Chapter 68: Meeting the Father of the Automobile
December 26, 1900 — the first day after the Christmas holiday.
With the return to Australia drawing near, the entire diplomatic delegation began hurrying to prepare for departure, packing their belongings.
The fleet's crew were also taking inventory, restocking supplies for the return voyage.
In the midst of all this activity, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrew and Minister of Industry Pierre made a special trip to Ladenburg to meet with Carl Benz—someone Arthur had specifically instructed them to court and build a relationship with.
Although the two ministers didn't know much about Carl Benz or his company, they took the task very seriously because it was a personal directive from Arthur. Neither showed even the slightest hint of disrespect.
In a small restaurant in Ladenburg, the two ministers successfully met the "Father of the Automobile," Carl Benz.
At fifty-six years old, Benz was still working at the frontlines of automotive development.
Perhaps because the invitation had come unexpectedly, Benz's clothes were dusty and stained with grease, making him indistinguishable from a common worker.
"Gentlemen, you are…?" Benz asked, having been notified by the mayor of Ladenburg and assuming the visitors were German officials.
"Are you Mr. Carl Friedrich Benz, owner of Benz & Cie. Rheinische Gasmotorenfabrik?" Minister Andrew asked politely.
As experienced British-born politicians, neither man cared about Benz's messy appearance—after all, he was someone Arthur personally wanted to recruit.
"I am, sir. Is there something I can help you with?" Benz nodded, curious.
While his automobiles had caused quite a stir at the Munich Expo, that was limited to the business community. In the eyes of senior officials, Benz was still just a modestly known figure.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Benz. I'm Andrew King Porter, Foreign Minister of the Duchy of Australia. This is Pierre Silvio Berlusconi, Minister of Industry of the Duchy of Australia," Andrew said with a smile.
"Australian ministers?..." Benz was visibly surprised and fell into silence.
He could hardly believe two government ministers would personally seek him out—even from a relatively small nation like Australia.
After all, the recent signing of the German-Australian agreement had stirred discussion across Germany.
"What brings you gentlemen to me? Does Australia intend to place an order for our automobiles?" Benz asked, still unable to imagine another reason they would visit him, as he saw himself as little more than a manufacturer.
"No, sir. Just yesterday, His Grace the Duke submitted a request to His Imperial Majesty to purchase German automobile production technology. With the Kaiser's approval, His Grace personally chose you and your company—Benz & Cie.," Andrew explained with a smile.
"His Grace? With imperial approval? And he chose me?" Benz looked bewildered.
Were it not for the dignified presence of the two seasoned officials—and the armed guards behind them—Benz might have doubted the authenticity of it all.
"So, the purpose of your visit is to acquire Benz & Cie.?" Benz finally asked after a long minute of processing the situation.
"Indeed, Mr. Benz. His Grace specifically instructed us to acquire Benz & Cie. along with all its factories, research labs, and assets. As for your workers, if they are willing to emigrate to Australia, we will cover all relocation and settlement costs, and provide housing and residency for each family," Andrew confirmed with a smile.
If the company was to be acquired, it had to include not just the brand but all the infrastructure behind it. On its own, Benz & Cie. was just a car manufacturer—it didn't have the capacity for advanced R&D.
Benz nodded, showing neither dissatisfaction nor resistance. "If the company is purchased, would all the factories and labs be relocated to Australia? Including the equipment and workers?"
"Yes, Mr. Benz—for now. But rest assured, we won't force anyone to go. Those who wish to emigrate will be supported in full. Those who wish to stay will receive not only their final pay but an additional three months' salary as compensation," replied Minister Pierre.
Benz nodded again and said, "Very well, gentlemen. Since you have chosen Benz & Cie., you must have done your homework. I have no objection to selling the company, but I do ask that you treat our workers well."
Although Benz had founded his own workshop, labs, and car company, he wasn't a pure businessman.
More than profit, what mattered to him was that his automobiles could be accepted and embraced by the public.
More than being an entrepreneur, Benz cherished his time in the lab and on the factory floor.
For someone like him, the highest form of respect was being allowed to continue developing and producing what he loved.
"Of course, Mr. Benz. We also hope you will continue serving as head of R&D and production. His Grace is offering to retain 10% of company shares in your name. He asked us to convey the following message: His Grace believes deeply in the future of the automobile and trusts that under your leadership, Benz & Cie. will become a leader in the automotive industry. He is prepared to allocate at least one million pounds annually for R&D and will use all available resources to support your research and production. His Grace hopes you will stand by him and witness the rise of Benz and the evolution of the automobile together," Andrew said with a smile.
For a man of science, what truly moved him was not personal gain, but the promise of freedom and funding for his research.
Arthur knew that, more than the value of the acquisition itself, the ongoing investment into Benz's work was what really mattered.
If Benz had been indifferent about the sale earlier, he now seemed somewhat persuaded.
After hearing Andrew's message, Benz nodded and said, "Very well, esteemed ministers. His Grace's words have truly moved me. I agree to the sale of Benz & Cie., and I will remain as its leader. Please convey to His Grace that I will do everything in my power to ensure he sees the rise of Benz and the automobile industry with his own eyes."
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Kira1997