436 Recognizing it's true value

In the Suzuki Group, meetings were held to review its various ventures and business strategies. It wasn't long before the conversation shifted to the automotive sector.

The executives were particularly intrigued by KiShin's entry into the car market, with models like the "Alpha 01" and "Beta 01" drawing significant attention.

CEO Shiko Suzuki, seated prominently among the executives, listened intently to the discussions.

He was already familiar with KiShin's vehicles and had noted that the Alpha 01's sales in its first week had not met KiShin's expectations. This detail brought a smile to Shiko's face at the time.

Shiko Suzuki harbored a deep-seated fear of KiShin. In his eyes, the company was a juggernaut, transforming everything it touched into gold. Privately, he feared that KiShin's new car, spearheaded by his younger brother Shinro's visionary leadership, would eclipse his own achievements and dominate the market.

Initially, Shiko was convinced that the Alpha 01 would be an instant success, overshadowing his own company's offerings and adding another victory to his brother's collection. The notion gnawed at him, rekindling the sibling rivalry that had always simmered beneath the surface.

However, when the initial sales reports came in, showing that the luxurious Alpha 01, despite its attractive 2.7 million yen price tag, was not performing as expected, Shiko couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed his fears were premature; the KiShin dreaded was facing its own set of challenges in the industry.

But then, the tide began to turn. The streets became a showcase for the Alpha 01's luxury and design. Owners, proud of their new purchases, paraded their vehicles, inadvertently becoming brand ambassadors. Public interest spiked, but with a twist – the 2.7 million yen price was merely an introductory offer, not the standard pricing, and the real cost was a steep 6.9 million yen. Suddenly, the narrative shifted; discussions about the Alpha 01 intensified, and its perceived value skyrocketed.

Now, people were attempting to buy the Alpha 01 second-hand, offering up to 4.9 million yen or less. However, few owners were willing to part with their prized possessions, now fully aware of their vehicles' true worth.

Shiko, along with other industry experts, had initially believed that the Alpha 01's high price point would deter further sales. They underestimated the market's appetite for luxury and unique design. To their astonishment, the Alpha 01's sales in its second week soared beyond the first, fueled by the revelation of its actual price and the growing recognition of its value.

This development sparked a realization: the higher the price, the more esteemed the vehicle became in the eyes of car enthusiasts.

Consequently, the executives at Suzuki Group, along with their counterparts across Japan's automotive industry, found themselves reevaluating their strategies. Discussions expanded beyond the unexpectedly popular Alpha 01 to include the Beta 01, a model that had entered the market with less fanfare but was quickly gaining traction.

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As the days passed, the satisfaction of Alpha 01 owners with their KiShin vehicles only increased. The car's performance was one thing, but its integration with iTunes, thanks to its built-in internet connectivity, added a whole new layer of enjoyment. While the concept of internet-connected cars has been around since 1996, the Alpha 01 took these features beyond basic emergency services.

Owners could log into their KiShin accounts directly from their cars, allowing them to access iTunes and stream their music libraries through the car's user-friendly touchscreen interface located on the center console. This seamless integration of digital life into their driving experience marked a significant upgrade over previous models.

KiShin had already proven its prowess with touchscreen technology with the launch of its first touchscreen handheld, the KSP. Following that, they released a second model of KSP with an even more responsive touchscreen, demonstrating their commitment to evolving the technology.

However, the touchscreen in the Alpha 01 kept things simple. Beyond making emergency calls and streaming music, its functionalities were basic, serving mainly to display views from the car's front and rear cameras. While these features might seem modest compared to other high-tech offerings, they were more than enough to enhance the ownership experience significantly.

The engine's sound, in particular, resonated well with sports car aficionados, perfectly complementing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal.

Additionally, KiShin endorsed a custom car shop, catering not just to Alpha 01 owners but to enthusiasts of various brands. The shop was helmed by KiShin's partner and designer in automotive sectors, Akira Nakai, ensuring that each customization reflected the high standards and unique style associated with the KiShin brand. This collaboration not only enhanced the exclusivity of the Alpha 01 but also solidified its position as a coveted vehicle among discerning drivers.

Akira's reputation in Japan and the car tuning community had been on the rise, and the endorsement by KiShin propelled his fame even further. In turn, this partnership also boosted the profile of the Alpha 01.

KiShin even granted Akira permission to incorporate some of their most beloved intellectual properties, such as characters from Super Mario, Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and Naruto, into his custom designs, should his customers request them. This unique collaboration added an extra layer of appeal to his customizations.

Given that the Alpha 01 bore a resemblance to the iconic Porsche 911, enthusiasts and members of the car tuning community were particularly intrigued. They saw the vehicle as a new canvas for creative modifications and experiments, further solidifying its status in the automotive world.