(Because you were threatening a Spanish company; The planned crime would’ve taken place in Spain.)
4 Likes
Official Statement from Canadian Motors
This letter is directed in response to the less than savory behavior by some companies, plus cover why the HW38 “Pangolin” never made it to market.
Firstly, we must address the reckless statements made by the Rhania Corporation.
As a company within the British Commonwealth and looking to perform business with Letara, we are less than pleased with Rhania’s reckless behavior and conduct directed towards SAETA. As a company committed to ensuring security, we are standing in solidarity with The Aero Company for what we also feel is unacceptable conduct for any modern company.
We fully understand that your viewpoints on the lobbying for various safety items aren’t exactly on the same page as the rest of us - which is on par with a democratic system - and that you are actively considering trying to change our viewpoints.
But to actively threaten violence or murder against another company or person in writing for the explicit purpose of trying to keep the lobbyists at bay is everything that is wrong, venal and mendacious with the Rhania Corp. and is the lowest tier of human behavior possible; on top of pairing up with no attempt to hide your identity in doing so.
The appropriate organizations within Letara and the greater British Commonwealth will be notified, as with our fellow automakers in Canada and elsewhere. We strongly advise that if you are ever actively considering entering the Lentaran domestic market or are considering contracts with them alongside hoping to make any friends or allies with the automakers of any nation, we encourage you reconsider how you are conducting yourself before the international Community.
Out of Lore: The above letter is a further part of the lore of my company and Letara as a whole, however I do want to emphasize that threatening (even fictional) violence against an (even fictional) company might be a little too intense for this roleplay.
That aside, we would like to publicly address why the 1947-1948 HW38 “Pangolin” have never made it to the Letaran government and how we are actively working to prevent similar situations from occurring again in the future.
We heavily regret to inform the Letaran government that the cargo ship containing 10 examples of the HW38 “Pangolin” to be imported, the SS Edwardian Castle of the Commonwealth Oceanic Navigation Company, was lost in a storm after colliding with unmarked shoals some 5 nautical miles (9 km.) off the coast of Letara with the loss of all hands, and salvage operations have recovered at least 1 of the 10 examples along with the victims of the disaster; the other 9 examples were too damaged to be recovered.
We are actively working alongside the Commonwealth Oceanic Navigation Company to ensure such a tragic thing doesn’t happen again; a investigation into the disaster was just completed, the results are to not be publicly disclosed as it contains business pertaining to Letara.
We are looking forward to speaking with you,
Canadian Motors
A company for all.
1 Canadian Motors Circle,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
+1 519-XXX-XXXX
6 Likes
Official Statement from Yanmex Import | Importer of Mitsushita Cars
Due to lackluster sales, we could not afford to employ a copywriter at this moment. We’ll report back when we have one.
14 Likes
Press Release from Wolfram Motors
Concerns about our Wanderer’s lack of sportiness led us to make some tweaks for the 1954 Cannonball Run. They worked… up to a point. Few of our entries finished, and even then, well behind the leaders. Nevertheless, we have chosen to make the Cannonball spec an extra-cost option from 1955 onwards.
In addition to this, we are currently investing in large-scale road construction and maintenance programs in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that hit Letara recently, along with improvements to the Cannonball Run, as well as a dedicated paved closed-circuit race track. We are also lobbying for the establishment for a circuit racing series and a road racing format similar to the Cannonball Run, plus mandatory fitment of amber indicators on front and rear corners, and a license plate size similar to that which is already in use throughout Europe.
4 Likes
LIBERTY CORP. STANDS WITH FAMILIES
Liberty cars have always been well known as the family car of Letara. It is the reason why the Liberty Civilian Wagon was one of the best selling family wagons of Letara. Which is why we, Liberty Corp., has decided to side with families to make cars safer for the next generation of Letara. We plan on lobbying for more safety features, not only for our cars, but we want to push other manufacturers to do the same.
But that isn’t our only plan for lobbying. In order to make cars safer and easier to drive, we are planning on going against Letara’s proposal for banning radials and staggered tires. Although we do understand where the Government is coming from, we believe that this is a horrible idea! If this is law is set in stone, all cars on the Letaran roads will be impossible to control, including yours! Is that what you want for your family?
Speaking of Letaran Roads, we have decided to help the government recovering by donating some of our money to help rebuild the roads of Letara. As you know, there have been plenty of disasters that have struck over the last few years, and sadly, Letara has been struggling to recover. We hope that other corporations gather together to help you and this country.
Lastly, to help the economy recover, we have decided to build a factory in Letara! Why? We want to provide jobs to all of the hard workers out there, and help give money to boost the economy during these unprecedented times.
