Geely on the ’Haohan’ platform from scratch. In fact, our engineering team is ready to head to Hangzhou next week for our first joint workshop with Geely’s technical team.”

Li Fu’s eyes lit up, and he said loudly, ”Great! You are welcome anytime! We will sign a memorandum for deepening strategic cooperation after the meeting!”

Warm applause erupted at the scene. This was not just a Q&A; it was a public declaration of a strategic alliance.

The host then invited the representative from Volkswagen Group to ask a question. Standing up was Karl Müller, a member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group responsible for procurement.

”Mr. Zhang, I am Karl Müller. Volkswagen Group is deeply impressed by the ultimate safety philosophy demonstrated by the ’Bedrock 2’ battery, which highly aligns with Volkswagen’s relentless pursuit of safety.” His English, with a German accent, was clear and steady. ”Based on Volkswagen Group’s massive plans for electrification over the next decade, as well as the European Union’s policy inclination toward localized supply chains, I would like to ask: Is Spark Power considering establishing a joint venture factory or production base in Europe—for example, in Germany or Eastern Europe—to ensure stable and efficient supply to the European market in the future?”

This question was very practical, involving multiple factors such as geopolitics, supply chain security, and cost control. All international automakers were paying attention.

Zhang Zhen’s expression became serious. ”Mr. Müller, thank you for the recognition from Volkswagen Group. Regarding localized production in Europe, Spark Power holds an open and positive attitude.”

He did not shy away. ”We believe that truly excellent technology and products should serve the global market. Localized production is not only a necessity for dealing with trade policies, but also an inevitable choice for staying close to customers and responding quickly.”

He provided a specific roadmap. ”We are already preliminarily evaluating the possibility of establishing an R&D center and an initial assembly plant in Europe. If we reach deep cooperation with Volkswagen or other European partners, we can explore various forms—including technology licensing, joint ventures, or even jointly establishing a new battery brand.”

Zhang Zhen emphasized one point: ”But no matter where the factory is located, Spark Power’s core principles will not change: unified technical standards, a unified quality system, and unified safety requirements. Spark Power batteries ’Made in China’ and ’Made in Europe’ will have exactly the same performance and reliability.”

This answer demonstrated sincerity in cooperation while maintaining the bottom line of technical standards. Karl Müller nodded thoughtfully. ”We look forward to further detailed discussions. Volkswagen Group has great interest in cooperating with a technology innovator like Spark Power.”

For the last question opportunity, the host looked toward the Tesla representative area. Standing up was Sarah Chen, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Tesla, a woman of Chinese descent.

”Mr. Zhang, I am Sarah Chen from Tesla. First, Tesla appreciates any force that can drive progress in electric vehicle technology, and the achievements Spark Power showcased today are respectable.” Her opening was polite and professional. ”We are particularly concerned about the fast-charging performance of the ’Divine Travel 2’ battery, which is key to improving user experience. Can you reveal more specific fast-charging data? For example, with what power charging pile can you achieve a charge from 10% to 80% in how much time?”

She paused and asked a more sensitive question. ”In addition, Tesla also has deep accumulation in battery management systems. We noticed that Spark Power’s battery management system has some unique design concepts. In the future, is there any intention to share these advancements with the industry through technology licensing, cross-licensing of patents, etc.? After all, pushing the entire industry forward is beneficial to every enterprise committed to a sustainable future.”

This question was both a technical inquiry and a strategic probe. Tesla could be a competitor or a partner.

Zhang Zhen pondered for a moment and replied, ”Thank you for Tesla’s attention. Regarding the specific fast-charging data of the ’Divine Travel 2’, we can provide the complete charging curve in non-public business negotiations. But here, I can give a range: on a suitable liquid-cooled supercharging pile, the time to achieve 10%-80% charging will be significantly shorter than the current industry mainstream level. What we pursue is not a breakthrough in a single indicator, but the best balance among charging speed, battery life, and safety.”

He continued to answer the second question. ”As for technology sharing... Spark Power has always believed that openness and cooperation can make the industry go further. We are already exploring the possibility of patent cross-licensing with some partners. But we prefer a ’joint R&D, shared results’ model rather than simple one-way technology output.”

Zhang Zhen looked at Sarah Chen and also at the entire audience. ”If Tesla is interested, we can sit down and explore the possibility of conducting joint research in specific areas—such as fast-charging algorithms and battery life prediction models. We believe that between top-tier enterprises, besides competition, there should also be rational cooperation based on common goals.”

This answer preserved the core technology while opening the door to cooperation, striking the right balance. Sarah Chen smiled. ”A very constructive approach. Tesla will seriously consider this proposal.”

The Q&A session ended, and Zhang Zhen stood back in the center of the stage.

”Ladies and gentlemen, today’s technical release and Q&A end here. But I would like to share one final concept.”

An image appeared on the big screen: an overhead view of the Earth, with countless light points representing vehicles flickering on it, most of which were gradually changing from red, representing internal combustion, to blue, representing electric.

”Over a hundred years ago, the internal combustion engine revolution brought humanity into the automotive era. Today, we stand at the new starting point of a power revolution. This is not a simple energy replacement, but a reconstruction of the entire transportation and mobility system.”

His voice became impassioned and powerful. ”What Spark Power released today is not just a few battery packs and a few motors. What we released is a complete, era-leading electrification solution. What we released is the confidence of Chinese enterprises moving from technology followers to standard setters. What we released is an invitation for global partners to jointly write the future of electrification.”

Zhang Zhen opened his arms as if to embrace the entire future. ”This revolution has just begun. And Spark Power is ready with the most powerful ’Chinese Core.’ Let us join hands, not to compete on who goes faster, but to push the entire industry to go further, more steadily, and better together.”

”Thank you all!”

The entire audience stood up, and thunderous applause lasted for a long time.

In the first row, Geely’s Li Fu and Great Wall’s Wei Jian exchanged a smile; both saw excitement and urgency in each other’s eyes. Volkswagen’s Müller was whispering quickly with his colleague. Tesla’s Sarah Chen was already typing on her phone, obviously reporting to headquarters. The delegation from Toyota of Japan looked solemn, discussing in low voices.

Meanwhile, in front of the monitoring screens backstage, Su Chen and Lin Wan stood side by side.

”Mr. Zhang spoke well,” Lin Wan said softly. ”Neither humble nor pushy, with data and confidence.”

Su Chen nodded, but his gaze looked past the screen, as if seeing a further future. ”The power revolution... this is just the first step. Next, it’s Red Flag’s turn to take the stage. Let the world see what happens when the top-tier Chinese power meets the deepest Chinese automotive heritage.”

Outside the window, the sun was bright.

And the new era belonging to Chinese power and Chinese automobiles was unfolding vigorously with the conclusion of this press conference.