Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 48 - The Lineup of Hesh Motors

Matthew arrived in Sylvania after a long and exhausting journey, ready to face the next challenge. The World’s Fair was only four months away, but when he accounted for the travel time to the Francois Republic, he realized he had at most three months to finish everything. Three months to design, build, and test a lineup of automobiles that would showcase his vision to the world.

As he stepped off the train, the crisp air of Sylvania greeted him, mingling with the hum of activity in the bustling industrial district. The factory gates loomed ahead, opening slowly as if welcoming him back to the heart of his operation. Inside, his team of engineers, mechanics, and laborers stood ready, waiting for his instructions.

Matthew wasted no time. “Listen up, everyone,” he called out, his voice echoing through the cavernous space. “We have three months—three short months—to produce something extraordinary. This isn’t just about a single model. We need an entire lineup to prove our worth on the world stage.”

The team exchanged determined nods. They had seen Matthew’s ingenuity before, and his confidence inspired them. They knew this was an opportunity to make history.

The First Challenge: The Sedan

Matthew decided to start with the sedan. He envisioned it as a car for families—a practical yet stylish vehicle that could fit the needs of everyday life. Using the 1930s as inspiration, he sketched a rounded, streamlined body, complete with a spacious interior and reliable engine.

The team quickly got to work, cutting metal sheets and shaping them into the sleek frame of the sedan. The engine was assembled piece by piece, each part carefully fitted to ensure smooth operation. The factory buzzed with activity as workers welded, hammered, and tested components.

The first month flew by in a whirlwind of effort, but the result was worth it. The sedan stood finished on the factory floor, its black, polished exterior gleaming under the bright lights. Matthew climbed inside, gripping the wooden steering wheel, and took it for a test drive through Sylvania’s cobblestone streets. The engine purred like a contented cat, and the ride was smooth.

“Sedan is done!” Matthew said with a satisfied smile as he returned to the factory.

With the sedan completed, Matthew turned his attention to utility vehicles. He needed a pickup for farmers and small businesses and a larger truck for heavy industrial use. These vehicles had to be sturdy, powerful, and capable of handling tough conditions.

The pickup came first. Its design included a wide bed for hauling goods and a robust chassis to handle heavy loads. The truck followed, with an even more powerful engine and reinforced frame.

Creating these vehicles presented unique challenges. The team had to experiment with different materials and configurations to ensure the vehicles were both durable and efficient. The workers pushed through long hours, fueled by Matthew’s relentless energy and clear vision.

By the end of the second month, both the pickup and the truck were complete.

Matthew stood in the factory, staring at the newly finished truck. Its powerful engine and reinforced frame made it the perfect vehicle for hauling heavy loads. Yet, something felt incomplete. Logistics in the modern world, as he remembered, relied on efficiency and modularity. Trucks weren’t just vehicles—they were the backbone of industries, capable of transporting goods across long distances.

The idea struck him like lightning. A container system.

He quickly sketched a rectangular, detachable container designed to sit securely on the truck’s chassis. This innovation would allow for easy loading and unloading of cargo and standardize transportation. The container could be swapped at warehouses or ports without the truck itself needing to wait.

“Listen up!” Matthew called out to his engineers. “We’re going to take the truck a step further. I want a container system designed and built to fit perfectly on this truck. It should lock into place securely but also be easy to remove.”

The engineers exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. They had come to trust Matthew’s instincts, knowing his innovations often pushed the boundaries of practicality.

While the container system was being developed, Matthew turned his focus to the SUV. He envisioned it as the ultimate multipurpose vehicle—rugged yet luxurious, capable of handling rough terrains while offering comfort and style.

“Let’s give it an elevated suspension,” he told his team. “Something that can handle bumpy roads and steep trails. But I also want leather seats, a smooth steering system, and a dashboard that’s practical and elegant.”

The design took inspiration from the sturdy vehicles of the 1930s but added a touch of refinement. Engineers worked tirelessly to balance the durability of the frame with the comfort of the interior. By the end of the third month, the SUV was complete.

Matthew took it for a test drive through the outskirts of Sylvania, steering it over dirt paths and rocky hills. The SUV handled beautifully.

“This will turn heads,” he said, grinning as he returned to the factory.

With the SUV and big rig concept coming together, Matthew turned his attention to the final piece of his lineup—a motorcycle. Unlike the other vehicles, this was a personal project. Matthew had always admired the sense of freedom and adventure motorcycles symbolized.

Like others, the design was inspired by the motorcycles of the 1930s—a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine mounted on a lightweight steel frame. Matthew wanted the bike to be sleek, functional, and easy to maintain. Its primary audience would be individuals looking for a cost-effective, versatile mode of transportation, but it needed to capture the imagination of adventurers and speed enthusiasts alike.

Matthew began with the frame, which was crafted from tubular steel. The design emphasized simplicity and strength, ensuring the motorcycle would be durable yet lightweight. The triangular configuration of the frame provided stability, while the slightly elevated handlebars added comfort for long rides.

He sketched out the dimensions with precise calculations, and the team began cutting, welding, and assembling the pieces. The result was a robust yet elegant frame that would serve as the backbone of the motorcycle.

For the engine, Matthew chose a single-cylinder, four-stroke design. It was simple to manufacture, fuel-efficient, and reliable—perfect for the diverse conditions it might face. He worked closely with the engine team, specifying a displacement of 350cc to deliver sufficient power without sacrificing efficiency.

The team fabricated the components, including the crankshaft, piston, and valves, using high-quality steel and aluminum alloys. The air-cooled system required carefully placed fins around the engine block to dissipate heat effectively.

Once the engine was assembled, it underwent rigorous testing on a bench. Engineers fine-tuned the carburetor and ignition system to ensure smooth acceleration and a steady idle. After several tweaks, the engine produced a satisfying growl that brought a smile to Matthew’s face.

The motorcycle’s wheels featured thick, spoked rims paired with durable rubber tires designed for versatility. Whether on city streets or rough country paths, the tires would provide excellent grip and stability.

Matthew also insisted on a dual-suspension system: telescopic forks for the front and dual spring shocks for the rear.

The suspension components were carefully calibrated, ensuring the motorcycle could absorb bumps and maintain balance even at higher speeds.

With the functional aspects complete, Matthew focused on the motorcycle’s aesthetics. The fuel tank was teardrop-shaped, adding a classic flair while maximizing fuel capacity. He chose a deep navy blue for the paint, accented with chrome detailing on the handlebars, exhaust pipe, and wheel rims.

The seat was crafted from genuine leather, offering both comfort and durability. For added practicality, Matthew included a small luggage rack behind the seat and brackets for optional panniers.

Finally, he added a round headlamp with a bright tungsten bulb, giving the bike a distinct face. The dashboard was minimalist, featuring only a speedometer and fuel gauge.

Three weeks after starting the project, the motorcycle was ready for its first test. Matthew donned a leather jacket and helmet, eager to take it for a spin. A small crowd of factory workers gathered, watching with anticipation as he mounted the bike.

The engine roared to life with a smooth, throaty hum. Matthew twisted the throttle and eased the bike forward, its responsive acceleration immediately impressing him. He steered it through the factory grounds, weaving between obstacles with ease.

Satisfied, he took the bike onto the open road. It glided over cobblestone streets and handled dirt paths without a hitch. The suspension absorbed every bump, and the engine provided a steady stream of power.

When he returned to the factory, Matthew dismounted with a grin.

“This,” he said, patting the fuel tank, “is also going to turn heads at the World’s Fair. Now, for the world’s fair.”