Chapter 255 Toyota's Attention

"Sho, how was the banquet today? You're all alone in America, and both Grandpa and I care a lot about you. We want you to develop your talents independently, but we also worry."

"Dad, I'm fine, really! Work has its challenges, but nothing I can't handle!"

In a small apartment on Eighth Street in Manhattan, Toyota Shoman held his phone. Facing the same question, even though his tone remained light and casual, compared to answering the question at the banquet, Shoman's face now showed a hint of concern.

Without revealing his identity, he, an ordinary Asian youth, was living in America. Even if he disclosed that he was the future heir of Toyota Motor Corporation, it wouldn't make much of a difference.

The current Toyota wasn't the top three global car company it would become in the future. Americans might desire Japanese cars, but their inherent pride still made them prefer Ford and General Motors.

Only Ford and General Motors were seen as the leaders in the global automotive industry! At most, one could add Germany's Daimler-Benz, but as for Japanese cars...

Just like HT, the company Carter's involved with, facing difficulties now, trying to cut costs. When they become prosperous in the future, these things will no longer matter.

"Dad, please rest assured, Grandpa too. I'll definitely make achievements!"

When talking about "achievements," Shoman's mind naturally drifted to the company he favored the most: HT! This company, like a sudden disruptor in the industry, appeared abruptly but seemed mature. Yet, Shoman was very confident that this company still had great potential!

Even though it had undergone financing, Shoman still maintained his position as an early investor. Even if he missed the peak investment period for VC, the venture capital stage, he could still reap substantial returns.

"As for the gains from the banquet, Dad, I do have some thoughts."

"Oh? Really? Tell Dad about it!"

Inside the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Toyota Shoichiro waved to his assistant in front of him, signaling him to wrap up the work report and leave. He then turned his chair towards the window, facing the midday sun shining on the cityscape outside with keen interest.

"Okay, here's the situation."

After Shoman relayed the information he heard from Sanjuro to his father, he continued to elaborate:

"Dad, I think this is a great opportunity for us Toyota! We've always struggled to break into the US market, right? Tariffs have made our cars significantly more expensive in America, but what if we move our factories to US soil, produce locally, and sell locally?"

"Moreover, setting up a factory in Georgia, compared to our factory in Brazil, not only can we bypass tariff barriers, but transportation costs would be lower, and raw material procurement would be more convenient. Additionally, Georgia has the largest deep-water port on the East Coast of the United States, the Port of Savannah. A factory in Georgia could also serve as a springboard for Toyota to enter the European market!"

"Shoman, what you're saying makes sense. If what you say about Georgia is true, offering us nearly unlimited free land and cheap labor, then it's indeed a good choice. But as you mentioned about that person named Murakami having concerns, I'm also worried about one thing: isn't it a bit ridiculous and absurd for a young fellow like him to lead such a business negotiation? How can we ensure its authenticity?"

Contemplating his son's words, Toyota Shoichiro, then serving as the Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, rocked his chair back and forth, pondering. While the objective conditions were favorable, if there were problems with the subjective execution, this matter might still be unreliable.

Furthermore, the implications of this matter were not trivial. As of now, Toyota only had its car sales company in the US. Bluntly put, although they sold their own products, Toyota's current car sales company resembled more of an intermediary, a middleman. After all, on the surface, these were two separate companies.

One focused on production, the other on sales. Allowing only a car sales company to enter wouldn't affect the bigger picture, making it easier to enter. But if they also included their production department, the impact on the US car market...

"No, this is also a point I wanted to discuss with you! Sanjuro is worried that the guy named Carter Blake isn't reliable, I understand, but I want to say, I know him much better than Sanjuro! I see this as an opportunity! When everyone thinks he, thinks this project is unreliable, we won't have competitors. This way, as the sole cooperating party, Toyota can negotiate more favorable terms for us. In fact, even before hearing this news, I knew about him and have been following him, or rather, his company."

"Oh? If he has caught your attention, he must be quite capable. But I remember, there isn't any major company in America with a leader named Blake."

His son's words piqued Toyota Shoichiro's interest. Shoman, who had been raised in a privileged environment, naturally had a discerning eye. It was nearly impossible to earn his genuine attention or favor with an ordinary company's annual profit potentially not matching his annual expenses. To earn his genuine attention or favor, nearly impossible.

"I'm not talking about his background, Dad! His current company isn't big either. Although I haven't fully grasped the situation, I'm sure his company is in a completely different league from Toyota. But isn't this also a manifestation of his personal abilities and value?"

Shoman's words were full of praise, and his admiration for Carter was evident:

"He currently owns a small catering company, not large in scale. But the business model is extremely mature, and his vision is sharp, his actions ruthless! From what I've observed..."

"Dad, although HT is still a small company, I believe with this momentum, they'll have no problem going public in a few years! After entering the capital market and obtaining substantial financing, they'll further accelerate their expansion. This future could be the next McDonald's! And he built such a fast-food industry giant company in such a short time? How old is he?!"

"We can't look at such a person with the eyes of a normal person. He's not a normal 17-year-old high school student! We shouldn't think he's unreliable because of this, quite the opposite, I think this is the most valuable aspect of him. With such courage and ability at 17, what will he be like in a few more years?"

"Even if it's investing in him, I believe we should participate in this project! Even if it's just to talk, to make contact. Maybe in the future..."

"Shoman, I reserve my opinion on what you said earlier. Until the actual results come out, I can't criticize you for being wrong or say your ideas are flawed. But to expect me, to expect your grandpa to approve the Georgia factory project based on just a few words from you, that's too hasty. However, what you said later is right. Regardless, since he has shown capability, demonstrated value, then making early contact can't hurt."

Shoichiro Toyota's chair had unconsciously turned back towards his desk, and on the notebook in front of him, Carter Blake's name was prominently displayed:

"Alright, this afternoon I'll discuss it with your Grandfather Shoichiro. Then, we'll send someone from the sales company to conduct an on-site inspection in Georgia, and at the same time, make contact with this Mr. Blake you recommended."

"Okay, but Dad, I want to go too!"