At the heart of the luxury market debate, one thing rang louder than the press hype:
Price decides perception.
That's why pricing the new Audi A4 wasn't just a number but a statement.
But the noise wasn't dying down.
"Audi's just a phone brand trying to make cars."
"Luxury? Don't make me laugh."
"Legacy can't be bought with a turbo engine."
The execs of Germany's big three were careful with their words, but the message was clear:
"We don't believe China Star can create luxury."
Their snobbery lit a fire online.
Some citizens were furious. Others… quietly agreed.
"A luxury car isn't just about engineering—it's a symbol."
Think about it—
You grow up poor. One day, you make it big.
How do you show it?
You don't walk into your hometown bragging.
You drive back in a luxury car.
No one needs to ask if you made it.
The car says it all.
That's the power of perception.
And that's what Haifeng was up against.
Audi Factory – Pricing Meeting
The conference room was packed.
Managers, supervisors, finance, marketing—everyone showed up.
Some wanted to price the Audi A4 on par with German brands.
"Same level, same class. Even if we sell less initially, we build the brand long-term."
Others wanted a slightly lower price—to kickstart sales and grab market share.
"Undercut them. Force them to notice us."
The room was getting loud—fast.
Until Haifeng raised his hand.
"Quiet."
Silence fell.
He looked around, his face dark.
"Why does pricing have to follow the rules foreign brands made?"
"Why are we still letting them dictate what luxury means in China?"
Then he dropped the hammer.
"You all know this. Look at the price difference for German brands sold abroad vs. here in China."
"A Mercedes-Benz B-Class sells for ¥320,000+ here ($44,000), with mandatory options added on."
"In Europe or the U.S.? That same model starts around ¥250,000 ($34,400)—no forced add-ons."
"That's a ¥70,000 gap for the same damn car."
"And don't tell me it's just taxes. At most, our taxes add ¥5,000–¥8,000."
The room nodded.
Everyone had seen it.
Foreign brands treated Chinese consumers like cash cows.
Forced add-ons, downgraded materials, inflated prices.
Haifeng wasn't done.
"Do you know the production cost of a B-Class Benz?
Less than ¥100,000.
Even with taxes, it shouldn't cost more than ¥150,000."
"But they sell it for over ¥400,000 on the road.
And they still cut corners!"
He listed them off:
Steel beams replaced with foam
Premium interior swapped for cheap filler
Aluminum suspensions were downgraded to iron
Anti-collision bars removed altogether
"In the U.S., these brands meet top safety standards."
"In China? They sell us watered-down garbage at twice the price."
And the worst part?
"Chinese customers accepted it for years.
Because we had no choice."
But now?
"That ends today."
Haifeng stood tall in front of the room.
"The Audi A4 will be the first car to fight back.
Not just in tech. Not just in design.
But in price."
"We won't just match them.
Without bending the knee, we'll prove what actual value looks like."