Chapter 68 Meeting the Father of the Automobile

December 26, 1900, the first day after the Christmas holiday.

As the time to return to Australia was getting closer, the entire diplomatic delegation began to rush to pack their luggage for the return trip.

The crew of the fleet was also counting supplies and piling up inventory for consumption at sea.

At such a busy time, Foreign Minister Andrew and Industry Minister Pierre went to Ladenburg together to meet Karl Benz, whom Arthur specifically asked to win over and make friends with.

Although the two ministers did not know much about Karl Benz and his company. But because it was Arthur's personal order, the two also took it very seriously and did not look down on Benz at all.

In a small restaurant in Ladenburg, the two ministers successfully met Karl Benz, the "Father of the Car".

At this time, Benz was already 56 years old, but he was still struggling on the front line of research and development in the automotive industry.

Perhaps because of the sudden invitation, Benz's clothes were covered with dust and a few conspicuous oil stains, looking no different from the lower-class civilians.

"Sir, who are you?" It was the mayor of Ladenburg who informed Benz, which made Benz naturally think that the two ministers were high-ranking German officials.

"Are you Mr. Karl Friedrich Benz? The owner of Benz Rhein Automotive Co., Ltd." Minister Andrew asked patiently.

The two senior officials born in British politics would not dislike Mr. Benz, who looked sloppy. After all, he was the talent that Arthur personally asked to win over.

"I am, sir. Is there anything?" Benz nodded and asked curiously.

Although Benz and his car made a big sensation at the previous Munich Expo, it was only for the business community.

In front of some officials with a big background, Benz was just an ordinary person with a little reputation.

"Let me introduce myself, Mr. Benz. I am Andrew King Porter, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Australia. This is Pierre Silvio Berlusconi, the Minister of Industry of the Principality of Australia." Minister Andrew smiled and introduced to Benz.

"Minister of Australia?..." Benz was very surprised at first, and then fell silent.

He really couldn't imagine that the ministers of two countries would come to him in person, even though it was just a small country like Australia.

After all, the agreement between Germany and Australia had just been signed, and there was a lot of discussion in Germany.

"What's the matter with the two ministers coming to me? Is Australia going to order our cars?" Benz really couldn't think of why the two Australian ministers would come to him in person. In addition to producing cars, Benz felt that he had no other skills.

"No, sir. Just yesterday, our Duke asked His Majesty the German Emperor to buy automobile production technology from Germany. With the permission of His Majesty the German Emperor, His Majesty chose you and the Benz Rhein Automotive Co., Ltd. you own." Minister Andrew smiled and shook his head and explained.

"His Majesty's request? With the permission of His Majesty the Emperor? His Majesty chose me?" Hearing Minister Andrew's explanation, Benz fell into a state of confusion and surprise.

If it weren't for the aura that the two ministers had brought with them over the years and the many armed guards behind them, Benz would really doubt the authenticity of the two ministers' identities.

"So the purpose of the two ministers is to acquire Mercedes-Benz?" After about a minute of silence, Benz reluctantly made himself believe everything in front of him and asked.

"Of course, Mr. Benz. His Royal Highness the Duke specifically ordered that he hopes to acquire Mercedes-Benz and all the factories, laboratories and other properties owned by Mr. Benz. As for all the workers, if they are willing to go to Australia, we can pay all the relocation and resettlement costs, and arrange a place to live and a household registration for each worker's family." Minister Andrew nodded and said with a smile.

Since the acquisition is to be made, then naturally Benz's car company and all the laboratories and factories must be acquired together.

Mercedes-Benz is just a company that manufactures cars and does not have the ability to develop new products.

Benz nodded, without expressing any dissatisfaction or resistance to the acquisition, but asked: "If the company is acquired by you, will all factories and laboratories be relocated to Australia? Including all equipment and workers?"

"For now, yes, Mr. Benz. But please rest assured that we will not force all workers to go to Australia. For those who are willing to go to Australia, we will cover the cost of relocation and resettlement. For those who want to stay in Germany, we will pay an additional three months' salary at the same time as the settlement period salary to express our apologies." Minister of Industry Pierre took over and answered.

Benz continued to nod and said: "Okay, Mr. Ministers. Since you can choose Mercedes-Benz, you must be well prepared. I am not against selling Mercedes-Benz, but I hope that if you can acquire Mercedes-Benz, you will also treat all the workers of the company well."

Although Karl Benz established his own machinery factory, laboratory and automobile company, he was not a pure businessman.

Compared with making money, Benz prefers that the cars he researched can be accepted and welcomed by more people.

Compared with being an entrepreneur, Benz enjoys spending time in the laboratory and on the automobile production line more.

Being able to work hard on the research and production of automobile technology that you like is the best recognition and respect for a technician.

"Of course, Mr. Benz. We would also like to invite you to continue to be the head of research and development and production of Mercedes-Benz, and for this we can retain your 10% stake in Mercedes-Benz. His Royal Highness wants us to convey a message to you. His Royal Highness said: He is very optimistic about the future prospects and market of automobiles, and believes that under the leadership of Mr. Benz, Mercedes-Benz can become the leader in automobile production. For this reason, His Royal Highness is willing to allocate at least one million pounds of research and development funds to Mercedes-Benz every year on the basis of the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz, and use all his strength to support Mercedes-Benz's research and production. I hope that Mr. Benz can witness the development and rise of Mercedes-Benz in the automobile industry with His Royal Highness, and also witness the development of automobiles as a new means of transportation." Minister Andrew said with a smile.

For a technician, what can impress him is not personal interests, but free research and sufficient research funds.

Arthur also believes that compared with the funds for acquiring Mercedes-Benz, the annual research funds invested in Mercedes-Benz are what Benz really cares about.

If Benz didn't care about his company being acquired before, now he slightly agrees.

After hearing what Minister Andrew conveyed on his behalf, Benz nodded and said to the two ministers: "Okay, respected ministers. Your words have completely moved me. I agree to sell Mercedes-Benz and continue to be the head of the company. Please also convey to His Royal Highness the Duke on my behalf. I promise to let His Royal Highness see the future of Mercedes-Benz and automobiles rising together."

The second update, please support. In the next chapter, I will return to Australia and continue to start a farming life. Please support, brothers.