strop wrote:Something I've always wondered since I started following this company, which I thought would be pertinent to ask now:
How many people are actually involved in the building of these models, and on what kind of timeframe does your design cycle run? There is a MASSIVE range of models and trims and you'll obviously need a fair bit of output capacity if you want to make any significant numbers of cars in all their variety, and even hope to avoid swift bankruptcy from the massive overheads. Speaking of which, where did the initial capital come from?
Kampf: For the amount of people designing and building the model prototype, it all falls under the core members themselves, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
As for the time frame for the design cycle, there is no designated limit, following the "It's done when it's done." concept. Yes, we are aware of the massive range of models
and trims ever since the beginning. That's why we use a rather simple, yet risky take on production. The more expensive models fall under "Built to order" category, where once
a particular car is purchased, only then it will be built. Parts are already fabricated and stored into several hangars, arranged to models that share most of the same components.
Sure it is risky by even just guessing how much of these particular models would be sold, but it does minimise space needed when comparing to parking completed models just
waiting to be sold.
The more cheaper models like the Panzer sedans, we set a certain amount of cars built per month, and our three factories, consisting of not more than 700 personnel each would build
them. From there, based on the initial sales and which trims are selling more, it gets adjusted for the following month, and so on. The three factories locate themselves in various
parts of Singapore to accommodate the working personnel's living location; one on the northwest, Sungei Kadut, one east, Kaki Bukit, and one west in Tuas. Our secondary showroom
is located in Redhill, and the HQ and main showroom is in Alexandra Road.
Particular cars like the Emden that somewhat gained popularity in America, 3rd party dealers settle both the shipment and sales on their side, where I admit, is rather detrimental on
their side, and having to raise the price of our cars there. We are intending to expand to America for at least 2 showrooms and a factory to reduce costs. Not sure where, but we predict
that the likes of California or Seattle might be our main intention.
As for the initial capital-
Erika: I knew someone is going to ask on how we got our initial capital. God damn it, Kampf. I'll take it from here about this. Kampf would simply attempt to switch topics to avoid this...
embarrassing matter. Our initial capital, was a bank loan. Not one bank, not two. Three various banks. I can't even fathom on how he even pull that off just to start the company, but yeah...
We were already in the red even before the company was started. It was a very very very risky take to even start a company this way, hence we had to think fast on how to even pay back.
It was when we were developing the Battlecruiser saloon where Lean pitched in to start another company that is under Battalion, her own tuning shop, selling modified car components for
various makes like the Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, and Subaru Impreza. But instead of having its own place, it will use a portion of the company's space, in hopes to gain some
quick sales and get the bank payments done fast.
Lean's plan worked. Familiarising with the local tuning culture, and paying attention to the customers' needs, she was able to gain fame for getting mod installations done, sometimes even faster
than competitors like Autobacs. And when I mean fast, I meant stuff that would take 2-3 weeks would be done in a week. Her strategy was simple; 3 rotating shifts, 3 groups of working personnel.
Morning, afternoon, and night. That allowed the shop to be open 24 hours. Not only that, her team is heavily motivated as well, all because Lean gets herself down and dirty into the installation
as well, even doing overtime work occasionally.
But despite that, there were moments where we were pulled deeper into the red. Those were the Zerstorer and the Lowe SLS. These two not only failed to gain traction in sales, it took a huge chunk
of money just developing them. Oh you should have seen me flipping out after the finance department ran over to me in a group to inform me about it. Even Kampf panicked. Even though sales of the
Battlecruiser Courageous Edition went well, it still barely got by. When Black Prince was made, we assumed we would be fine selling it at a loss once we ceased sales of the Zerstorer and the Lowe SLS.
Once again, we flipped out. This pattern went on till the release of the Panzer sedan, where sales simply skyrocketed, and production could not keep up with the orders.
It was only then we were out of the red. The Panzer sedan and its wide variety of trims saved us. Sure, the BT model was selling at a loss for the lower income group, but the demand for the VR-S model
was just insane. The Emden saloon, too, picked up its pace, though not by much in the local market. In America, however, despite the price hike due to shipping and profits for dealer side, gained traction.
The Black Prince, on the other hand, was a cult hit in United Kingdom, though sales were not as strong compared to Singapore's Panzer sedan, and America's Emden saloon.
Kampf: Yeah... our explanation does sound a bit sketchy, but it did happen. 3 banks... At least we settled two of them. We still have the last bank to deal with, despite the sales we are racking up.
Erika: Did you even forget just how much you loaned from them? Here's the latest letter they sent us. We've been paying back a considerable amount every month now. This is what we have left to
settle. *Hands over folded letter*
Kampf: Come on, it can't be that ba- *unfolds the letter, sees the amount left to pay* Oh.
Erika: Oh? That's it? Not even a flinch? We still have THAT amount left to clear. And the Emden line's already finished, just these decommissioned ones from the Police.
Kampf: Come on, just look at the Shrike. The Starters, Technical, and F-Spec are gaining traction in sales. Look, even 3rd party dealers from Germany and Italy want a piece of the Shrike too.
Erika: Seriously, why am I behaving like a naggy wife towards you? For an ex-soldier to be annoyed by you, it's already an achievement.
Kampf: Ah, you intending to be one?
Erika:...
Tue Jul 21, 2015 4:37 am 
unless you are writing this retrospectively.
