America's Road to Wealth

Chapter 435 This Is Life
In early March, something big happened in the American auto industry.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, referred to as OFAC, announced that Volkswagen Group and BMW Group were involved in unfair competition with U.S. companies and said they would investigate the two auto groups.

Soon after, the U.S. Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation (SPI) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce also announced their intention to investigate BMW Group and Volkswagen Group.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice also stood up, claiming that the two auto groups may have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Helms-Burton Act.

As soon as these news and news came out, BMW and Volkswagen were petrified.

There is no doubt that this is the so-called "long-arm jurisdiction" played by the United States.

Companies or countries that have been affected by the "long-arm jurisdiction" of the United States include both allies of the United States and countries that are hostile or have tense relations with it.

The world's police are so wide-ranging.

What's more, it's still 2002, and it's the era when America draws its sword and looks around in a daze, fighting invincible players all over the world.

The Americans said they wanted to play long-arm jurisdiction, so they really did.

No one can do anything.

This time it was the turn of BMW and Volkswagen.

Upon hearing the news, BMW and Volkswagen were stunned.

At the beginning, this incident was associated with GM and Ford.

After all, these two American auto groups are the two biggest competitors in the global auto industry.

These two companies are also capable of doing things for them in the United States.

Fortunately, BMW and Volkswagen have been cultivating the global market for a long time, and they attach great importance to the largest auto market in the United States.

It has very strong connections and energy in the United States.

Among their shareholders, many are even originally Americans.

The senior management of the two companies, Baired and John Wieland, who had gone to meet Abel, also flew off for the United States.

Before the two people's plane arrived in the United States, their company headquarters had already figured out the reason why the White House would target the two of them this time through its contacts and channels in the United States.

John Wieland and Baired, who had just got off the plane, soon received the news.

"It's that shameless Smith!! Sure enough, Americans are so shameless."

When leaving the terminal of Dulles International Airport in DC District, Bai Ruide of the BMW Group couldn't help but whispered to John Wieland.

"Be careful."

John Wieland immediately reminded: "Don't forget where this is."

It is irrational to scold Americans in an American place, no matter how you say it.

Bai Ruide came to his senses, he nodded and said: "Then follow the arrangement at the headquarters and go find those vampires first."

"It can only be like this at the moment. We must be clear about the strength of the enemy we are facing this time." John Wieland said.

The two Germans got out of the airport, got into the vehicle dispatched by the branch of the two major groups, and set off directly to "K Street".

K Street, which is located between Capitol Hill and White House, runs from west to east across the north of Washington.

This is the famous "lobbying street" in the United States.

It has gathered a large number of think tanks, lobby groups, public relations companies, non-governmental organizations, international headquarters, and the World Bank.

The International Monetary Fund is also based here.

If Wall Street is the international financial center.

Then the "K Street" in Washington is the center of international politics that is ever-changing.

The lobbying companies here are the same as other American companies.

They are all guys who have women but are mothers.

As long as they are willing to give money, even foreigners, they will still help out.

BMW Group and Volkswagen Group both have huge markets in the United States.

The two of them, of course, have regular and strong collaborators on K Street.

Only in this way can they ensure that they will not be swallowed by rude and rude Americans on the American market side.

The channels of the two companies were originally separate.

But this time, the two families faced the British and Abel together.

They had to stand together and hug each other for warmth, in order to resist the pressure from the world's richest man.

Even when they came to K Street to find someone, the two major automobile groups contributed their money together, and found a well-known figure in the American lobbying industry, Jack Abramoff, who is known as the "Godfather" of the American lobbying industry.

Jack Abramoff is a veteran Elephant Party. In his early college days, he once served as the chairman of the College Republican Union.

It is the big cousin of little Laura, who is currently in the position.

Because of this reason, Jack Abramoff established a very good personal relationship with many American conservative rookies at the time.

Relying on this relationship, he entered this industry in the 90s, and it can be described as flourishing.

John Wieland and Bai Ruide looked for him, so they came here because of the name.

"Hey, two friends from Germany. I have to say that the difficulty of this task is quite high."

As soon as they met, Jack Abramoff gave the two Germans a startling remark.

"We all know who is going to target you this time. We also know what the last name of this future wife is."

"So, gentlemen, perhaps you should be prepared."

Facing Jack Abramoff's unceremonious opening remarks.

Bered didn't speak, but John Wieland said with a smile:

"This time the fee is five times, Mr. Abramoff, this time we are willing to pay you five times the price."

Jack Abramoff was startled, and the expression on his face became warmer.

"what--"

He smiled and said: "Although the difficulty is very high, you have found the right person. Believe me, if even I can't handle it, no one in the entire K Street can handle it."

Bayred was not as easy to talk to as John Wieland.

Watch Jack Abramoff, his tongue starts to soften because of the money.

