HLM – Chapter 854 Fraught with Crises

The helicopter landed on the helipad of Horton Automotive Company. A starving camel is still bigger than a horse, and Horton Automotive, after all, had dominated the Oceania automotive market for half a century. It was perfectly reasonable for their company to have a helipad.

Kaplan shook hands with Wang Bo, praising him: “Hello, Mr. Wang. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from friends—you’re the youngest and most promising talent in the Green Party.”

“And I’m very interested in Sunset Town. Unfortunately, I’ve been busy with official duties and haven’t had the chance to visit, but next year, when I have some free time, I’ll definitely take my family to Sunset Town for a vacation. It has become a holiday paradise.”

Wang Bo smiled warmly: “Thank you very much for your recognition of Sunset Town. I think it’s really a great place for a vacation. We would be very happy to welcome you there, Mr. General Manager.”

After some pleasantries, Kaplan got straight to the point: “I heard from Chairman Alexander that you’re planning to purchase a batch of high-end tourist buses?”

The expressions of the people behind Wang Bo changed subtly. Kidd whispered to Hani: “No wonder this guy is so enthusiastic. Turns out he thinks we came here to hand over money.”

Hani calmly replied, “Don’t say anything. Let the boss handle it.”

How was Wang Bo supposed to handle this? The expectation gap was huge. How did Vajona convey it to him? He had clearly said Sunset Town needed a batch of high-end tourist buses—not that they were here to make a purchase deal!

So he chuckled awkwardly: “Oh, our town does need such vehicles now. You know, New Zealand’s public transportation system is terrible. We want to build our own bus network.”

Kaplan nodded approvingly: “Yes, New Zealand should have a more effective public transport system. We’ve all seen the demonstrations across the country recently over bus fare increases.”

Wang Bo hadn’t seen those news reports, but he was quietly pleased—apparently, Sunset Town wasn’t the only place facing this problem.

Kaplan continued: “Horton Automotive has already shifted towards agricultural vehicles and buses. I bet no one in New Zealand can do better than us in this area. Why don’t we take a look at our production line?”

It wasn’t boasting—they could be confident, especially in buses.

For eighty years, Horton’s specialty had always been car bodies and interiors. Buses didn’t require high-performance engines or transmissions; comfort in the cabin was most important. So the shift in their development focus was a smart choice.

Under the guidance of Kaplan, Horton’s chief engineer, and designers, they boarded an electric sightseeing vehicle and headed toward the massive factory buildings.

This also revealed just how bad Horton’s current situation was. They were treating the business of a small town with such importance—if it were only for Vajona’s sake, Kaplan could have sent a few subordinates to host Wang Bo without bringing New Zealand designers along.

On the way, Wang Bo gave them a bit of a heads-up: “Horton Automotive’s excellence is self-evident. I think the reason you haven’t captured a larger market is mainly marketing—you lack good advertising.”

Kaplan looked highly agreeable: “Yes, Mayor Wang. Just hearing that, I can tell you’re an industrial expert.”

“Exactly. We lack exposure, which has caused our market share to fall repeatedly. But Horton Automotive’s philosophy is based on strength and quality!”

Wang Bo was dumbfounded. What nonsense! Horton Automotive claims to be “based on strength” and “speak with quality”?

Of course, he knew Kaplan probably also held some disdain for him internally. Horton’s problems were definitely not just about publicity—they invested significantly in advertising each year.

Entering the factory, the busy production lines were on full display.

This was, after all, a top-tier production line in a developed country—or perhaps it could be said, it used to belong to a top automotive brand. The line was highly mechanized, and the factory floor was spotless and aesthetically pleasing.

Wang Bo kept nodding in approval. But when they entered the second workshop, two middle-aged men suddenly ran out.

One stripped to the waist: “We want to eat! The weekly wage standard cannot be lowered further.”

The other shouted: “General Manager, please give us our unemployment benefits! We’ve devoted our whole lives to Horton, and you can’t treat us like this!”

Wang Bo knew what they were referring to. The weekly wage standard had become an issue because, despite all efforts, Horton’s losses hadn’t stopped. Media had already reported that Horton didn’t make money producing cars; each car manufactured resulted in a loss.

In this predicament, Horton tried to negotiate labor costs, hoping to reduce the employees’ NZ$280 weekly pay.

In other words, Horton’s employees now earned less than NZ$1,200 per month, assuming they worked under 40 hours a week. But that’s far too little. Employees come to work to earn money—if they come in and don’t get paid, what’s the difference from being unemployed? How could anyone accept that?

This created an awkward situation. Kaplan had not brought security personnel this time, only technical staff prepared to answer Wang Bo’s questions. So when a potential violent situation arose, he couldn’t handle it immediately.

Next, Wang Bo saw something that left him speechless. The general manager of Horton Automotive actually tried to reason gently with the two men:

“Go back to work for now. The company is transforming, going through a painful period. It will get better. Once we successfully transform and gain market share, laid-off employees will be rehired!”

“The weekly wage standard is set by headquarters. It’s unreasonable, and I will protest it. Don’t worry, this standard will never be implemented! As long as I am here, it won’t happen…”

“What if you’re not here?” one employee asked.

Kaplan replied firmly: “That’s impossible. My position is secure, don’t worry…”

“We’re not talking about your position, we mean you,” the man interrupted, “What if you die in office?”

Wang Bo felt a bit of sympathy for Kaplan. He reflected—was it inhumane to consider sponsoring them at this point?

After thinking it over, he decided it wasn’t inhumane. Business is business. Every capitalist has blood on their hands.

Still, he worried a bit—given Horton’s current state, he probably wouldn’t get the sponsorship.

The two men were clearly looking for trouble. Kaplan wisely chose to avoid their entanglement and signaled the chief designer to take Wang Bo’s group away.

Kaplan couldn’t leave on his own; the two blocked him. Wang Bo couldn’t stand it anymore, so he stepped forward, pushed the men aside, and escorted Kaplan away.