Our target markets are Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even the world! Hong Kong Island, as an international free port and financial center, is the best springboard and settlement center for our products to be sold to the world!
Furthermore, technology and branding are precisely the starting point we'll be addressing with this loan! We're not starting from scratch!
The spirited Lin Huowang stood up as he spoke, and his youthful face and confident demeanor truly impressed Shen Bi and Mai Lihao.
Sham Pui and MacLehose were stunned by Lam Fook-wong's description of the "Hong Kong Island-Mainland" linkage model and global market blueprint.
This approach transcends the limitations of Hong Kong Island itself, leveraging the resources and market hinterland of the mainland, and its prospects seem bright.
As a banker, Shen Bi keenly sensed the enormous business opportunities and stable industrial chain value contained within, which appealed to him more than pure futures speculation.
He immediately pressed further: "The specific starting point? Kobayashi, which company are you targeting? Germany? Japan? The United States?"
Lin Huowang smiled slightly and once again brought up that name that made their hearts skip a beat: "No, my target is still Britain!"
"U.K?"
Sum Bi and MacLehose spoke in unison again, but this time their reaction was more one of astonishment.
Because even they themselves have overlooked the fact that the British automobile industry was once very powerful.
Oh no! It should be said that before the rise of the United States and Japan, only Germany could rival the British automobile industry.
And now?
Britain is mired in an economic downturn, and established car brands are seeing a sharp decline in sales worldwide.
As a result, even in Hong Kong, British car sales suffered a steady decline, completely overwhelmed by cheap Japanese cars.
Therefore, when Lim Ho Wang said he wanted to invest in the automotive industry, neither MacLehose nor Sir Michael Sandberg had even considered or thought of any of their own British car companies.
"Yes, Britain. Volkswagen of Germany, Toyota of Japan, and Ford of the United States are all formidable competitors; they demand high prices and have a strong desire for control."
As I analyzed before, the British domestic car industry is in a slump and desperately seeking a way out. This is the perfect time for us to "buy at the bottom"!
My goal is three brands: Land Rover, Rover, and MG!
Land Rover, a top-tier off-road vehicle brand, is known for its ruggedness, durability, and unparalleled all-terrain capabilities, holding an irreplaceable position in the military, adventure, and high-end markets. It possesses core four-wheel drive technology and exceptional chassis tuning expertise. However, the current state of affairs at Leyland in the UK has led to significant losses for Land Rover, turning it into a burden.
Rover, a representative of mid-to-high-end British sedans, boasts a rich heritage in engine technology, especially its renowned inline six-cylinder engines. Its solid chassis and superior driving experience have earned it the nickname "British Mercedes-Benz." Unfortunately, its conservative design and slow market response resulted in dismal sales.
MG, specializing in sports cars and distinctive compact cars, boasts a glorious brand history, with handling being its soul, and enjoys a loyal following. However, it is also hampered by the influence of Leyland in the UK, resulting in a small scale and difficulty in developing independently.
These three brands—Land Rover covering top-tier off-road vehicles, Rover covering mid-to-high-end sedans, and MG covering sports cars and unique small cars—form a complete and complementary product line!
Moreover, they are all now part of the struggling British Leyland Group, which is eager to get rid of its burdens. "As long as the price is right, there are high-ranking officials from the Hong Kong government and the UK involved in the mediation,"
At this point, Lin Huowang gave MacLehose a meaningful look, "The chances of success are extremely high! Acquiring them means buying the core technologies and brand heritage accumulated by the British automotive industry over decades! This is the quickest and most effective way!"
Shen Bi's breathing quickened as he listened.
Land Rover, Rover, MG!
He was certainly aware of the value and technological foundation of these three brands!
If the acquisition can be completed... the scale of this move and the future benefits far exceed what a HK$4 billion loan can offer!
He looked at MacLehose, his eyes filled with excitement and inquiry.
MacLehose's brow remained furrowed, but his previous strong opposition had softened, replaced by deep thought and assessment.
Lin Huowang's approach was frighteningly precise, and his assessment of the predicament of the British automotive industry was also incisive.
If this can be accomplished, it will not only relieve Britain of some burdens, but also introduce a major industry to Hong Kong under his rule, boosting employment and economic growth, and even promoting economic ties with the mainland... This achievement will be substantial!
He pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, his tone no longer one of outright rejection, but rather one of careful consideration: "Mr. Kobayashi, your idea... is indeed unique, providing us with a new perspective. Strategically speaking, this project has a certain degree of feasibility."
Shen Bi immediately chimed in, returning to the pragmatism of a banker: "I agree with the project's direction, Mr. Lin. But... let's get back to the practical issue: the risks! Four billion Hong Kong dollars is no small sum."
The equity in Jardine Matheson, some of the comic book copyright revenue, and the expected profits of Asia Daily that you plan to use as collateral have been assessed by us to be highly volatile and far from sufficient to cover the risk exposure of such a large loan.
You must provide new collateral of sufficient value and relatively good liquidity, and you must obtain approval from HSBC's risk control department. Otherwise, no matter how good the project is, it cannot proceed.
Shen Bi was clearly interested in the automotive industry development plan that Lin Huowang mentioned. With his keen business sense, he believed that as long as he could successfully acquire the British automotive industry and introduce the corresponding technology and production lines, whether it was located in Hong Kong or Bao'an in the nearby mainland, once the production lines officially started production, its cost would become the lowest in the world's industrial sector.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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