Awesome thank you! I’ve just been using google image search… Not the best tool
April 13, 1946
Some CEOs are content with looking at advertisement brochures. Some even get by with assistants telling them scraps of information about their competitors. Pete Vermillion took a different approach. A more direct one.
“Huh. My son drove one of those in the war. Except this one is more…blue”
“Oh, trust me, good sir. This is not just the GPUV. There have been many changes to make it a perfect car for the civillian market.”
Peter looked underneath the car and noticed it still rocked the solid axle in the front. Many changes indeed. He then decided to go for a test drive.
That was an experience. This car. This car is supposed to seat five. It certainly didn’t feel like it would be able to. Pete Vermillion thanked the salesman for his time, and sighed in relief. The Bogliq was not a threat for now, and he could not imagine the other tin can makers to be more of a threat.
“…so you’re saying this thing only has a 4 banger underneath?” Pete asked, trying to feign worry.
“It is not only a 4 banger, sir. It gave our troops the reliabity they needed to win in Europe.”
“Your troops, eh? Aboot that…” Pete said, proud of his take on the Canadian accent “Did our boys get to drive your vehicles?”
“Yes, of course, sir. They even found it better than that Bogliq truck.”
“I can imagine that” Pete said, remembering the Bogliq experience.
He looked underneath, noticed an independent suspension in the front. That wasn’t good. Them Canadians might be more of a threat than they seemed at first.
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Entries for Round 1 are closed, and I’m now processing the results. Anyone whose company is not yet registered but wants to play, I’m still taking registrations for Round 2 and later.
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what year range is the round 2?
Will be sometime between 1949 and 1952. I haven’t rolled the randomizer yet.
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Motor World Review, August 1946
Model Year-In-Review Edition
Best Sedan – 1946 - Vermillion Athena
Relative Rating: 100.00
Our pick for Sedan of the Year, 1946, is none other than the Athena from Vermillion. The best all-around competitor we found, this 6 seat sedan gains high marks in every category we feel is important for a family or commuter car.
Under the hood is a 231 cubic inch straight-six putting out 104 horses. Rather unusually, Vermillion chose to put a pair of small carburetors on this motor. It pulls well throughout the band, and the 3 speed column shifter works well enough.
We found all 6 seating positions to be comfortable enough, though the middle positions of both rows are best suited to children, so as not to interfere with the driver’s elbow room or the space of passengers in the slightly narrow back.
On the road, the Vermillion is one of the best handling cars. It can also make it to nearly 100 mph in a spirited straight run.
While this is more expensive than several of its competitors, the Athena most definitely appears to be worth it.
Vermillion’s tagline is “Take a Look.” We couldn’t agree more.
Best Other – 1946 - PMI Usurper V8
Relative Rating: 97.09
Brawny and comfortable. These are two adjectives that come to mind after we tested the Art Deco-style Usurper from PMI. Part roadster and part luxury car, this V8 powered street figher is our Best Other Car of 1946.
Able to rocket to over 100 MPH, and cover the first 60 in just over 11 seconds, it’s plenty fast. Genuine wood trim all over the interior, two plush seats, and a radio round out the equipment list on the Usurper.
Perhaps it’s not the best handling car in the world, but the fun factor is undeniably there. As is the flash factor.
For those looking for a unique, thrilling ride, not much approaches the dollar for dollar value of this vehicle.
PMI may claim that the Usurper “has a way with women”, but we think that it is simply “the way” for sport in the current market climate.
Best Engine – 1946 - Vermillion 231cid Straight-6
Of the engines put before us this year, we are most impressed with the 231 cubic inch 6-cylinder from Vermillion. It is not the most powerful option on the market, but at 104 horsepower, it does the job with which it is tasked. And it does so with buttery smoothness and remarkable efficiency. For that, Vermillion Motor Company receives our Best Engine award for 1946.
Sedan Class Reviews
Epoch Model 10
“…unbeatably low purchase price is unfortunately compromised by a woefully underpowered 31 cubic inch (no, that is not a misprint) engine. One must carefully weigh the significant savings from low fuel consumption against the sheer amount of time to get from point A to point B.”