So the next time your family is safe in your car, or the next time the country improves, or when you are working with us, remember to thank Liberty, because we stand with you!
Liberty Corp. Advertising and Lobbying Department, 1953
Floor 7, 13, Building 420, 69th Avenue
Philidelphia, PA, USA
+1-215-xxx-xxxx
5 Likes
The Even Keel Proposal
Several manufacturers have recently seen the devastated state of the country, and after long deliberation, have reached an agreement that complies with each company´s individual objectives, yet offers a serious fix for the current situation in Letara.
By taxying displacement, all the citizens will help in the common effort to rebuild Letara. Letaran hardest-hit citizens get affordable transportation, thanks to the tax free sub-660cc class, and Letara´s government will get the much needed tax money through the higher-displacement tariffs.
Below 660cc: 0%
660cc-1.4L: 5%
1.4-2.2L: 10%
2.2-3.0L: 15%
Over 3.0L: 25%
Utility vehicles will be treated as one bracket below their real displacement.
This proposal from The Aero Company, Kessel Werks and SAETA is still open to other interested companies, and we will gladly give you more information if asked.
11 Likes
A letter, written on parchment and sealed in a clearly hand-folded, wax-sealed envelope ended up in the mail room at SAETA.
Vuri ada ahd nevuri marin,
Forgive my English, it is not my native language, merely fifth language I have learned.
I have read your proposal, and while I am firmly in disagreement, I understand your position. It not-fortunate that your proposed tax, however, seem to deliberately target us. As motor-carriage builder, you know how difficult engine is to build, yes? Many years go into design, into testing, into making good engine. We have four options for engine. Smallest is 4.1 of your liter. This “proposal” at time like this means either lose all money designing new, small engine, or lose all money because cannot sell car.
Why these size chosen? Why these tax chosen?
Perhaps compromise? Less tax on big engine, or bigger engine under tax?
Ideal to not tax engine at all, but tax car-of-little-usefulness instead. You say transportation is important, yes? What purpose does car with two seats, no space to store boot, and powerful engine have? Also, why is “trunk” called “boot” if boots not go in trunk?
– Vilzahir Jupard Rhuthan-Selgald,
Ruler of Valraadi Empire, Leader of Aetheriian Motor-Carriage Works
4 Likes
Mrdja Cars Letara journey
Part 1b: Reaction to reviews and other events, announcement of further plans
1946
First year on market brought many news, most of which would be of rather negative kind.
First thing that should be brought to attention is disqualification from racing bcos car turned to be little bit too expensive.
Main culprit for this was found in engine compartment: that inline 6 had very likely took price above the limit and responsible supervisor also admited he misremembered price cap.
This was rather unfortunate as it meant said Daniloski cars would not be used in role for which they were intended, however they were still road legal and as such could have been used in other manners.
In this case, new role was rapid delivery: in case of need to quickly get some relatively small item, said item would be put in trunk or on roof rack and away we go.
Ones that had chance to use these were blessed, as it meant they will not put up with relative slowness of Kolondra 1400
Speaking of which…
Defacto Mrdja Cars Letara’s consumer and company fleet car would be met with cold reception.
It also had racing intake for some reason, as someone clearly havent paid attention to said detail, likely contributing for cars reliability (precisely, relative lack of it).
As was already covered, people running the operation were also using this in Wagon version, which proved to be best one as well.
Reason for this was fact this was both smallest and cheapest 6+seat vehicle avaiable to public, which did brought fair share of compromises.
Also many wagons overall were submited, prompting independent category
Fact that 1400 was “hatchback” contributed to fact that it had relatively solid boot. This wasnt noted in reviews and Quint would have liked if it was, but then again, it likely was not only vehicle with such feature.
It was kinda surprizing to see this being marked as city car, as in Quint’s words “belonged in small family car segment”.
Tbf, it is fair bit shorter and with smaller wheelbase than VW Beetle which was quintessential representative of said class and yes, there was quite a bit of offer of bigger cars
Seems Letarans dont feel the need to go quite that compact…
Van was met with very varied competition. Utility vehicles did happen to be fairly compromised, which eased the fact Van havent did that well.
This also means that we are unlikely to further discuss any vehicle mentioned here, as eventually even Wagon met more than its match in market not that much later.
Quint and Omega had gotten used to long journeys that they took every day, helped by fact they kinda already have such experience.
Nothing really happened in their lives that would prompt further discussion
1947
This year will be remembered by Triple Threat that happened during said year.
Out of fires, volcano eruption and drought, only last one brought some issues for functioning of company.
