In Chongqing…

It’s overcast, hot, and humid here in Chongqing…and I’m having a ball.   It was 91 degrees yesterday (nothing like the 115 we experienced in Laughlin a week ago), but the humidity is high and folks, it’s sweltering.   I’m loving every minute.

After 12 hours from LAX to Incheon, a 3 1/2-hour layover in Incheon, and another 3 1/2 hours on Asiana Airlines to Chongqing, I arrived in China just before noon yesterday.   I went through Customs in record time (I’ll bet the time from getting in line until I was through was less than 3 minutes).   The Chinese Customs officer looked at the form I filled out regarding my business in China and simply said “Ah, Zongshen…motorbike!”  He gave me an approving look and I was in.   Hey, Zongshen is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in China.  I’m not surprised the Chinese officer knew about them, and if I had to guess, I’ll bet he rides a Zongshen.

My contact Bella was waiting for me, and it was a quick run to the plant.  We visited the engine production line run by Mr. Xu, and even though I’ve been here many times before, I loved it.   There’s nothing quite like watching new RX3 powerplants being born.

We’re slated for a full day of meetings today, including a visit to one of Zongshen’s key suppliers here in Chongqing (it’s a city of 34 million people and home to China’s motorcycle industry).   After that, I’m having dinner with Zongshen’s marketing people (I think I’ll try Chinese food tonight), and then it’s more meetings tomorrow.

You know, we talk to the good folks at Zongshen nearly every day, but there’s nothing like face-to-face meetings for clear communications.  I like being in exotic places and Chongqing is surely that.   I’m Indiana Jones with PowerPoint and a passport, and I love what I do.

That’s it for today, folks (at least your today…I might blog a bit later t0night, but it will be tomorrow for you).