Pros: Best in class fuel economy, lowest purchase price, both by far
Cons: Unbelievably slow, poor practicality
Relative Rating: 86.15
ACA Corona V8
“…lavish interior appointments, standard AM radio, and beautiful exterior. The Corona shows why it was king before the war. Unfortunately, it still rides like it did almost 10 years ago, and the power plant is showing its age…”
Pros: Best in class comfort, very prestigious model
Cons: High purchase price, worst in class handling, poor reliability
Relative Rating: 90.77
Ardent Starlight 220 Deluxe
“…cramped seating for 6 people. Also, despite good manners and nimble handling on paved roads, we found it was a little less than pleasant on a rutted, muddy road. Overall, however, the package offered in the Starlight is a good one, particularly for a small sedan. The 99 cubic inch 4-cylider has proven to be trouble-free in extensive testing…”
Pros: Low purchase price, best in class reliability, best in round handling
Cons: Worst in class offroad, poor acceleration, low comfort
Relative Rating: 93.85
Bogliq Zealot Entrance
“…flat out uncomfortable. Also, the transmission is a simple hi-lo affair, which seems to tax the 122 cubic inch four to its limits. Once you get past that, however, you can see where the Bogliq has interesting value. And it comes mostly from its relationship to war-time transport models that Bogliq used to put out. Almost unbelievably, the tiny Zealot can go almost anywhere that a rough-and-tumble truck can, for a fraction of the cost…”
Pros: Best in class offroad, low purchase price
Cons: Very slow, worst in class comfort
Relative Rating: 92.31
Birmingham 5000
“…Smooth, comfortable, and fast. This solidifies the Birmingham 5000 as one of the must-have cars for managers and executives. It also places it out of reach for most average drivers. On the topic of averages, the Birmingham is not for the average driver in another aspect; it is a very raucous ride when pushed in any way, so only those who truly know what they are doing should be driving one in a spirited manner.”
Pros: Most prestigious in class, fastest in class
Cons: Least driveable, most expensive, least reliable
Relative Rating: 93.85
Dominion Victory
“…another reasonably balanced candidate. It combines the prudence and frugality of the Ardent with the size of the Vermillion. It falls short of the latter in our testing, but is still a strong overall contender…”
Pros: Low purchase price
Cons: Poor safety
Relative Rating: 92.31
Other Class Reviews
Deer and Hunt Fallow
“…a very good selection for rural owners and farm work, we still hoped that the Fallow would be a bit more rounded of a truck. We felt its motor was just too small to do an adequate job for large loads or for heavy towing work. On the other hand, it looks to be an inexpensive, reliable option.”
Pros: Low purchase price, high reliability, best in round offroad
Cons: Worst in round drivability, poor utility for what it’s trying to be
Relative Rating: 85.71
Caliban Thunder
“…gloriously spirited driving machine. It doesn’t have the sheer power of the PMI, but rather makes use of absolutely every horse, every inch of suspension. A bit of a shame that it’s a kit car, as it will not garner the attention it should were it a mainstream model.”
Pros: Best in round sportiness, great drivability, marvelous (albeit a bit advanced) engine
Cons: Limited availability, poor comfort, cannot be driven on unpaved roads at all
Relative Rating: 89.67
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Woah, I’ll take a 93.85 
You might want to change the company name here.
Edit: Also, I’ve got the best vehicle appartently. Kinda hoped I’d carve a niche of my own, but did not expect that at all. Thank you.
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Lord Mach I’s residence, Cardiff. March 23rd 1946.
The sun shone through the windows of the residence, illuminating the rooms dimly. Lord Mach was inmersed in reading the magazines Zacharias, sitting in front of him, had brought from the United States. Mach smiled slightly, taking his smoking pipe out of his mouth.
Mach: “Reception for the Thunder seems to be positive. Seems like our engine is remarkably good as well.”
Zacharias: “The good news do not end there, Sir. The import agent is willing to import our products in bigger numbers if we need to. Moving on to more pressing matters, you have been sent a letter from Michigan.”
Zacharias slided the letter towards Lord Mach, who took it and opened it carefully with a small knife. As Mach read through the words, he seemed to get inmerse in thought.
Mach: “It’s from the Auto Corporation of America. They are offering us to build our Calibans themselves.”
Zacharias: “Will you take the offer up, Sir?”
Mach: “I am not sure. But perhaps I could visit them to get to an agreement. Being supported by one of the oldest companies in the United States could be key.”
Mach archived the letter in his drawer, in the ‘prioritary’ section.
Mach: “Look for transatlantic flights. But not sooner than next weekend, I have an special appointment with Lady Nell. Send a letter to ACA to let them know I am coming over to negotiate as well.”
Zacharias: “Yes Sir.”
(Well @Dorifto_Dorito it’s your turn 
)
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Short PMI press statement
PMI LLC is delighted that the Usurper V8 Coupe has been chosen as best car of 1946 is the “other category” by the most reputable Motor Review World magazine. The sales of the Usurper in particular allow us to develop further ourselves as a new automobile brand. PMI Usurper will always seek to offer you the best in affordable sport comfort cars on the market.
