Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 139: Decision to Make

Michael sat in stunned silence, the email from Tesla still open on his phone. The reality that a company as renowned as Tesla had recognized his EcoRider project was almost overwhelming. For a moment, he allowed himself to marvel at how far he had come. The EcoRider, with its advanced solid-state battery technology, represented a significant leap forward in electric transportation.

Its innovative design and environmental benefits caught the eye of one of the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturers.

Michael's thoughts shifted to the potential of this recognition. This was not just a validation of his work but also an opportunity to scale his efforts and impact the transportation industry globally. A partnership with Tesla could mean access to cutting-edge technology, research, and a wealth of experience in electric vehicle production and market penetration.

This is turning out too good for him. The reason why he started an automobile company was simply to comply with the laws and regulations mandated by the DOTr and the LTFRB. He didn't expect that automobile companies that would exist solely to produce the EcoRider Minibus and Bus would be recognized by Tesla.

Well, this is not something he can decide by himself. As much as he was a genius, he needed someone who could talk him out of or into big decisions. Michael immediately thought of Juliet, his trusted secretary and advisor, whose analytical skills and understanding of the business had been invaluable in navigating the complexities of starting and running a transportation company.

Then the second person he thought of was Bridget, who surely has connections in the American business. As for Antoinette, well so far, her opinion could bring valuable insight about this but he knew Antoinette didn't have as much influence as Bridget.

While he was pondering, their professor entered the classroom, snapping Michael back to the present. He quickly saved the email and focused on the lecture, but his mind occasionally wandered to the potential Tesla collaboration.

After the class, Michael decided to act on his thoughts. He sent a message to Juliet, Bridget, and Antoinette, requesting a meeting to discuss the Tesla email and its implications for their company. He knew each of them would bring a different perspective to the table, which would be crucial in making a well-rounded decision.

By the end of his last class, which was 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Michael received an acknowledgment from them, stating that they were coming to the PSE Tower and then discussing the email sent by Tesla.

With that, Michael made his way to the parking lot of the university hopped to his RAM TRX 500, and headed towards the PSE Tower.

Upon arriving at the PSE Tower, Michael swiftly made his way to the elevator, and then to their office. They are waiting in the conference room, probably waiting for him to arrive.

At the conference room, Michael saw three ladies seated around the table, each with a look of curiosity and anticipation. Juliet, with her sharp business acumen, was reviewing some notes on her tablet.

Bridget, whose connections and experience in international business dealings were evident, appeared thoughtful, and Antoinette, with her strategic insight into corporate image and branding, was waiting attentively.

"Good evening, everyone," Michael greeted as he entered the room, setting the tone for a serious yet optimistic discussion. "Thank you for meeting on such short notice. Now I admit, I was late, the rush hour in EDSA was  quite challenging today." He took a seat at the head of the table, unfolding his laptop and placing the printed copy of Tesla's email in front of him.

Juliet looked up from her tablet, her expression focused. "You just received this email from Tesla. Hmm…interesting, who could have thought that Tesla would take interest from a company based in the Philippines."

"True…which is why we have to talk about this, this could be a golden opportunity," Michael said.

"But I thought the reason why you started an automobile company was to simply comply with the regulations of the DOTr and LTFRB for the application of franchise?" Juliet said.

"True but when the opportunity comes like this, there is a high chance of me changing my decision based on the potential benefits and impact we could achieve," Michael replied, thoughtful yet excited about the possibilities.

At this point, Bridget leaned in, her eyes sharp and inquisitive. "Michael, this brings us to a crucial question: Are we looking to collaborate with Tesla, or are we preparing to compete against them? Your decision will set the course for our strategy moving forward."

Michael paused, considering the gravity of Bridget's question. It was a pivotal moment that would indeed shape the direction of their enterprise.

"That's the big question, isn't it?" he acknowledged, leaning back in his chair, pondering the options before them.

He continued, "Collaborating with Tesla could provide us with advanced technological insights and a strong foothold in the international market. On the other hand, if we choose to compete, we're looking at establishing ourselves as a standalone power in the electric vehicle industry, which has its own set of challenges and opportunities."

Michael looked around the table, gauging the reactions of his advisors. "What we decide here doesn't just affect our company's trajectory but also how we position ourselves globally in the electric vehicle market. We all know natural resources in the world are dwindling and the world is looking for other alternatives for transportation that are sustainable and efficient.

This is the market we are entering into, whether with Tesla or not."

"I would advise you, Michael," Antoneitte broke her silence as she got interested in the topic. "To compete with Tesla. The reason why they want collaboration with your company is that they see you as a threat to their enterprise. They want to control you before you become too big to handle. If your technology and innovations are indeed groundbreaking, then it makes sense to stand on your own."

Michael absorbed Antoinette's perspective, considering the strategic implications of being perceived as a threat by Tesla.

"That's an interesting angle, Antoinette. If Tesla views us as potential competition, it means we have something truly valuable. Going independent could indeed assert our position in the market and allow us to control our destiny."

Juliet, ever the strategist, added, "We should also consider the financial and resource implications of each path. Collaborating with Tesla might give us immediate access to resources and markets, but at what cost to our autonomy and long-term vision?

Competing independently will require significant investment and robust strategic planning but could ultimately lead to greater control and larger market share."

"I advise also to compete with Tesla," Bridget said. "We have the advantage here."

"So you want to compete with Tesla huh?" Michael said, leaning back to his share. "Well, in that case, we should expand our electric vehicles from minibus and bus to sedan and SUV."