ATPnovel Chapter 68: Meeting with the Father of Cars
Chapter 68: Meeting with the Father of Cars
Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Meeting with the Father of Cars
Translator: 549690339 |
December 26,1900, the first day after the Christmas vacation.
As the time to return to Australia drew closer, the entire diplomatic visiting group began to busy themselves, packing their luggage for the journey home. The crew of the fleet were also taking inventory of the supplies, stockpiling in preparation for the maritime consumption.
In the midst of such busyness, Foreign Minister Andrews and Minister of Industry Pierre jointly headed to Ladcnburg to meet Carl Benton, whom Arthur had specifically instructed to win over and befriend.
Although the two ministers didn’t know much about Carl Benton and the company he belonged to. However, because it was Arthur who personally instructed this, the two regarded it as important and did not underestimate Mr. Benton at all.
In a small restaurant in Ladcnburg, the two ministers successfully met “the father of cars” Carl Benton.
By this time, Mr. Benton was 56 years old, but he was still striving in the frontline of the automobile industry’s research and development.
Perhaps because of being invited all of a sudden, Mr. Benton’s clothes were full of dust with a few conspicuous oil stains, which made him look no different from the lower-class citizens.
“Gentlemen, who might you be?” The Mayor of Ladcnburg had informed Mr. Benton, causing him naturally to assume that the two ministers were high officials in Germany.
“Arc you Mr. Carl Friedrich Benton, the owner of Mercedes-Benz Rhine Automobile Ltd.?” Minister Andrew patiently asked.
Two senior officials born of British politics would not despise Mr. Benton who appeared somewhat scruffy. After all, he was someone who Arthur personally instructed to win over.
“Yes, I am, sir. Is there something you need?” Mr. Benton nodded his head and asked with curiosity.
Mercedes-Benz Corporation, as a standalone entity, was a company that manufactured cars. It did not have the capability to develop new products.
Mr. Benton nodded without expressing any dissatisfaction or resistance to the acquisition, but asked, “If the company is acquired by you, do all the factories and labs have to be relocated to Australia? Does this include all equipment and workers?”
“For now, yes, Mr. Benton. But rest assured, we will not force all workers to go to Australia. For those willing to go, we’ll cover the costs of relocation and resettlement. For those who want to stay in Germany, in addition to paying their wages on settlement date, we will pay three months’ extra salary to express our apologies,” said Minister of Industry Pierre, taking over the conversation and responding.
Mr. Benton continued to nod and said, “Alright, gentlemen. If you can choose Mercedes-Benz Corporation, I believe you have come prepared. I don’t object to selling Mercedes-Benz Corporation, but I hope that if you can acquire it, you will treat all the workers kindly.”
Although Carl Benton had established his own machinery factories, research labs, and car company, he was not a pure businessman.
Compared to making money, what Benton loved more was seeing his cars being accepted and welcomed by more people.
Compared to being a business magnate, what Benton enjoyed more were the times he spent in the lab and on the production line of cars.
Being able to work on car technology research and production, an area he was passionate about, was the greatest acknowledgment and respect for a technical personnel.
“Of course, Mr. Benton. We would also like to invite you to continue as the head of research and production for Mercedes-Benz Corporation. For this, we’re ready to reserve 10% of Mercedes-Benz Corporation’s stock for you. His Highness the Duke asked us to convey a message to you: He is very optimistic about the future prospects and market of cars, and he believes that under your leadership, Mercedes-Benz Corporation can become the leader of car production. Therefore, on top of acquiring Mercedes-Benz Corporation, His Highness the Duke is willing to allocate at least one million pounds of research funds to Mercedes-Benz Corporation each year, and use all his power to support the research and production of Mercedes-Benz Corporation. He hopes that you, Mr. Benton, can witness the development and rise of Mercedes-Benz Corporation in the car industry with His Highness the Duke, and witness the development of the automobile as a new means of transportation,” Minister Andrew said with a smile.
For a technical personnel, what can move them is not personal interests, but the freedom of research and ample research funds.
Arthur also believed that compared to the funds for acquiring Mercedes-Benz Corporation, what Mr. Benton really cared about was the funds invested in Mercedes-Benz Corporation’s research each year.
If Mr. Benton was previously indifferent about his company being acquired, he now agreed somewhat.
After hearing the words Minister Andrew conveyed on behalf of the Duke, Mr. Benton nodded and said to the two ministers, “Very well, esteemed Ministers. The words you have conveyed have deeply moved me. I agree to sell Mercedes-Benz Corporation and continue to serve as the person in charge of the company. Please convey my promise to His Highness the Duke that I will ensure that he witnesses the rise of Mercedes-Benz and cars in the future..”