New engine choices for the PMI Prospect sedan and a new shared PMI Spirit/Roamer project will come on the market soon.
Internal PMI note - Central Management PMI LLC to PMI Prospect Inc. - Department of Engineering.
Develop larger capacity two carb inline 6 for Prospect range. Ensure smooth running. At least 115hp. Offer premium model of the Super Six by Autumn 1947. Must be able to compete with Vermillion Athena. Aim for same price but more spacious interior - the standard model is enough for those wanting to transport six. Give monthly update.
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Bogliq USA HQ, Mid September, 1946
Corporate HQ, CEO Konstantin Bogliq’s office
Konstantin sighed as he looked over the Motor World Review article. The marketing department’s analysis of the competition proved to be broadly correct. Of the direct competition for the Zealot, only the Model 10 was less of an impact than expected and it was still close enough that customers would be willing to cross shop against the Zealot.
That meant that the Zealot was outclassed by the Athena, Starlight, the 5000 and Victory. Each of these competitors had better engines, better handling, bigger bodies and more seats! The only saving grace for the Zealot was that it sells well in rural areas and amongst war veterans… Neither of which there was enough of to make windfall profits from; especially when Bogliq didn’t charge a large markup to begin with!
Decisions, decisions… Without a large influx of profit from Zealot sales, Konstantin realised that Bogliq is going to have to think outside the square to improve profitability and bring in new customers. Market domination will have to wait, survival was foremost on Konstantin’s mind for the moment.
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“…and I don’t want to be the one to say I told you so boy, but I definitely told you so…”
Sam Worthington looked at the American who sat on the other side of his desk, seemingly taking up all available space. Dave was one of those men who’s personality filled a room, no matter the size, although almost anyone could fill up Sam’s tiny office.
“… and we Americans aren’t like your Farmer Browns and those little I-talians and Frenchies, we like our cars big and our engines bigger! And I told you that your little pokey car just ain’t going to cut it over here, it just ain’t on the beam. Hell, I know I’m not the smallest Joe Blow, but I can’t hardly fit my behind across both front seats together…”
Sam only half listened to Dave’s ongoing ‘advice’, he knew himself that the car wouldn’t attain anywhere near the success in America as it did over in Europe. America never really suffered through the war in the same way that they had, and the vehicle preferences that the market responded to were obviously quite different and reflected this. Where the USA boasted massive highways and smooth roads, almost everywhere in Europe showed scars of the war, and you were lucky if you could drive any distance without some off-road work involved.
“…and you know that those tiny things you guys call engines are smaller than what we put in motorcycles. I definitely remember telling you that you can’t expect these things to sell like they do where you’re from, we like our open roads and freedom…”
Dave had paved the way for Epoch to enter the USA, helping with customs and shipping, regulations, tax implications, business contacts, basically smoothing the path before Sam even got started… Not that Dave seemed to actually do anything himself, but he had an amazing network and seemed to know people in influential positions within various organisations and companies that could, and would, help the big oaf at the drop of a hat.
“… those seats man, they’re just tiny. I just can’t understand how you guys can fit in them comfortably, let alone get yourself out after a reasonable trip. I told you that you should have retrimmed them to be a bit more plush, have a bit more cushioning at least! Mind you, that would eat into the non existent cabin space you’ve got in there, so maybe that would be worse…”
Sam sighed, rubbed his temples, and reluctantly cut Dave off.
“You’re right Dave. You’re absolutely right. The car is too small, too light, too underpowered, too uncomfortable, too slow, too basic… But… We were never planning on selling millions of them to start with. Whilst some other companies may have come in with their flashy machines and big belching engines and ostentatious designs, that’s not what the new Epoch is about. Our mission here is to bring motoring to the people… to all the people. So, yes, our first offering faired reasonably poorly against the established brands here in the USA, but that’s not the point. We are building a following, and what better devotees can you ask for than those who have never had a hand extended to them? So yes, we don’t have the numbers for now, we don’t have the profit margins for now, we don’t have the prestige for now… But just wait it out Dave. It’s all part of the strategy. Once people know that an Epoch will never let you down, and correlate our cars with reliability, dependability, safety, and frugality… That’s when we will see our future in the stars. That’s when our name will be worth more than any flashy Caliban or Birmingham or ACA brute of a machine!”
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Fixed it thanks. It was a loooong day yesterday.
