Trail here,
I'm a very inactive Automation player. I'm making this thread mostly for RP reasons and as a catalog for my favorite creations
Able Straits Autoworks, started in 1971, Singapore. Funded by the government as a bid to further improve the Asian economy. The plan was similar to the Volkswagen program in the 1930s: A middle class affordable car for the general populace.
To stand out from the already existing economy cars of Japan and Germany, a decision was made in 1972 to make it sporty, and aim for a podium in Rally championships.
Finally, in 1973, the first Orchid went into Production.
The Orchid Ma-109 was the first iteration of the Hot Hatch series, powered with a 950cc naturally aspirated engine.
Although mostly unremarkable, the fact that it represented Singapore in an international auto sport was enough to convince the populace to buy one of these things. Factories were set up in Northern Malaysia by a cousin of the CEO.
The car sold well, competing with many Japanese cars flooding into the region, and Singapore was its strongest foothold.