Edel stood at the forefront of Romania's industrial revolution, his gaze fixed on the horizon of opportunity that lay before him. It was during this time of great anticipation that Captain Carust approached with exhilarating news. Henry Ford, after months of diligent research in the United States, had successfully constructed the truck that Edel had envisioned. This breakthrough was communicated directly by Ford, adding a personal touch to the announcement.
The significance of this development could not be overstated for Edel. At that time, automobile factories primarily focused on handcrafted passenger cars, largely overlooking the potential of cargo vehicles. Edel, recognizing an untapped market, saw an opportunity to pioneer this sector with a mature product. The introduction of the assembly line, a revolutionary concept proposed by Ford, would provide a competitive edge strong enough to outpace most automakers, potentially transforming Romania's economic landscape.
The truck promised to enhance transportation efficiency significantly, boasting a load capacity triple that of traditional wagons. For Edel, this was akin to discovering a gold mine, poised to revolutionize both terminal and factory transport.
Eager to witness Ford's innovation firsthand, Edel requested the presence of the prototype and its technical team. Twenty days later, he greeted Henry Ford and his entourage in Constanta, under the guise of inspecting the local steel plant.
"Mr. Ford, I didn't expect you to personally make the journey," Edel remarked as he warmly shook Ford's hand.
"It's an honor to be welcomed by His Royal Highness," Ford replied, gesturing towards a primitive-looking truck that rumbled towards them. "Allow me to introduce our latest creation."
Ford proceeded to detail the specifications of the truck: four meters long, 1.6 meters wide, and two meters high, with a cab that could accommodate two people. The tires, made of hollow rubber and twenty centimeters wide, were designed for versatility across varied terrains. The vehicle's structure combined iron and wood, capable of carrying 1.5 tons without axle strain, powered by a 150 horsepower engine for optimal speed.
Impressed yet curious, Edel inquired about the truck's fuel efficiency and load capacity. Ford explained that with a specially designed large fuel tank, the truck could travel up to 200 kilometers at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour. It could also transport up to 2.5 tons over a distance of 100 kilometers, albeit requiring maintenance afterward.
"What shall we name this vehicle?" Edel asked, intrigued.
Ford, seizing the moment to flatter, suggested, "The name awaits your Highness's inspiration."
"Let's call it Dongfeng," Edel declared, envisioning the truck conquering global markets like a mighty wind.
The conversation then turned to the cost of production. Ford estimated that each truck could currently be built for around $1,000, a figure significantly lower than the $4,000 price tag of luxury passenger cars in the United States. However, Edel, ever the astute businessman, calculated that even with necessary profits, the selling price would need to be around $1,200 or 260 pounds, which might still be prohibitive for widespread adoption.
Edel then broached the subject of manufacturing efficiency. "Do workers build these cars one at a time?" he asked.
Ford confirmed, slightly puzzled by the question. Edel saw an opportunity to introduce Ford to the concept of the assembly line, an innovation that would not only revolutionize car production but also make vehicles affordable to the masses. He explained how each component of the car could be assembled progressively along a conveyor belt, dramatically reducing production time and cost.
Ford, inspired by the idea, grasped Edel's arms excitedly. "Your Highness, this could change everything! It would allow ordinary people to own cars, fulfilling my dream of democratizing automobile ownership."
Edel, knowing he had accelerated Ford's vision, asked about the potential cost reduction for the Dongfeng truck with the assembly line in place. Ford estimated a new production cost of around $700 per unit, a figure that would significantly disrupt the transportation industry.
Sensing a strategic business opportunity, Ford proposed that Edel grant him the American production license. Edel, aware of Ford's ambitions and the potential interest from powerful financial consortia, agreed to a licensing deal that would secure his financial interests while supporting Ford's expansion.
As they shook hands, Edel felt a surge of satisfaction. Not only had he set the stage for a transformative leap in industrial transportation, but he had also ensured a profitable venture that would benefit both Romania and the burgeoning Ford enterprise. The future of transportation, it seemed, was on a promising path, guided by innovation, strategic partnership, and visionary leadership.