Bai Ruide immediately said: "Mr. Abramoff, it seems that you are willing to take this job. Then I would like to ask, what should I do next? BMW and Volkswagen will fully cooperate with your work."

Jack Abramoff pondered for a moment, then said softly:

"The best way now, of course, is to satisfy him. We all know that when a lion starts hunting, it means that the lion is hungry. As long as the lion is full, it will not have to face the sharp teeth and claws from the lion."

Baired and John Wieland looked at each other.

Both Germans knew why good-looking Americans would come to target their two families.

It's all because of the Rolls-Royce Motor Car Group!
The question is, are the two of them willing to give up Rolls-Royce and Bentley, which are already on their lips?
Not at all!

The BMW Group and the Volkswagen Group have spent a full five years in order to obtain the Rolls-Royce Motor Group.

After spending so much real money, how could it be possible to give up so easily now?
It is impossible for BMW and Volkswagen to do what Jack Abramoff calls the simplest solution.

Bai Ruide said angrily: "Mr. Abramoff, we are willing to hire you at five times the price. We hope that you can help us solve our problems, not solve us."

"Ha ha--"

Jack Abramoff laughed again.

"Okay, okay, I know. Then, next, my work is about to start. Believe me, gentlemen, even if I face the white house and that person, I will definitely satisfy you. I Let you know what value for money is!"

Jack Abramoff came across as confident.

The reason why he has this self-confidence is because he has a very good relationship with conservative political leaders such as Tom Delay and Newt Gingrich.

It's also because even on the side of the donkey party, today's lobbying giants have some powerful cooperators.

These factors make Jack Abramoff one of the out-and-out K Street bigwigs.

In addition to this time, BMW and Volkswagen have given too much.

Even though he knew it was extremely difficult, Jack Abramoff was willing to give it a try.

What's more, now facing two customers, for the sake of delicious dollar bills.

With his professionalism, even if he pretends, Jack Abramoff has to pretend that everything is very simple.

Look how confident Jack Abramoff is.

The two Germans, who had no intuitive sense of someone's influence and connections in the United States, were also exaggerated by Jack Abramoff's self-confidence.

I couldn't help but gradually relax from the anxiety and nervousness I felt when I rushed over from Germany.

Then, before Baired and John Wieland, they visited those DC bosses who had relations with BMW Group and Volkswagen Group in Washington.

On March 3th, they received a message that caught them off guard.

The lobbyist hired by BMW and Volkswagen, Jack Abramoff, who was full of confidence a few days ago, was exposed by multiple media that he may be involved in the three felonies of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion.

When the two went to contact Jack Abramoff, they were scolded by the latter and announced the severance of cooperation.

Only then did John Wieland and Baired have an intuitive understanding of someone's influence in the United States.

And when the two Germans passed on their experience in the United States and the situation they faced back to Berlin.

Abel is still in San Diego, California.

San Diego is a good place, known for its warm climate, beautiful coastline and numerous sandy beaches. The world's top university, the University of California, San Diego, is also located here.

It is also the city with the third strongest economy in California, after Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Abel is here, originally there were two companies.

One is the founder of CDMA, communications giant Qualcomm.

The other was the original Sempra Energy and later Pacific Energy.

But now, in San Diego, he has a third company.

That is the energy group that is also headquartered here, one of the largest utility companies in the United States, California Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Abbreviated as PG&E.

Abel originally held only 50.9% of PG&E's shares and was the chairman of the company.

But because of some local snakes, many powers of him, the chairman, are very limited.

Fortunately, not long ago, because of the substation explosion and his own attack.

Those shareholders of PG&E who are local snakes have no choice but to shrink back in the face of Abel who stands on the high ground of public opinion.

So that he, the chairman, became the real chairman with real power.

It also allowed him to increase his stake in PG&E to about 70% after spending billions of dollars.

Since then, California Pacific Electric has been declared in his pocket.

A few days ago, California Pacific Electric announced that it would merge with Texas Pacific Energy to form a new American Pacific Energy Group.

On March 3th, Abel came to San Diego to inspect the headquarters of the two companies that are about to merge.

At the same time, do some preparatory work before the merger of the two energy giants.

Mainly to do the preparation work of PG&E company.After all, Pacific Energy has already completely become his shape.

And Cal Pacific Electric, for a long time, has always been a rebel for Abel.

Since he is a rebellious boy, if necessary, of course he should give it a good beating.

In the office of the chairman of PG&E.

"Boss, the current layoffs, will it appear that you are a little impatient?"

The chief advisor of the Smith Intelligence Group, considering his tone, spoke softly to his boss.

"There will be no large-scale layoffs. Just take advantage of the substation explosion and use the company's loss of billions of dollars in market value as an excuse to kick some stumbling blocks. Otherwise, how can we put our people in?"

