One quick question… since the government itself will be the buyer of the winning 4x4 proposal, will said vehicle still be subject to the safety or octane taxes that other vehicles are subject to?
INTERLUDE
Having completed their lobbying summary and recommendations briefing notes from the previous round of legal lobbying, the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of the Letaran Government closed their doors and went a on a well-deserved vacation. After getting back to their offices, they found their inboxes full. Not only were the inboxes full, there were even sheets of paper with complaints and further attempts at lobbying plastered to their closed office doors! What was all this about then?
Well, it seemed like some companies were very dissatisfied with the outcome of the previous lobbying efforts and the consequent decisions the Government of Letara made, and tried to alter the decisions with further lobbying efforts. This was not entirely unexpected. Taxes and tightened regulations are always unpopular. The main concern raised by several manufacturers was the regulation regarding safety standards set out by the Government in their updated Vehicle Code. Since the issues raised concern several departments of the Government, a cross-divisional working group was set-up to investigate some of the claims made by the companies. Here is a summary of findings and recommendations.
- The safety regulations are too strict and unattainable for small cars. Our engineering consultants have informed us that with clever techniques and proper equipment the standards are attainable even with the smallest of cars. More than half of cars on the road in Letara already meet or exceed the safety criteria. Therefore, we reject this assertion.
- The cars will be significantly more expensive, putting them out of reach of Letarans. Our market research has shown that the safety awareness program so generously paid for by one of the corporations is proving to be very effective. Thus, the research indicates that Letarans would rather pay a little more, or take public transportation, rather than buy unsafe cars. Therefore, we reject this notion.
- The tax on low, but legal, safety rated cars will “kill” the small and cheap car market. We reject this notion for several reasons. First, the tax scales to the initial price of the car. Thus, for cheaper cars, the imposed tax is rather minimal. Second, in conjunction with the Department of Healthcare, it was determined that the reduced healthcare costs for Letarans as a result of better safety equipment would offset any increased cost imposed by this minimal tax. Thus, we reject this third point as well.
The Government of Letara would like to remind everyone that in these tough times the way forward is through austerity. We all need to pull our weight to balance the budget and get the economy of the country back on its feet. With the changed taxation measures we will offset the lost income from car imports. We also offset the healthcare costs associated with unsafe vehicles on Letara’s roads by targeting unsafe cars, whatever size or category they fall in.
Signed - the Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Revenue Agency.
PS. OOC: rules are set and round open for submissions!
No, as long as it’s road legal, it will not be taxed in the same way as consumer vehicles.
KESSEL WERKS MEETING, 12 JAN. 1955
The meeting that brought about Kessel's government proposal
Herr Frisch stepped off the airplane at Rhein-Main Airport in Frankfurt and was greeted by Sigmund Kessel and his driver. Frisch had been busy in Letara, overseeing construction of the new Kessel factory and keeping abreast of the various developments in the country.
Kessel: Guten Tag! It’s nice to see you back! I trust the flight was well… hopefully you have come to bring us some good news about Letara? How is construction progressing?
Frisch: Right on schedule. We should be operational in a little over a year. Our path to the docks are clear and concise, as you have requested. There has also been an uproar over the new taxes being imposed… the government has put a new emphasis on safety.
Kessel: That is good news for us. Safety is one of the few things the Sperling currently has going for it. But I wonder, will this extra tax drive the micro car builders to move in on our current market? We have yet to truly establish ourselves, and extra competition would not be ideal.
Frisch: It’s hard to say… the tax is 5%. Micros are usually inexpensive enough that they would still be far below our price point. But… there are already rumblings that Mara is leaving the market.
Kessel: That’s interesting! We’ll have to see if anyone else follows suit… you also said something over the phone about an octane tax. Aren’t our engines already tuned to run on 92 octane?
Frisch: They are. The 5% tax applies to any vehicle not running on UNLEADED 91 octane. Apparently, even Letara is having trouble getting the new formula right. I have notified our engineers not to retune our engines yet.
Kessel: That is the correct course of action. But, why is it correct?
Frisch (smiling): Still testing me after all this time? Well, if our cars aren’t running well it reflects poorly on us, regardless of the reason. Better for our customers to pay the tax and be happy with cars that run well.
Kessel: VERY GOOD! This is why I put you in charge. So, what about government contracts? Our last build helped keep the company afloat. What would Letara like now?
Frisch: Yes… (pausing momentarily). They’re currently looking for a versatile off-road vehicle to patrol they’re National Park. Four-wheel-drive would probably be a necessity.
