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As Henry Ford prepared to express his loyalty to the Germanic people and the Labour Party, in a private room of an upscale restaurant in Berlin, Strasser was meeting with Karl Friedrich Benz, who had just become a shareholder of Daimler-Mercedes-Benz after last year's merger, and Gustav, the largest shareholder of BMW (yes, this guy is also named Gustav).
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Karl Benz. You have made significant contributions to Germany's automotive industry."
Strasser expressed his respect to the eighty-three-year-old gentleman. It was impossible for Strasser to be disrespectful; Karl truly deserved all the praise. He was considered a genius mainly because of his keen insight into the car industry and his perfect design and assembly skills, which made Karl Benz the pioneer of the automotive world.
Karl Benz's contributions mainly manifest in the following two aspects. First, Karl Benz proposed the design of a light internal combustion engine in the 1880s, which was completely different from previous designs. This brought a new solution and way out for the engine problem of powerful transportation vehicles by introducing gasoline into the engine. Karl Benz continuously proposed new reforms for the engine until the late 19th century, when a new transportation vehicle finally emerged, which is the car.
Secondly, Karl Benz's research and invention in the field of engines have led to significant changes in Germany and even the world. The emergence of the car symbolizes a revolutionary change in the transportation industry. Karl Benz's contributions have not only played a crucial role in the development of cars in Germany, making the Mercedes-Benz brand renowned worldwide, but also hold a different significance for the world. His inventions represent a major advancement in the world's industrialization process, particularly exerting significant guidance on the development of the global car industry.
From this perspective, Karl Benz is not only a hero of Germany but also a hero of the world.
"You flatter me, Mr. Strasser; I am just an ordinary person," the silver-haired old man with a mustache said leisurely.
He had lived for so many years and had seen too much, so his state of mind had reached a point where he was neither pleased by external things nor saddened by his own circumstances.
"These words are no exaggeration; I speak from the heart, Mr. Karl Benz."
Strasser expressed his heartfelt respect with his brown eyes.
During the lively conversation between Strasser and Karl Benz, on the other side, the founder of BMW, Gustav, appeared much more reserved. After receiving an invitation from the National Defense Forces today, he arrived here feeling quite confused. Then, he saw Mr. Karl Benz, who had been brought here by a special car.
Holding a deep respect for his senior, Gustav mustered the courage to strike up a conversation with Karl Benz, only to be surprised to find that the latter had also received an invitation from the new Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Force.
This left Gustav very puzzled; he couldn't understand why Strasser had called him here. Compared to Karl Benz, he felt like a mere minor character, lacking both great inventions and extraordinary business acumen.
BMW is nothing compared to Daimler-Benz. The latter is one of Germany's famous car manufacturers, and their cars represent luxury and high-end in the minds of the German people. On the other hand, BMW has been producing various light and inexpensive civilian cars as its main business since the end of World War I, and it has been relatively unknown and unpopular in Germany.
If the military wants to produce military vehicles, wouldn't it be better to approach Daimler? Why do it themselves? Gustav felt somewhat confused.
"I brought you both here today because there is a significant business deal to discuss." After some pleasantries, Strasser decided to get straight to the point.
This is the benefit of opening the heavenly eye; Strasser can confidently delegate the production of military equipment to professionals instead of constantly monitoring it. He only needs to help them avoid the mistakes of the past.
"What business?" Karl Benz asked, somewhat curious.
"I would like to invite you to produce military product components for the National Defense Forces. Mr. Karl's Mercedes-Benz company is developing and producing new tank engines for the National Defense Forces, while Mr. Gustav's BMW company is developing and producing aircraft engines for the National Defense Forces."
Strasser's proposal left both of them astonished. After all, since the end of the European War, Germany's armaments had been severely restricted by the Treaty of Versailles, and it had been a long time since any new weapons had been produced. Many arms enterprises had either gone bankrupt or shifted their focus.
"I have a question," Gustav raised his concern.
"Mr. Strasser's request for Mercedes-Benz to develop an engine for military tanks is understandable, as there are many similarities between the two. However, why turn to BMW for the development of aircraft engines? BMW is merely a small enterprise that manufactures inexpensive cars."
"No, no, you are too modest, Mr. Gustav. We all know that BMW produced a large number of aircraft for the German Empire's air force during the European war, and made great contributions. It's just that due to the defeat, they were suppressed by the Allies. The Treaty of Versailles stipulated that Germany could not organize an air force, so BMW had to give up aircraft production and turn to civilian car production."
"The wings of the imperial eagle have been broken, but today, we will restore it."
"What do you mean?" Gustav asked, somewhat excited, as he saw opportunities for BMW's future in Strasser's words.
"The National Defense Forces plan to expand the army by at least ten armored divisions over the next three years, equipping at least three thousand tanks."
"The Air Force is expanding by 20 flying squadrons, equipping them with four thousand combat aircraft." Strasser paused for a moment, "Moreover, these tanks and planes are all new models, so they must be equipped with the latest engines. I plan to assign this task to you two. What do you think?"
"I guarantee that BMW can definitely complete the order."
Without hesitation, Gustav immediately agreed. Relying on his fairly sharp intuition, he knew that this was a great opportunity for BMW to turn things around. Even those without sharp intuition could sense it.
Just now, he was only worried about Allies' interference. What if BMW spent time and effort manufacturing engines, only to find no market in the end?
Now, the personal assurance of the General Staff of the Army and the Commander-in-Chief has put his mind at ease.
As for whether the BMW company is worried about being able to fulfill the order for 4,000 aircraft, Gustav is disdainful. In his view, even if the BMW company is like a snake swallowing an elephant, it will still manage to swallow the elephant. No capitalist would be afraid of having too many orders.
"Mercedes-Benz is willing to take on this task." Karl Benz thought for a moment and felt that since Strasser could guarantee the market for the product, accepting this order would be beneficial for Mercedes-Benz. "In that case, the National Defense Forces will soon send someone to discuss the specific contract details with both of you."
"I believe in the capabilities of your company. However, due to the need for operational performance, we need to make some suggestions and changes to your products. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course."
Karl·Bentz and Gustav nodded. After all, as long as the money is enough, the client's word is final.
"Well then, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
Seeing that the goal had been achieved, Strasser smiled warmly and shook hands tightly with the two largest shareholders of the Car Company.
Before Strasser took over the position of Commander-in-Chief, his actions at Krupp Company were merely small-scale maneuvers.
Now, the sleeping eagle of Germany is awakening from its slumber, quietly sharpening its claws, preparing to give the victorious countries of the Versailles system a little shock in the coming years.
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