"I have always insisted that only the middle management is the cornerstone of an enterprise. If we want to master a company, we must master this cornerstone. Well, let's go, don't make others wait too long, Alan, believe Me, it's not a big problem."

Abel said confidently.

Because he knew that his power in California Pacific Electric had been limited, and the most important reason was those local snakes.

It is a Northern California pie mainly featuring Jerry Brown and others.

Now this group of people has retreated and chose to become one of the new shareholders of Pacific Energy Group.

Then PG&E naturally has no confidence to face Abel.

It's already the point where he can make it round when he wants to make it round, and he can make it flat when he wants to make it flat.

Soon, in the conference room of California Pacific Electric headquarters.

After the normal opening remarks.

Sitting on the boss chair, Abel, as the chairman and largest shareholder, announced the layoffs.

"...I checked the personnel information of the group company, and the number of people in each department team is a bit too much."

"At present, the energy industry in the United States is affected by the war and economic downturn, and the market is depressed. In order to increase income and reduce expenditure, and reduce losses, before the integration and merger of the two major groups, each department will undergo a layoff..."

There was a warm smile on Abel's face, but what he said made everyone present feel shuddering and cold.

Everyone immediately began to discuss in low voices. Although the dozen or so people present were all important managers, there was a high probability that the fire of layoffs would not reach them.

But after all, they are all following their subordinates, and it is a difficult decision to lay off who or not to lay off.

"Let me start by saying what I mean. Layoffs are inevitable. The entire energy industry is downsizing. There is no way around it. Also, the frontline energy workers and low-level technicians will not move this time. 32 global offices , except for the technicians and the local person in charge, everyone else is on the list of cuts!"

As Abel's voice fell, the entire conference room was in an uproar.

Low-level workers and technicians will not be laid off. Now that the two groups are merging, for the sake of stability, there is a high probability that they will not be laid off.

Then the big knife for layoffs this time must be aimed at middle-level managers.

Hearing this news, Hupus, the company's CEO, who was originally a local boss and lackey, looked relaxed.

The faces of several vice presidents became very gloomy instead.

CEO Hupps was originally Jerry Brown's "protégé". He served as Jerry Brown's secretary for a year when Jerry Brown was governor of California.

Logically speaking, after Abel came to power, the first person who should be kicked out was Shupus.

But Abel didn't.

This is because it was some time ago, shortly after the substation incident.

The wise Shupus chose to jump ship...

So now Shupes can be very relaxed, but several vice presidents, there is no way to be as relaxed as him.

But the vice presidents also knew that Da Yuetui couldn't twist their arms.

Even Jerry Brown and other local snakes chose to hand over PG&E.

The life and death of these wage-earners has naturally been tightly held in the hands of Abel Smith.

"The layoffs this time are not random. Business ability assessment and screening will be carried out, and a special team will be established soon. You are the cornerstone of the larger Pacific Energy Group and the future. I hope you can cooperate with the work of the special team when the time comes! "

"I very much hope to see you all again at future Pacific Energy Group meetings."

Abel changed his warm and smiling expression, his eyes were sharp, and he looked around the group of executives with a cold expression, saying words that were both comforting and warning.

The meeting ended quickly, and everyone left the meeting room with solemn expressions except the CEO Shupes.

Shupus was still left behind and had a few words with Alberto.

Then happily accepted the task of being in charge of the entire assessment task and reviewing the list of layoffs.

Abel looked at the back of the happy CEO Shupus, who was leaving.

He just smiled faintly, knowing that the news of the layoffs would be received by Jerry Brown and others soon.

However, to disappoint many people, there is a high probability that the old guys will be indifferent.

It may not even be happy to see the results.

In China, this is called one emperor and one courtier.

Just after taking control of California Pacific Electric, a series of personnel changes have been carried out in the company, which will naturally arouse some contradictions among the company's top management.

It is conceivable that the local media and people in California will not give a good evaluation.

But this is a game of thrones in the business world.

Layoffs, purges, elimination of dissidents, killing chickens to scare monkeys, breaking the inherent alliance, creating conflicts between old employees and old bosses, making the relationship between all parties worse, and so on.

All of them will be realized one by one in Abel's campaign, ostensibly to reduce the company's financial losses, but in fact it is a big cleansing campaign.

When the purge was complete, new men were added, those who belonged to him Abel Smith.

Only after the integration of California Taiping Electric can it be merged with Pacific Energy in a clean way, and it will become the energy carriage in Abel Smith's commercial troika.

As for some people losing their jobs, it will lead to a series of difficulties in life.

Or the resentment and cursing of ex-employees who were cut off, that's not Abel's concern.

Well, he's sorry.

But, I understand, it’s more like a trick JPG:

"This is reality, this is life."

(End of this chapter)