Chapter 187 Automobile Industry

"Currently, the scale of the entire tractor factory is limited by the tractor market, and its operations are miserable. As the manager of the factory, I feel that I have an obligation to find a way out for the factory. Currently, the automobile industry is booming throughout Europe and the United States. I think this It's a good opportunity," Andros said in full.

Constantine asked in surprise: "Andros, you know that the tractor factory plays an important role in Greek agriculture and the military. The crawler tractors currently being tested enter military service. This is just the beginning. After that, the military will There will be a series of orders handed over to your company. I can understand that as a factory manager, you are eager to find a future for the factory, but if you rashly lead the factory into an unfamiliar field, the risk is too great. If you follow your As for the production of cars, what if sales slump, causing huge losses, and the factory goes bankrupt? "

Andros patiently explained his thoughts to Constantine: "Your Highness, if the tractor factory always survives with everyone's support, the disadvantages will probably be more than the risks. Currently, some employees in the factory, They have developed a psychological dependence. They always feel that the factory is the only large-scale internal combustion engine company in Greece, has a close relationship with the military, and is also taken care of by the government's subsidy policy. If they encounter trouble, they can ask the government for help."

Andros raised his hands and said, "Your Highness, I am afraid that it is precisely because he has received too much care that it has had the opposite effect on the factory."

Constantine thought about Andros's remarks and felt that they were indeed reasonable. After all, flowers that live in a greenhouse for a long time cannot experience wind and rain.

After a moment of silence, Constantine said: "You said that the tractor market in Greece is narrow, but the car market will be wider. That thing is now an out-and-out luxury product, something that even the rich cannot afford. As far as I know, the price of a car in Greece is about 4,000 to 5,000 drachmas. This price is not enough for ordinary Greeks to earn three or four years’ salary. How many people do you think can afford it?”

Constantine was actually very satisfied that this tractor factory could operate smoothly. Greece's market of more than three million people could not support a complete automobile industry at all.

The automobile industry includes machinery, materials, metallurgy, chemistry, internal combustion engines, control, automation, electricity, energy, etc. This is a collection of almost all aspects of modern science and technology.

Based on Greece’s current size and industrial scale, will the Greek automobile industry be made bigger and stronger? Constantine had no confidence at all. This was not something a small country could do.

In the original time and space, even in the 21st century, the automobile industry was developing well only in a few industrial powers.

"Your Highness, this is just an attempt. There are definitely risks. Of course, I am not completely unprepared. In the early days, I mainly relied on imported parts to assemble cars. The tractor factory is the final assembly factory of the car, producing a batch in small batches. Let’s test the market’s reaction. In addition, cars are indeed a luxury product in Greece now. However, there are many wealthy people in Greece, and they are still very interested in toys that do not require horses.”

Many wealthy Greeks are keen on investing in real estate in Greece. Especially the victory in the last war has made many Greek businessmen feel proud. Many Greek businessmen doing business along the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts have returned to Greece to buy properties. Real estate, especially in places where Islamists are the majority, such as the Greeks living in Egypt and Syria, probably because of the huge cultural differences, Greece is still their spiritual home.

Among them are also the new generation of Fanarites (Greek people living in Constantinople and working for the Sultan). They play both ends and bet on both ends. After accumulating a lot of wealth, they transferred to other places for the safety of their wealth. Part of the property went to Greece.

After all, as the Ottoman Empire continued to decline, the mainstream society of the Ottoman Empire became increasingly unfriendly to the Fanar people, and even the Greeks.

For these people, a car worth several thousand drachmas is really nothing.

Thinking of this, Constantine thought that maybe Andros's approach could be tried.

Seeing that Constantine's attitude had relaxed, Andros continued: "In fact, compared to cars, I am more optimistic about motorcycles. This new means of transportation has much lower technical difficulty than cars, simple structure, and low price. It is also relatively low. I feel that after mass production, the price will not exceed 1,000 drachmas, and the Greek people can fully afford it.”

"I have done a business survey and found that the technical capabilities of the current motorcycle manufacturers in Greece are very poor. They originally produced bicycles. The last time the government launched a policy to support the tractor industry and support the motorcycle industry, These manufacturers with low technical strength have just begun to enter the motorcycle market. Due to limited technology, their motorcycles are basically engines installed on bicycles, and they have no industrial design capabilities at all.”

"Due to weak technical capabilities, almost all important components of the motorcycles produced by these manufacturers, such as engines, brakes, etc., are completely imported."

"Currently, the postmen are almost unwilling to use the motorcycles purchased by the government postal department. I think this is an opportunity for our factory. According to the strength of our factory, their crude industrial waste has no way to compete," said Andros. Full of confidence.

After such a chat, Constantine felt that Andros did have a perfect idea. It was relatively safe to operate according to his ideas, and it was not impossible.

"So, since the factory has decided to enter the automobile and motorcycle market, will you rely on the funds raised through listing?" Constantine still asked worriedly.

"Because the funds required are relatively large, in addition to listing, there are several investors who are also optimistic about this direction and are willing to invest in our factory," Andros replied.

Constantine nodded after hearing this, thought for a moment, and finally made up his mind and encouraged Andros: "Andros, your factory is the only large-scale internal combustion engine enterprise in Greece. Both I and the Greek government have high hopes for you. As the manager of this factory, I hope you can be cautious."

Facing Andros, Constantine earnestly exhorted.

"I still say the same thing. If you have any questions, you can come to me. I am happy to help."

"I will say hello to Colladis of the Royal Bank. The loan of 7 million drachmas can be converted into shares of the factory. As for more specific matters, you can discuss it."

Since Andros decided to try the car and motorcycle market, Constantine simply helped him. If he succeeded, it would be of great help to the industrial development of Greece.

Andros listened to the sincere promise of the crown prince and was deeply touched: "Your Highness, don't worry, the reason why I decided to take the risk is that I am quite sure. I am not a frivolous and aggressive person. Even if these two decisions fail, I am sure to control the amount of losses."

After getting Constantine's permission and support, Andros hurriedly left the parade ground and went to the agreed place to meet with investors.