Thats mostly due to fact some employees happened to get hit by it, affecting their mood while on job.
Happily, damage to them happened to only be of material kind but this will nevertheless badly hit economy of whole country
1948
Company received another batch of rapid delivery vehicles, as government proposal also happened to be disqualified.
Once again, thats due to misremembering if example sent for scruteeneering had 3rd row (it didnt) but tbh government representative was reached to comment if car had chance to further progress if not for said mistake.
He said that power and speed of Kolondra V8 were very solid, but it had too many shortcomings in other areas to proceed much further.
We arent exactly happy with response, but will strive to improve upon it.
1400 Wagon got proper competitor in 8 seater segment, namely Liberty Civilian Wagon, which meant its popularity skydived
Year is also showing country getting weaker economy-wise
1949
Earthquake has shook entire country. This time noone was spared from consequences: this means our lovely duo is going to need to take down their seats in car and basically live in said car.
Omega got properly scared due to this very scary event and Quint also needed to change into clean pants after event has passed.
There was fair bit of damage to dealerships and employee’s houses as well, so everyone greatly struggled on that, in many cases using cars from dealer lots as temporary accomodation.
Said cars are often bought outright by said employers tad bit down the line, as they got very customized to fit needs and wants of its user-turned-owner.
Some employee’s having either KimiKups or V8s at their disposal started working on the side as express delivery drivers, not picky to any customers.
This was done in secrecy, behind back of their supervisors.
1950
Very moderate repairs on both company facilities and houses from previous year are continuing further; effect of ppl not wanting to part with their temporary houses being in full swing.
Express Delivery gang is busted and cars are relocated to other employees. They tried to continue using lesser 1400s now in their hands, but they ultimately failed to live up to standard set year before.
1951
This year had several events of importance
Fire and lava had further made dent on Letaran economy, happily no lives were lost as far as our employees were concerned
Certain group called LED has broke into the premises, using overall chaos in company.
All but one example of Kolondra V8s and Daniloski KimiKups were stolen.
Only remaining examples were in Jawoli atm, being used by Quint and Omega.
No money was taken, no damage of any other sort done
It left company puzzled…
1952
Investigation revealed that some people had seen V8s and KimiKups in wild.
This was reported all over the country, which provided significant clues as to what exactly happened.
LED gang was caught and their base of operation was revealed: LED stood for Letara Express Deliveries and members were…our various employees that started with this side job few years ago.
Dedication was quite impressive, seeing that they were still regularly attending their jobs in company.
Still, measures had to be taken and as such LED stopped with their operations for time being.
They had some pay cuts because they did still STOLE our government and racing car proposals, which wasnt greatly received.
1953
LED…is back, but now as subsidiary of company so they can deliver some stuff we might need at rapid pace.
They had complained fair bit, but tad bit higher paycheck had mostly silenced them down.
They were also in charge of inside organisation “Future Letara drivers” that prepared elderly, children and women of other employees to get driving licence, providing their great expertise in one of best possible ways.
1954
LED is allowed to expand outside of our company, with whom will still be semi-related: afterall it is composed of our employees and using our rejected proposals as their vehicles.
However, they are making plans to further expand their fleet by buying some consumer-avaiable cars that would still be able to meet high standards in terms of speed.
Kolondras 1400 of any kind are very much not going to be considered, that is as much as it can be told.
Company itself decided that building factory here in Letara is way to go, and said factory will cover much more than Letaran market if needed.
As for lobbying:
- Against ban of radials
- Against ban of staggered tires
- Same racing format as Portunis Cannonball Run
- Numberplate format of CamshaftSoftware Verse
(For RL readers: Modern numberplates that feature name of game as text; already used on all Round 1 entries)
These will be used as-is, without scaling of any kind - Highways without speed limit
Related to this, Quint has received a letter and it came from Rhania Motor Companhia.
This was quite an interesting letter, as this company that wasnt even on the market wanted to influence the situation.
As such, Quint responded:
Dear Rhania Motor Companhia,
Here is Quint Chitco from company that manages Kolondra, Daniloski, Rosanda and Kontir brands in Letara.
As being on market for entire time since opportunity had arisen to do so, i find myself qualified to discuss contents of letter you had sent.There is certain issue on what exactly would define large, medium and small car manufacturers.
Im aware that you probably meant categorisation by how many cars are produced, but as engineer of sorts i would desire more precise definition of the terms.
Besides, only company for which i may happen to know that number is my own company. Im aware other competitors will tell you as such as well.Suggestions likely make some kind of sense, but im not of thought that they would be desirable option for all companies on market for one reason or other.
