On February 23rd, Gaohe Automotive's announcement of a six-month production halt has stirred significant attention within the industry.
Recently, Yang Yueqing, the Engineering Project Director of Gaohe Automotive, appeared on the official Gaohe Automotive livestream to address questions and concerns from the public.
Yang stated that the company's senior management hasn't abandoned ship and is still dedicated to the company and its customers. Despite the challenges, many colleagues are working hard to maintain company operations and aftersales service.
Emotionally choked up at times, Yang conveyed apologies to both car owners and employees, highlighting the tight financial situation where many employees are working with just over 2,600 CNY, Shanghai's minimum wage. Due to financial constraints, social security and provident fund contributions are also uncertain, with most funds allocated to aftersales services for customers.
The senior Gaohe executive earnestly appealed for more time for the company and hoped that other automakers would treat departing Gaohe employees kindly.
Regarding the protection of car owners' rights, Yang revealed that the company's founder, Ding Lei, has been actively engaging with other companies in hopes of securing assistance in taking over aftersales services for Gaohe car owners. However, he admitted that even if other companies offer help, there's no guarantee that all promised aftersales benefits can be ensured.
Furthermore, Yang criticized certain accounts and media for their negative portrayal, urging them to refrain from cynicism.
Yang emphasized Gaohe's technological prowess, boasting over 2,000 patents and more than 1,000 invention patents, including standard features like rear-wheel steering and non-derivative design. However, he acknowledged that these advantages were not effectively communicated to consumers during previous promotional efforts, leading many car owners to overlook these benefits—an issue that Gaohe needs to address seriously.
Earlier on February 22nd, founder Ding Lei made a low-key appearance at Gaohe Automotive's Shanghai facility, rallying employees and conveying the urgency of the situation. Ding expressed his speechlessness at the crisis the company faces and indicated a slim window of three months, possibly as short as one month, for Gaohe Automotive to turn the tide. He earnestly pleaded with remaining employees to unite and fight for the company's survival once more.