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Round 2 - 1951
The States are embroiled in another war, though this engagement is not of the same magnitude, and limited to the Korean peninsula. Suburban sprawl continues at a massive pace. Due to the number of cars hitting the roads, individual states are expanding their major roads and highways (but the Interstates have not been started yet… that comes later!). Famous highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 66 come into prominence during this time period. Color TV is just in its infancy, I Love Lucy is on TV, and at least at home, everything seems great.
Economy
Unemployment: Extremely low
Inflation: High
Economy: Growing faster than inflation
Short-term economic forecast: Booming
Notable Social and Political Happenings
Start of Korean War. Cold War starts with the Soviet Union. NATO is formed. President Truman places the railways under the control of the US Army. Suburban flight is in full swing. Racial tension in the South increasing.
Regulations
Fuel: Leaded (universal), Super Leaded (Uncommon)
Bumpers: Not required, but generally considered “standard” by the public.
Front lights and fixtures: At least one pair of headlights required. At least one pair of turn indicators required.
Front light colors: No red may face forward.
Rear lights: At least one pair of brake lights. At least one pair of turn signals. At least one pair of reverse lights. Not required to be in different fixtures.
Rear light colors: Brakes must be red. Reverse must be white. Turn signals cannot be white.
Side marker/signal lights: not required until 1963
Side light colors: amber only
Mirrors: Driver’s side required.
Aerials: Long mast antenna required if car has a radio.
Fuel fillers: Fillers on the rear panel and hidden behind fixtures are legally allowed.
File Naming Convention:
Model: Gen2-(username) Trim: (MFR Model Trim)
Engine: Gen2-(username) Variant: (Whatever you want)
Export and PM me the .car file, make a post about your car in your lore thread (if not already there), and post an ad in this thread BEFORE the round deadline.
If your company hasn’t registered for the competition yet and you want to participate in this round, please PM the required company information as well as your submission prior to the round deadline.
Round 2 deadline: Thursday May 3, 9:00 AM PDT (UTC-8)
Registrations for new companies are still being accepted.
Companies now eligible in this competition:
Sinistra Motors
Leviathan Motor Company
Olympus Motor Group
Fenton Holdings, LTD
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26 August, 1946
“We did it, boys!” Pete said to his engineering team. “Would you look at that!”
He was holding a copy of this month’s issue of Motor World Review, where the car was names as the best sedan of '46.
“That sure is gonna give us the sales boost we need.” He said, mostly to himself.
“So, what now, boss?”
“The projections from our analysts say we’ll be able to expand our factory real soon. If you ask me, that calls for a line-up expansion. Can’t be producing only one car in only one trim, can we?”
“What should we start working on?”
“Well, first off, the Athena needs to be refreshed for the upcoming years. It won’t stay as the best forever.”
“Anything else, sir?”
“Still have to think it through. Still have to sit on it. There are so many underpopulated segments. I’ll let you know. For now, work on the Athena.”
“Alright, boss. Got it.”
And, oh boy, there was a lot of thinking to do. The premium market, populated by a pre-war car and an undrivable thing. The sports car market, in which there was a formidable competitor, but other than that, there only was a kit car. (Admittedly, Pete wanted to buy one for himself.) There also was the utility market represented by the Fallow, and surprisingly, that Bogliq thing Pete wanted to forget.
There was a lot of thinking to be done.
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Ardent Corporate Headquarters
Late August, 1946
Jack sat alone in his office, fingers tented against his furrowed brow, with a slowly smoldering cigarette resting between his index and middle fingers.
“We beat Bogliq,” he muttered to himself. “But it wasn’t good enough. Too much competition.”
He took a drag from his smoke, flicked the ashes in the tray, and resumed his position of thought.
“Bigger cars. Al the ones that did markedly better were bigger.”
Jack placed his cigarette in the ash tray and slowly rose. He placed two cubes of ice in his old-fashioned glass, and splashed a generous portion of Kentucky bourbon into the vessel. He then paced over to the window that gave him a commanding view of the main Cincinnati factory. Rows of black-colored Midnights, Starlights, and A-series trucks sat in the holding yard to his right, waiting for rail shipment to regional distribution centers, and even export from Savannah.
To most, all would seem well. Ardents were selling by the thousands, the company’s bottom line was healthy, and expansion was looming on the horizon. For Jack Chancellor, it was not enough. Not fast enough. Not bold enough.
“Bigger,” he repeated to himself.
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wait. if i were to enter in the 60s. do i need to register now too?
It’s preferable that you do it sooner rather than later. When your eligibility round comes up, I’ll add it to the post (see round 2 above – 4 more companies that were already registered are now available for round 2)
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It seems that my company isn’t in the list yet?
I had you in the registration spreadsheet but apparently forgot to update the OP. That has been corrected.