After finalizing the initial batch of Audi dealership quotas, the overseas partners left with contracts and complete satisfaction.
These weren't just any distributors. Every company that secured a license was a known force in its home market. Even the weakest among them dwarfed companies like Liu Zihou's modest Liu Group.
Now, Haifeng began the next step: dividing up regional territories.
Some reshuffling and compromise were necessary for areas where multiple companies had applied. Haifeng made it clear:
"This is only a preliminary agreement. The number of dealerships in each region may increase in future phases."
No one objected.
It was standard industry practice—every car brand from Toyota to BMW operated similarly.
Besides, Haifeng had already drawn a clear line:
No company would receive exclusive rights to an entire market.
That left the dealers with only two choices: accept the deal or walk away.
And walking away wasn't an option.
These companies had crossed oceans for one thing: Audi dealership rights.
Even if their territory was smaller than hoped, it was better than going home empty-handed.
In truth, most of them were still thrilled.
While they didn't get exclusivity, the size of the territories they did receive was still massive, especially for a first batch.
Right now, only 100 Audi dealerships exist outside China. That made every slot extremely valuable.
Whoever moved fast would capture the first wave of profit. And everyone knew: the first to eat the crab gets the meat.
The upside wasn't one-sided.
Every dollar these partners made would help Audi expand faster and cut through foreign markets in record time.
To lock in commitment, Haifeng had required a ¥10 million agency fee (≈ $1.37 million) and a ¥10 million security deposit (≈ $1.37 million) from each dealership.
That alone brought in ¥2 billion in immediate revenue (≈ $275 million) before a single car had shipped abroad.
That cash typically takes selling over 8,000 Audi A4s to match—revenue, not profit.
But this money? Pure margin.
No production. No logistics. Just a signature and cash.
As for the so-called "refundable deposit"? That was a formality.
"Have you ever seen a car company refund a deposit?" one exec joked.
"That money's gone—like a bun tossed to a dog."
But no one minded.
Everyone understood: The returns would dwarf the upfront cost.
Even Haifeng was momentarily stunned.
"The raw materials haven't even been procured," he muttered, "And we've already made ¥2 billion in cash."
This was only Round One.
Will Audi eventually roll out dealerships across the entire globe?
The scale of income from licensing alone would be staggering.
Meanwhile, the foreign partners smiled as they boarded their flights—documents signed, deposits paid, ready to launch.
To them, the dealership fees were nothing.
What mattered was locking in the rights to a brand that was exploding.
They'd make the money back. That wasn't a question.
Back in his office, Haifeng shifted gears. Now it was time to plan for pricing and overseas rollout.
He had the capital. He had the infrastructure. Now, it was all about strategy.
After reviewing options, he made the call:
The overseas wholesale price of the Audi A4 would be 20% higher than the domestic price.
This would be the dealer buy-in price.
The dealers would handle all other costs—tariffs, logistics, staffing, warehousing.
Haifeng would give them margin, but no room for price gouging.
"If we don't regulate pricing, these bloodsuckers will jack it up sky-high," he warned his team.
That would hurt brand image and consumer trust—two things Audi couldn't afford to lose.
Some companies sold cheaper abroad and bled their citizens dry.
Haifeng had no intention of doing that.
"They sell overpriced garbage at home and undercut abroad.
We're doing the opposite."
This was a premium export. It deserved premium pricing.
And even with the markup?
Haifeng wasn't worried.
"Our specs are better. Our safety is unrivaled. If we don't charge more, we're devaluing the product."
"We're not chasing cheap. We're chasing respect."
Haifeng closed his notes with the price locked in and total A4 orders exceeding 500,000.
Audi's name was now carved into the market.
The brand had landed.
Time to move forward. Time to begin development on the following Audi model.