I have freedom to do whatever i please with part of company under my immideate control, which is part in Letara in particular, but not all of competitors would have such freedom and personally i highly doubt actual highest positioned person would personally decide to be here.I happened to hear about certain letter your company sent to SAETA. To which i say: Thats not really behaviour apt for company that looks to be internationally accepted and probably even decide to join this market in particular.
Considering our current plans would involve producing some high-performance non-utility vehicle in coming period, i definitely do not fully agree with SAETA’s stance on matter of displacement tax.
But can see that they had opportunity to shape next period to their plans as happens to be allowed here and so i dont see reason to threaten someone’s life for that.
As such, if you plan on joining us on market you might want to reconsider your approach to dissagreement first, otherwise you may not face success no matter how good your cars happen to be.
-Quint Chitco, president of Mrdja Cars Letara
With that being dealt with, Quint looked out of window. He does happen to like it here for few reasons.
Omega decided to hug him from behind.
-Secretaries having affair with their boss isnt smart idea.
-And same can be said about hiring your girlfriend as secretary.
-Fair point, said girlfriend might be very bad secretary.
-Boss, what do you have in plan for next…hour or so?
-Arent you supposed to know that as my personal secretary? My time schedule is very busy…but it can be rearranged.
I think its fair to say, said next hour or so he was indeed very busy…will leave to imagination of reader as to how.
Its fair to say that results of lobbying will be very anticipated and Quint will need to make some decisions based in that.
2 Likes
AN OPEN LETTER DENOUNCING THE EVEN KEEL PROPOSAL
LIBERTY CORP.
We would like to address the recent proposal that has been presented to us by Aero Co., Kessel Werks, SAETA, and any other corporations that are deprived of freedom. The last thing people want in this country is to be forced drive a car that has the same amount of power as the typewriter in your office! Cars should not be devolving back into horses; we're supposed to travel forward in time. LIBERTY CORP. denounces ALL companies that lobby for this proposal, and I advise that all corporations join LIBERTY CORP. in our philosophy that actually cares about consumers and the citizens of Letara.
We side with families after all, and we believe that every company should. So we ask, how are you going to stick a family of 5, and 2 suitcases, in a car powerd by an alarm clock, and is the size of your bathtub? It is an impossible question that doesn’t need answering. Furthermore, what happens if said family gets in a car accident? What you get is 5 people dead and turned into a bloody pancake! I propose that all of these city cars shall be banned from Letara for safety reasons. If you truly care about the families who want to live a full life, you should side with LIBERTY CORP. in our new proposal titled “Safety Equals Size”, or proposition SES. Please send a Letter (ooc: a dm) if you side with LIBERTY CORP. and the families of Letara.
Proposition SES1.1 - Liberty Corp
This proposition is currently subject to change based on the feedback and internal research
Section 1: Size
Based on our research team, it is found that people who drove cars that were in the city segment were more likely to die in a car accident. To help prevent an event to occur we propose this:
1.1 Size
-A. All cars with a wheelbase less than 2.10 meters and/or length of 3.50 meters will incur a 10% tax increase
-B. All cars with a wheelbase less than 2.40 meters and/or a length less than 3.80 meters will require the following:
- Steel panels
- A steel monocoque chassis
- An engine with a cylinder count no greater than 4 cylinders
- An engine with a max displacement of 2.2 liters
- The latest safety features
- Front and rear bumpers
If at least one of these requirements are broken, the car will incur a 10% tax increase, or a 20% percent tax increase if rule 1.1A has been broken.
Section 2: Conclusion
Although SES may seem strict towards small cars, it is necessary to protect the lives of the drivers and passengers of the unsafe city car. Proposition SES is still in its experimental phase, and is subject to change. If you would like to join us to save these drivers, or if you would like to request changes to this, please do mail us (ooc: dm me or reply). Do remember that LIBERTY CORP. does hold the right to reject your recommendation.
*(ooc: damn, wtf happened to this, why is there drama? Might as well add to it.)*
Liberty Corp. Lobbying Department, 1953
Floor 13, Building 420, 69th Avenue
Philidelphia, PA, USA
+1-215-xxx-xxxx
4 Likes
OFFICIAL JOINT STATEMENT FROM ITAL AND LEVANTE
Regarding the current influx of proposals for new legislation in the motorbuilding sector, we would like to state as follows:
1. Regarding the Even Keel Proposal, we strongly support the idea of introducing a differential tax regime for different engine displacement. We do find the bracketing a little odd tho, as the 660cc threeshold looks a little too specific. We propose to rise the threeshold to 800cc engines, to guarantee that the basic transportation can at least bring the poor Letarans to their destinations in a reasonable time.
