HLM – Chapter 855 A New Way of Cooperation

After returning to the reception room, Kaplan said awkwardly, “Sorry, Mayor Wang, for putting you in an embarrassing situation earlier. Our company right now…”

He wanted to say something flattering, but after a moment’s hesitation, he stopped. He knew clearly that no matter what he said, Wang wouldn’t believe him—there was simply no excuse left.

Wang Bo sipped his coffee and said, “No need to apologize, my friend. I wasn’t offended. It’s your company’s situation that seems worrying.”

Kaplan replied, “There’s no need to worry. We are indeed in a transitional phase. It’s a period of growing pains, but if we can endure it, I believe Horton Motors can regain its position in the New Zealand auto market.”

At this, he looked at Wang Bo sincerely. “But to achieve this goal, we need customer support. Mayor Wang, I won’t lie to you…”

Wang Bo thought to himself, Then why don’t you lie to me? At this point, would lying help? Do you think I’d fall for your nonsense?

Kaplan continued, “The Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Commerce plan to introduce a ‘ButtonCarPlan,’ aimed at improving the domestic auto industry’s efficiency—not by quantity, but by quality—while reducing local protection, lowering taxes, and inviting foreign manufacturers to stimulate competition and consolidate industry resources.”

“This will make our work even harder. Relying on family cars for profit will be difficult, because Horton simply cannot compete with Toyota, Volkswagen, or Hyundai.”

Wang Bo tapped the table with his finger, then said thoughtfully, “I’m beginning to think Horton might not even have the ability to launch new car models, right?”

Kaplan said, “No, we certainly have the capability. What we lack is funding.”

After the ButtonCarPlan was launched, General Motors decided to cease Horton’s engine and vehicle production in Australia in 2017, transforming it into an international sales company, parts distribution center, and design hub responsible for GM’s sales operations.

And that was still for the Australian headquarters. As for New Zealand subsidiaries? They would probably be completely dissolved.

At this point, it was uncertain whether the Horton brand would even be retained. GM had too many large industrial brands under its umbrella, and keeping Horton didn’t serve their global strategy.

Wang Bo had another idea. He gestured for Kaplan to wait while he tried calling Bartier to discuss a matter.

But Bartier rejected his call and replied with a message saying he was in an important meeting.

Wang Bo had to wait. He knew Bartier’s meetings often lasted a long time—three to four hours would be considered short.

But the matter he was considering required Bartier’s advice. So he said to Kaplan, “We’ve had a long day. How about this, my friend: we rest first, and we can talk later or tomorrow?”

Kaplan thought Wang had lost interest in cooperating after seeing Horton’s situation and showed a disappointed expression.

But he had nothing else to say, so he nodded, “Alright, Mayor Wang. I’ll have someone take you to the hotel to rest. Honestly, I really hope we can work together.”

Wang Bo smiled faintly, “If we do cooperate, the way we work together might surprise you.”

Kaplan didn’t understand what he meant, but he smiled politely and escorted them to the company’s limousine.

One small comfort for him was that the helicopter was still at the company, meaning Wang Bo would definitely return.

Back at the hotel, Hani sighed, “Damn, Horton Motors has fallen so far. When I was young, everyone was proud to own a Lion car.”

Lion cars were another name for Horton vehicles. Their emblem was a fierce-looking lion—not a comical one, but a majestic male lion.

Kidd said, “Poor Manager Kaplan. When he heard the boss say our cooperation method would surprise him, he even smiled in anticipation. By the time he realizes we plan to get something for nothing, he won’t shed a tear.”

Wang Bo shook his head, “You guessed wrong. The cooperation I mentioned isn’t that. I plan to buy Horton Motors’ stock—and ideally get a seat on the board.”

His words shocked everyone. They were stunned and began talking all at once:

“Are you joking? Buying Horton stock? The brand is about to be delisted!”

“I’m certain, boss. GM will give up on Horton. They’ll probably file for bankruptcy; otherwise, they can’t handle so many employees.”

“If you have that much money, boss, I suggest buying more real estate instead. Property trading enriches the nation; industry burns money!”

Wang Bo only had Sunset Town now, lacking industrial backing. Horton’s predicament presented him with an opportunity.

Of course, it was just an opportunity. Whether it was good or bad, he had to wait for CEO Bartier’s analysis.

As the saying goes, even a starving camel is bigger than a horse.

Kaplan arranged dinner for them at a restaurant known for Auckland-style cheese.

White Stone Cheese was a specialty of Oamaru, but some Auckland suburban cheese shops also made authentic, distinctive cheese, renowned throughout Oceania.

There were over ten types of White Stone Cheese on the Auckland market. The most famous was the award-winning “Windsor Blue Cheese,” which they were tasting tonight.

“For cheese lovers, this is a rare delicacy. It’s a blue cheese—beautiful and delicious. Boss, you should try it,” Hani said eagerly.

Kidd agreed, and Bowen also looked forward to it. “Is it that good? Then I’ll try some too.”

Kaplan booked them a private room. Once seated, they ordered dishes. The waiter first served some bread and cheese—a European dining custom of serving bread and cheese before the main course.

This custom originated in Europe. One explanation is that Europeans were once relatively poor. Dining out was rare, and even when they did, they often couldn’t afford enough food. Restaurants thus served bread and cheese first to tide them over.

Wang Bo looked at the tray for the blue cheese but didn’t see anything of that color. Hani cut him a piece of white cheese and said, “This is Windsor Blue Cheese.”

The cheese did relate to blue; it had blue spots on it. Wang Bo asked, “Don’t tell me these spots are why it’s named that.”

“Yes, you guessed right!” Laughter erupted immediately.