"Your Highness, who is the mastermind behind these two motorcycles?" William Maybach inquired. He had always been responsible for the research and development of new products at Daimler, possessing a discerning eye.
"These two motorcycles are entirely my design," Qin Tian declared, unabashedly. After all, he had long since developed a thick skin from borrowing ideas from future designs.
This revelation naturally elicited admiration from William Maybach and Paul Daimler.
"Gentlemen, these two motorcycles are intended for civilian use, primarily targeting the consumer market. Additionally, I have two designs for military motorcycles. Once the civilian models are launched, we must expedite the development of the military variants, as our armed forces are in dire need of high-mobility vehicles," Qin Tian stated, retrieving another set of blueprints from his briefcase. These blueprints showcased two distinctly robust military motorcycles. Although their design lacked aesthetic finesse, military vehicles have always prioritized performance and reliability over appearance.
One design featured a two-wheeled motorcycle capable of accommodating two riders, while the other was a three-wheeled motorcycle with a sidecar.
"Will the military consider purchasing these motorcycles?" Paul Daimler asked hesitantly, given the current limited procurement of motor vehicles by the armed forces.
"As long as they demonstrate superior performance, I believe the military will be eager to procure them. However, we may not see significant profits from the military contracts. This is something you should be prepared for," Qin Tian cautioned.
Both Paul Daimler and William Maybach nodded in agreement. Given Qin Tian's status, it was clear that he would not seek substantial profits from military contracts, as it might attract unwelcome scrutiny. Nonetheless, military procurement would provide tremendous exposure for their products, likely increasing sales and allowing profits to be realized from other avenues.
"Can we develop the two civilian motorcycles within three months?" Qin Tian asked.
"Your Highness, we won't need anywhere near three months. Since the engines will be supplied by the German Engine Manufacturing Company, we simply need to focus on overcoming the other challenges. We can have prototypes ready within a month at the latest," William Maybach assured him.
"Your Highness, I suggest we initiate the expansion of production lines and recruit additional workers immediately. Once development is complete, we can commence production without delay. I am confident that the market will go wild," Paul Daimler said, his excitement palpable. He seemed to envision the frenzy surrounding the motorcycles once they hit the market.
"Indeed, we should prepare for increased production to avoid any chaos when the time comes," Qin Tian agreed, recognizing the imminent demand for the motorcycles. The more they produced, the greater their potential profits. Qin Tian did not acquire Daimler for loss; he sought to generate wealth. Although the German Lottery Company was rapidly profitable, expanding operations required substantial funding. Especially with an arms race looming, Qin Tian could not afford to be an onlooker if Germany struggled to keep pace with Britain. Thus, he was determined to maximize revenue now to prepare for the challenges ahead.
"Understood, Your Highness. I will begin this work tomorrow," Paul Daimler replied, brimming with enthusiasm. He envisioned a day when Daimler would surpass Mercedes in the automotive industry, a dream his late father had cherished.
"Let's aim for the launch of the two civilian motorcycles in three months. In two months, I will start advertising in major newspapers to ensure a sensational debut," Qin Tian declared.
This would be his inaugural product following the acquisition of Daimler, and he hoped for resounding success in the market.
"Yes, Your Highness," Paul Daimler and William Maybach affirmed eagerly. Although their shares in the new company were now minimal, a successful motorcycle launch could yield substantial profits even from a mere five percent stake.
After acquiring Daimler and strategizing for its future, Qin Tian departed Stuttgart and returned to Berlin, making no further stops.
The German Energy Company had commenced operations, with Moritz dispatching personnel to the United States for oil procurement. Simultaneously, a large-scale refinery and storage facilities were under construction in Rostock, northern Germany.
Merely three weeks later, Daimler completed the development of the two civilian motorcycles, prompting Qin Tian to once again travel to Stuttgart for inspection and approval.
With steel frames, rubber tires, and shock-absorbing springs, the two motorcycles bore a striking resemblance to those of the future. Although technological limitations prevented them from matching the performance of later models, they were vastly superior to existing motorcycles on the market, rendering the latter almost obsolete by comparison.
"Absolutely stunning, Your Highness! These are true works of art. I can hardly wait to own both models. I'm certain every man will desire the male version, while the female version will undoubtedly become a favorite among women," exclaimed Karl von Jonalett, who had accompanied Qin Tian.
"Indeed, I believe both men and women across the German Empire and beyond will be captivated," Qin Tian responded with satisfaction.
"Your Highness, we will commence full-scale production of these two motorcycles immediately, ensuring we can launch a substantial supply to the market," Paul Daimler stated.
"Very well! We will ignite another sales frenzy," Qin Tian expressed his confidence in the success of the civilian motorcycles. Daimler would establish itself as a leader in this domain, propelling the development and launch of future products.