This said, the 5% import tax bracket concerns us; there lies the big volume sellers of the country, and such a low tax bracket would rob Letara of precious resoursces in this times of need. We would suggest to lower the displacement limit to 1.2 liters, to give some of those vital money back into Letara’s hands. Regardless, we will strongly support differential taxation, for we take great care in the well being off less fortunate Letarans.
2. Regarding the SES Proposal, or every proposal to ban veichles of certain dimensions from Letara streets “for safety”: We are deeply concerned that some car makers could even concive such atrocious ideas. We will put it down in ink: How big a car is doesn’t impact it’s safety in ANY WAY. Want to make the roads safer? Build stronger, more refined chassis, invest in state-of-the-art safety equipment, educate better drivers. We will fight strongly against any bogus “safety” legislation.
3. Note regarding other current proposals: We strongly disagree with any rulings on how many lights or where those lights should be put on a car. Stumping creativity and style because you can’t be bothered to put decent bulbs in your cars is frankly disappointing. Yes, that’s valid even for work vehicles, thank you for asking.
While many other proposals were already presented, we will discuss them in the appropriate fora. We hope and wish for a renewed cooperation with other car manufacturers, adn we are as always open to discuss new ways to improve the state of Letara’s private transportation
Giano De Lucchi, ITAL President
Giorgio Levante, Owner of Levante Automobili
Abriged version
Giorgio’s Levante Office, september 1954
“So, let me get this straight , i go on a work trip for 5 days, and this clusterfuck is what we get?”
The poor intern was watching a wrathful Giorgio Levante chewing on a cigar, with his face closing on his trademark ‘i’m pissed’ red: “Well, yes, mister Levante. Mister De Luc…”
“Ma porca putt…” Giorgio started a litany of swears, scaring the poor intern to the absolute core. Mister Levante’s temper tantrums were stuff of the legends, after all.
“I get the tax stuff. I get it, damn. Lower the taxes, get more profits, blah blah blah. Damn accoutants. But limiting how big or small a car can be? What the fuck were they thinking! This absolute disgraces than build 3.0 meters landyatchs with tissue paper for panels and cardboard for chassis, and the damn things folds like paper anyways.”
“Well, mister Levante, they might…”
“Donkeys, that’s what they are! Donkeys! Spend your damn money on your cars, instead of a comitee of well dressed barn animals, i’d say. Solve the problem, right there. Then there’s this guy who wants to ban leaded fuel in a country that has a billion of other problems to solve. Brilliant, let’s add one for no fucking reason, good job!”
“Well yes, but…”
“AAAAAND then there’s this other genius here, who wants to mandate a center headlight for all cars. For. All. Cars. Why, IN THE EVERLOVING GRACE OF GOD, SHOULD WE PUT A CENTER HEADLIGHT ON EVERY DAMN CAR. WHAT ARE WE, A DAMN TRAM BUILDING COMPANY!? YEAH, I’LL ASK THAT LAMBORGHETTI GUY HOW TO BUILD CARS NOW, WHAT A FANTASTIC I.D.E.A!”
“Mister Levante, that’s the other thing that i came to say: Lamborghetti is building a grantourer. Apparently he found the current cars on the market, how can i say, lacking”
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!”
With the fury of a thoushand storms, Mr Levante fled the office in a flurry of insults, directed to every concievable living being ever, leaving the poor intern stunned in the office, unsure on what to do.
“Well, that went better than expected.” An amused Giano De Lucchi, standing on the doorframe, looked at the now mortified intern, standing alone in the office
“That was better than expected? That?”
“Oh my dear, you have no idea. Come, we better go talk with the press release team. We don’t want mister Levante writing the statement himself, don’t we.”
Bracing the poor intern by a shoulder, mister De Lucchi brings the intern away from the office, towards the safeness of the internal press office, leaving the intern with a single question: Just how pissed Giorgio Levante become, for real?
4 Likes
NEWS RELEASE
WOLFE MOTORS
REGINA, SK, CANADA
VIZZURI
SIENA, ITALY
FOR RELEASE: Sunday papers
REGINA, December 1954: Lewis Wolfe, President of Wolfe Motors, Dante Rizzo and Lamberto Vitali, co-founders of Vizzuri, wants to address the flurry of legislative proposals recently in the Letaran news. The “No Taxes For a Happy Letara” lobby is stronger than ever and believes most proposals are futile attempts at PR by desperate brands.
