Chương 103: A Step Towards Dominance
Oscar had always placed great importance on the automobile industry. Not only could it bring immense profits, but it also played a key role in promoting industrialization and strengthening the nation's overall power.
Oscar distinctly remembered that since the release of Ford's first Model T on September 27, 1908, a staggering 15 million units had been produced. This was an extraordinary figure, one that, if surpassed by Daimler, would solidify the company's position as a true giant in the automotive industry, overshadowing even Ford in terms of global reach.
"Then, let's arrange it this way. On January 1st, the B-class car, A-class car, and C-class car will launch. After their development, we'll release them to the market at the appropriate time. Whether Daimler can become a legend will depend on this period," Oscar said, determination in his voice. "Especially the C-class car, we need to speed up its development. It must be on the market in the first half of next year."
Oscar's aim was clear: he wanted Daimler to release the C-class car before Ford's Model T hit the market. By doing so, Daimler could dominate the European market and potentially block Ford's entry into the region. The European market was far larger than North America's, and only by securing this would Daimler become the undisputed leader in the automotive industry.
"Yes, Your Highness," William Maybach nodded. Although he didn't fully understand why Oscar was so strict about the timeline, he had long come to trust that Oscar always had a reason for his decisions.
"Has our truck been developed yet?" Oscar asked.
While cars were essential, Oscar also saw the potential in trucks. His goal was for the German Army to become the first in the world to fully replace mules and horses with motorized vehicles.
"Your Highness, the research and development has been completed, and a prototype is ready. Please, Your Highness, follow me," William Maybach said.
Oscar followed Maybach to the location where the truck was parked. The truck, still in its prototype phase, looked rather crude compared to future versions. Yet, it had already captured the essence of what would become the modern truck. Of course, its performance couldn't compare to later vehicles, but given the technological limitations of the time, it was a significant step forward.
"Your Highness, this is the truck we designed. It can carry up to 1.5 tons of cargo, and its maximum speed is 40 kilometers per hour," William Maybach said.
Oscar nodded. Although he thought the truck was a far cry from the reliable machines of later years, in the context of the present, it was an impressive feat.
"How's the reliability?" Oscar asked.
Oscar's primary concern was that this truck would be used by the military. If its reliability wasn't up to par, the army wouldn't accept it. A malfunctioning truck on the front lines could spell disaster, especially during times of war.
"Your Highness, we've conducted reliability tests, and while there may be minor issues, we don't expect major problems. If we provide the necessary spare parts and specially trained personnel, any issues can be easily resolved without significantly affecting its functionality," William Maybach said.
"Hmm," Oscar replied thoughtfully. Given the technological limitations of the time, small issues were to be expected. But at least it wasn't a total failure. Oscar knew well that in another timeline, German tanks, despite their own reliability issues, still achieved incredible success on the battlefield.
"The reliability of the truck should be improved as much as possible. After all, our primary customers will be the military," Oscar said.
"Yes, Your Highness. The research and development department will continue to refine it and improve its reliability," William Maybach assured.
"Has this truck been named yet?" Oscar asked.
"Not yet," replied Maybach.
"Let's call it the Maybach Truck," Oscar said, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"Yes, Your Highness," Paul Daimler said, nodding in agreement.
William Maybach, standing beside them, couldn't help but smile. As one of the original founders of Daimler, having his name attached to a vehicle was an immense honor.
Oscar didn't stay long in Stuttgart. The next afternoon, he left with 100 pre-produced Daimler B-class cars. His plan was to distribute them as gifts, using them as a form of advertising for Daimler. The recipients were all key figures in the empire: the emperor, important members of the royal family, government officials, top military officers, and influential entrepreneurs.
The idea was simple. By replacing their current cars with Daimler B-class vehicles, these prominent figures would unwittingly advertise the product. Once the Daimler B-class officially launched, the car was sure to fly off the shelves.
"Father, this is a car produced by my company. I've specially arranged it for you as a means of transportation. Please take it for a test drive and compare it to the car made by Mercedes-Benz," Oscar said with a smile as he presented the vehicle to Wilhelm II.
The emperor, William II, looked at the Daimler B-class with surprise. Compared to the cars he had owned previously, the Daimler B-class was a clear standout in both appearance and performance.
After getting in, William II took the car for a spin around the palace grounds. The comfort of the seats, the excellent shock absorption, and the sound insulation system made for an exceptionally smooth ride.
"Oscar, this is an excellent car. It's hard to believe that your company can produce such a high-quality vehicle. It's truly impressive," William II praised, clearly impressed with the car.
"Thank you, Father. I'll continue to work hard," Oscar replied, his face lighting up with pride.
Oscar knew that once William II and the other influential figures in the empire replaced their cars with Daimler B-class vehicles, the car would gain tremendous visibility before its official release. The advertising effect would far outweigh the one million marks spent on the cars. Oscar had essentially orchestrated a free marketing campaign using the empire's elite as unwitting brand ambassadors.
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