"Your Highness, the time has come. Paul Daimler of Daimler AG, Mr. William Maybach and his son Mr. Karl Maybach, and Mr. Emile Jelinek, the main investor of Daimler AG, are already waiting for you in Stuttgart," informed Carl von Jonareit.
"Prepare for departure; we're heading to Stuttgart immediately," nodded Qin Tian.
With the success of Qin Tian's enterprises and William II's growing favor, Carl von Jonneret saw potential for Qin Tian to become the emperor of the German Empire. Although a slim possibility, Carl believed it wasn't entirely implausible.
Qin Tian's trip to Stuttgart aimed at acquiring Daimler. While both Daimler and Mercedes-Benz were significant players in the German auto industry, their status as luxury items made them less influential in the current era. Qin Tian envisioned folding either Daimler or Mercedes-Benz into Deutsche Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Company swiftly, leveraging his financial support and future auto industry insights.
Opting for Daimler over Mercedes-Benz was strategic. Daimler, facing losses and overshadowed by Mercedes-Benz, presented a more feasible acquisition. Moreover, Daimler held the motorcycle patent, crucial for Qin Tian's plans to manufacture military motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and other military vehicles.
The headquarters of Daimler AG, situated in Stuttgart, was considerably smaller compared to the global giant Mercedes-Benz.
On May 12, 1906, Qin Tian and Karl arrived at Daimler in Stuttgart, met by shareholders and executives eager for their arrival.
"Is this Daimler? After merging with Mercedes-Benz, it will become the world's top car manufacturer," remarked Qin Tian, observing the modest building.
"Welcome to Stuttgart, Your Royal Highness. It's an honor for our company that you've chosen to visit Daimler," greeted Paul Daimler, the company's general manager.
Expressing his admiration for Gottlieb Daimler, Qin Tian's words pleased Paul Daimler. The meeting continued with Qin Tian shaking hands with other senior executives.
Following Paul Daimler, Qin Tian toured Daimler, noting the primitive state of the auto manufacturing industry compared to its future automated sophistication. Despite its aesthetic appeal of the time, Daimler's "Phoenix" car struck Qin Tian as unsatisfactory.
In the meeting room, Qin Tian and Paul Daimler discussed Qin Tian's intentions, which the Daimler executives anticipated given Qin Tian's business reputation.
"You should have guessed my reason for coming, right?" asked Qin Tian, smiling.
"Your Highness, do you want to take a stake in Daimler?" inquired Paul Daimler.
"That's essentially it. However, I aim to fully acquire Daimler. I intend to acquire at least 80% of the shares," Qin Tian revealed.
"Complete acquisition?" The Daimler executives' expressions shifted. Daimler was their creation, and Qin Tian's proposal of complete acquisition raised concerns about the company's identity.
"Everyone, Daimler is facing challenges. Mercedes-Benz, your longstanding rival, is thriving while Daimler struggles. The market share continues to dwindle. Soon, Daimler might lose its place in the automotive market," Qin Tian stated, acknowledging the dire situation.
"After the acquisition, you'll remain as the managers. Mr. Daimler, you'll continue as the general manager. Mr. Maybach, you'll lead new product development. Mr. Lineker, your investments can turn into substantial returns," assured Qin Tian, offering reassurance amid the acquisition proposal.