People in Letara are hurting and we want to help them as much as possible by investing massively in the actual infrastructure of Letara. Many of our members are building assemblies and factories in Letara to further reduce Letara’s reliance on imports and creating jobs, and we’re massively rebuilding and expanding the road network to make Letarans’ lives easier - this is how you fix the economy, massive investment, not massive taxation of goods.
The poor families looking to buy a car with only 661cc to be able to inadequately transport 4 people to visit their relatives in the countryside, with the mother’s bad back acting up in such a cramped car and long drive, would be the real victims. They would even have to pay a 5% tax on that miniscule car, while rich people are enjoying their powerful cars without worries, with engines larger than ever and more power than the everyday Letaran could ever dream of!
How about the farmers in the countryside, stuck with using a tiny pickup, or god forbid, an Aero Move Ute? Their crops will wither and die by the time they finishing hauling their grains. They need proper effective machinery.
As far as I know, Letara is not under a repressive rule and people should not suffer needlessly and should enjoy their money however they see fit, not be slave to taxation of engines.
We want everyone to have freedom of choice and a free market.
This is why we advocate against any displacement-based tax of automotive goods, for anyone, from the poorest to the richest and push for massive investment in Letara, which is only good economics for the country. We’re also supporting our members and good corporate citizens for any concrete initiatives helping Letarans.
The charter has been signed by 18 brands already - more are coming onboard every day, and with such extremely aggressive proposals affecting the everyday Letaran, we’re sure support against taxation of automotive goods will only increase.
Here are the brands currently opposing a displacement-based tax:
Alira
AMCW
Apex
Benetsch
Capital
Empire Motors
Garland
Kasivah
Lombard
Minerva
P&A Sportsman
Smith
Vaughn
VCV
Vizzuri
Wolfe Motors
Wraith
Zephorus
We take care of our own
(ooc: DM me for more info about the lobby)
9 Likes
Excited for round 2! I can’t DM anyone yet so hopefully before things are announced I get that ability. Listen carefully for the tinny rumble of the little Korean auto manufacturer on their way to Letara…
6 Likes
PRESS RELEASE - CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Speech from Gene Patton, CEO of Alira Cars- transcript
"After reading the proposed Even Keel Proposal, Alira has decided to revise their position on a displacement tax within Letara. To be clear, we are not for or against a displacement tax on truly high displacement vehicles. However, this proposed agreement is not simply an effort to "help rebuild Letara". It is a cynical money grab by the makers of city cars and microcars to price the average Letaran consumer out of the moderately spacious, adequately powerful car they deserve. The average, low-middle class Letaran won't be helped out by seeing their money buy less car. There's already a 20 percent import tax on imported vehicles, which should do plenty to help the Letaran government gain their needed funding. We hope to see Letara rebound from this economic depression quickly, and we are doing our part to support the Letaran economy by providing new job opportunities through our large new factory here in Letara. If you want to support the Letaran economy, don't support this displacement tax. Instead, buy a new Alira and know your money's being invested right back into the country you love so dearly!"
7 Likes
Mara Goes Letara, Ep. 1-5
(This takes place before the previously written episode, so the old Ep. 1-5 is now Ep. 1-6. And yes, I am very much behind the times, but intend to catch up over the week… And hidden so that it’s easy to ignore if you are more focused on round 2 lobbying at the moment.)
Previous post (chronologically)
18th September 1949, on the Letaran border to Somunds
Meanwhile, six years or so earlier...
Mara junior development engineer Rodyn Gumprov stood together with his two superiors, Fedor Piechov and Henri Nordhov, in a parking area, together with all the other competitors and their cars of the 4th (and their first) Portunis Cannonball event. The three Companion prototypes - entered under their project name P47-1 - stood out due to their bright colours (well, at least two of them) that followed the Archanan flag.
His role in the black #99 car was too support the other two in achieving the best possible placement in their first outing on Letaran soil. He also looked at their military beige HD6 support van which in the year before had almost become the Letaran government van for 'special passenger transport. Ultimately, they had finished third in a very competitive bid. In a stroke of luck, Mara’s comrade directors had decided to make a very similar - but uninvited - pitch to the Archanan government shortly afterwards. Which appeared less squeamish than the Letarans to value price over comfort, and so most of the HD6 vans had finally vanished from their factory’s (as well as other) parking lots and started their life in service of the Archanan government.
At the starting line, Rodyn looked a final time over their competition - such as past winners Vizzuri - with much sleeker looks and, at least from the idle sounds, much more powerful engine architectures than their re-tuned undersquare flat-4. His colleague Yenna had worked wonders with the engine tune, but Rodyn still wondered how their three prototypes would hold up to the competition. This seemed to be less of a concern, however, to his superiors Fedor and Henri who seemed to thoroughly enjoy their holiday on Letaran soil and stood joking with some of the other drivers until they were signalled to enter their cars and get ready to start one-by-one.
As they started in the order of the starting numbers, Rodyn in the #99 car dutifully made his way to the end of the queue. He caught a glance from Yenna who stood near their HD6 support van and gave the ‘ok’ sign. Rodyn responded with a thumbs-up and focused on the three grueling days ahead of them. One by one, the cars ahead of him vanished in the distance more or less (in case of the diminutive Aeros) quickly.
As he finally got underway himself he confidently attacked each bend and let the engine stretch its legs on any straight - as he was probably the person with the most experience in this particular prototype from his participation and oversight of regular testing of the car over the past months to iron out all kinks before it was ready to put into production.
In fact, Rodyn had managed to catch up to Henri in the #42 car who had started about two minutes earlier after a short while already. As agreed, Rodyn held steady behind him in his support role, but Henri waved him through after a short while to catch up with Fedor Piechov in the #47 car who obviously had been more daring than Henri on the first kilometres. With his greater experience and confidence in the limits of the P47-1 prototype, Rodyn was quickly able to put some distance between him and Henri who seemed eager not to lose contact and learn more about the limits of the car from Rodyn.
**
On the morning of the third and final day of the Cannonball run, Rodyn sat alone in the breakfast room of the inn on the outskirts of Brospyne where some of the rally entourage had spent the night. On the previous day, he was joined only by Fedor for breakfast while Henri seemed to have enjoyed the Letaran music and spirits a bit too much for a timely rise, and Rodyn suspected that both were now absent for similar reasons.
Rodyn had managed to gain a couple of minutes over his to superiors on the first two days by deciding to ditch his support role towards the end of each day and going flat-out while Henri and Fedor seemed to have grown tired (or less ambitious at least) over the day. Rodyn had felt confident to do so since there did not seem to be any technical problem with any of their three cars. The extensive prototype testing and additional preparation seem to have paid dividends, or rather, been fruitful, to avoid a perhaps too capitalist expression.
As he left his empty breakfast plate behind, he heard Fedor calling his name. Rodyn waited until a seemingly well-rested Fedor had caught up to him. “Did you have a chance to look at the official timing? I was busy with other… things, yesterday.”
“Yes”, Rodyn responded. “We are actually up there with the Mons Paragons, two of the Vizzuris and one Minerva. So it’s probably down to a few minutes at best on the final stage today.”
“That’s much better than I expected, to be honest. Do you think you can finish up there with the leaders if you go all out?” Fedor wanted to know.
Rodyn nodded. “I can try, at least. All three prototypes seem to run like Hetvesian clockwork, so you probably would not need any support en route anyway.”
“Then go ahead and give it your best. Let’s put Mara on the map in Letara.” Fedor raised his voice ever so slightly.
Rodyn nodded eagerly, made his way to his car to drive the short way to the starting line, and mentally prepared himself for the new role with a much higher pressure. From behind, he heard Henri’s voice as he had obviously caught up to Fedor and they seemed to discuss whether they would be able to get at least a quick coffee before they had to be at the starting line.
**
On his way to Portunis, Rodyn certainly felt the last two days in his tired bones and muscles. While the P47-1 prototypes were quite light, the heavy all-iron 2.5 litre engine at the front made the steering effort substantially higher than it would be in the later production cars. And while the wide sports tyres made high-speed cornering possible, keeping up with the other contenders for the lead required full concentration.
He and the others in visual range seemed to alternate pushing and taking it a little bit easier, or nailing corners and going a bit wide in different rhythms, so that it was difficult to tell who was actually in the overall lead, especially given that the final positions would be decided on aggregate times. The cat-and-mouse games between the five of them provided Rodyn with sufficient adrenaline that he was able to forget the strain that the past two days had put on him, and he suspected that it was similar for the others. Moreover, he was the only newcomer while the others were already seasoned pilots, having taken part in the event in the last years as well.
During the day, it seemed that he finally seemed to have passed the Vizzuris for good - the slightly curvier road probably putting extra challenges on their drivers in a car that very much was built for the straight line. In contrast, the Mons seemed to be in his element in particular and he had a hard time staying on its tail. He wondered how his two colleagues would fare, especially given their lack of breakfast…
Finally, the finish line in Portunis was in sight, and if he had correctly kept track of where everyone was, Rodyn was actually leading the race, having finally put a short distance between himself and the pursuing Mons on the last kilometres before the town. The question was, was this enough to pull ahead of the Mons on aggregate times? In any case, he raised his arms in victory celebration as he had passed the finish line and carefully managed to bring the P47-1 to a stop despite overheated brakes. Even a stage victory was certainly much ground for celebration.
**
Rodyn had spent the next minutes making excited conversation with the other arrivals - his equally adrenaline-charged direct competitors of the third stage as well as Henri and Fedor who had eventually arrived a fair number of minutes later than him. After the last of the three Itals had crossed the finish line and the organisers announced that they were ready to reveal the winner. As with the previous stage, everyone was sure that the three Aeros would make their way to the finish line eventually, but they would not wait for their arrival with the celebrations.
Half in trance, Rodyn listened to the announcer revealing the final standings in reverse order and his arms shot jubilant into the sky as the Mons Paragons were announced to be in second place. The 9th and 4th placed Fedor and Henri were the first to congratulate Rodyn on his surprise achievement. Luckily, noone expected a victor speech from him and everyone was just happy to start the - by now legendary - event afterparty. Even the Aero drivers joined in a few hours later.
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@cake_ape, so could we do like the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020?
I believe 3 rounds feels like the rounds go too fast as we move through the era. Would like to see a deeper dive with Letara. If it means longer waiting times then most of us are actually okay with that.
Well, the current round goes to '63; it’s only 9 years long, just like last round. So if this trend keeps up, there will be as many if not more rounds than what you’re proposing.
'46-'54
'55-'63
'64-'72
'73-'81
'82-'90
And so on… Though I can imagine that some rounds will be longer or shorter based on the number and significance of technologies that are unlicked per period
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HEAVY UPDATES TO PROPOSTION SES
Liberty Corp.
Heading
Liberty Corp has recently updated our opposition to the Even Keel proposal, Proposition SES. The main changes to the proposal are detailed below:
- The Proposition was simplified for less confusion and lower possibilities of loopholes
- Steel Panels and Chassis are now required on all cars that Liberty Corp. considers city-segment
- City cars will be heavily taxed instead of being completely banned
These are just the main details, however, we recomend checking the revised letter we have sent you (ooc: check the new open letter). We hope you stand with Liberty Corp. and the citizens Letara by lobbying for this decision. We thank those who plan to contribute.
Liberty Corp. Advertising/Press Department, 1953
Floor 13, Building 420, 69th Avenue
Philidelphia, PA, USA
+1-215-xxx-xxxx
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THE EVEN KEEL PROPOSAL REFORM
An open letter from Otto Frisch, Operations Manager for Kessel Werks
Guten Morgen fellow Industrialists,
Let me start by saying how refreshing it is to see so many manufacturers as genuinely concerned for the welfare of the Letaran People as we are. I can promise you any measure we have taken thus far has been for the benefit of Letara.
But let us address some issues. The Even Keel Proposal has always been exactly that; a proposal. My colleagues and I, after reviewing our own proposal, feel that the tax brackets are much too high, and would force other companies to try and compete in markets that we are also trying to carve out a niche in. We have revised the tax brackets, and removed any proposed taxes on utility vehicles. Here is the new breakdown:
CONSUMER VEHICLES
0 - 660cc = 0%
>660cc - 1.4 liters = 2%
>1.4 liters - 2.2 liters = 4%
>2.2 liters - 3.0 liters = 6%
>3.0 liters = 8%
*No tax for utility vehicles, and segments have been aligned with proposed racing categories for clarity with automakers who want to build dual purpose cars.
There have been some who have said that massive investments in infrastructure is the only way to improve Letara’s infrastructure. This is completely true, but I wonder where the money will come from for this massive investment?
Many are opposed to any taxes on the Letarans. This means NO money for the government to improve the country’s infrastructure. Some have noted that their building of factories will fix the country’s infrastructure. Our factories will look majestic, but they will not solve Letara’s crumbling roads or broken power grid. The Letaran people will earn paychecks, but the only way the government will see any of that capital is by taxing those wages. Some have suggested that the Import Tax will be enough to fund Letara’s rebirth, but since SO MANY of us have built domestic plants in Letara, the Import Tax will not bring in nearly enough money.
No, the ONLY way for Letara to properly rebuild is with sacrifice and determination… by all of us. Our proposal at least attempts to resolve the situation as logically and responsibly as possible. We encourage any automaker to join with us and help try to rebuild Letara with this (now far less crippling) tax. We now have a vested interest in the success of this country.
Warmly,
Otto Frisch, Operations Manager for Kessel Werks
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I have no idea what you mean by three rounds there. Please read the rules again, carefully. For this question I direct you to point five in the OP.
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