Kessel: Naturlich. How much time do we have to develop a drive system?
Frisch: They need proposals now…
Kessel: Sheisse! That’s far too soon.
Frisch: Well, yes… but, there is a line employee of ours who has already built a rather capable vehicle for himself using his own existing Sperling wagon. It’s actually quite impressive.
Kessel: Beautiful! Have you talked to this man?! Let’s have him show his car to the engineers! Who is he?
Frisch: He’s… rather eccentric…
Kessel: NO, is it…Otzelhauser?!
Frisch: It’s Otzelhauser.
Kessel: SHEISSE! (After a long pause) …schedule a meeting with the engineers. And, prepare them for Otz…
Frisch: You know he’s going to want his name on the car.
Kessel: If that’s the worst of it I’ll count my blessings.
The car, 1955 KESSEL OTZELHAUSER SPERLING:
Specifications are still being worked on, but it’s driven by a 3.0 liter inline six connected to an honest 4x4 drivetrain. Price is currently somewhere around $13,000 AMU.
VAUGHN REVUE LETARA
The magazine that goes out to all of you Letarans driving a Vaughn, Wraith or VCV
Autumn 1958
A TORPEDO FOR LERANCE
What’s this? A Vaughn Torpedo coupé? Such a car does not exist, right?
Well, actually it doesn’t, and unfortunately, is not going to be released during the lifespan of the current generation (but admit that it looks sleek!). What you’re looking at is a fiberglass copy of the Torpedo body on a whole new chassis, that is going to run at the soon-to-be-opened Lerance raceway. The fixed roof is a way to make the body more rigid and aerodynamic. Under the hood, you find a specially tailored version of the Vaughn V8 with a power output of over 380 hp that is running on the recently introduced E70 ethanol/gasoline fuel blend. Under the fiberglass shell, we are acually trying out technology that will be introduced for the next generation Torpedo, where you can expect both disc brakes and independent suspension all around.
So, in one way, you can almost say that the future already is here!
If it Was Legal to Do This…
… You Could Do It.
But should you? Probably not. The Letaran police don’t need the headaches caused by people buying multiple AMCW Scout utility trucks and trying to haul them home like this. However, with a weight of 1,240 kg, and a carrying capacity of 1,350 kg, you certainly could carry your truck’s weight. We believe that makes it worth its weight in gold. But you won’t pay nearly that much for it.
New for 1959, the AMCW Scout Family Cargo. The small car that can carry cargo, too.
Simple Things
In life, some things are too complicated. Whether it’s following the new road laws, filing your new taxes, or keeping track of the new companies, things just aren’t as simple as they used to be.
That’s why Kim Heavy Industries does things the old way. There are no fancy tricks. There are no flashy trappings. The 1325-H is a simple, straightforward vehicle. It has a familiar drivetrain, a familiar motor, and familiar underpinnings. It has impressive towing capacity without sacrificing its gas mileage. It is reliable and affordable. It is comfortable and utile.
It is old fashioned in all the best ways.
Find yours anywhere you find cars.
To the Letarian Government,
We would like to introduce you to our new Rhania Hunter Type-M!
Fitted with a 2.2L inline 4 that was built by our Japanese collaborators overseas, Mokhatsu, it produces 118 horsepower and 111 horsepower while getting a nice 12 MPG.
This engine was stress tested through many obstacles that a ranger may need to overcome in his vehicle. The engine was made with the intent to be able to run on low quality fuel if there happens to be a shortage of fuel.
This engine may look pale in comparison to the Chieftain from CMC which makes 24 lb-ft of torque per cylinder, our engine produces 29.5 lb-ft of torque per cylinder. The engine 22 more horsepower than the Chieftain. The Chieftain also gets the same MPG as our Hunter at an astounding 12 MPG.
There is more to the engine as well, the Chieftain before import costs is $14,000 and the KESSEL OTZELHAUSER SPERLING is $13,000 by the assumption that it is not under anything of the import fees. Our SUV only costs $12,000 while being able to seat 5 fully grown adults comfortably and safely. The SUV also boasts a top speed of 78.4 MPH which is much faster than the CMC Chieftain’s 72 MPH top speed. The faster, cheaper, and more efficient Hunter is simply a much better offer than what the rest have to show.
Our SUV is also cheap to maintain at a cost of $457.3 (per year?). This is not at the expense of the materials as we use galvanized steel to reinforce the chassis and help with off-roading. Being fitted with off-road cross-plys in order to traverse the lands.
This SUV has to the ability to tow 2534lbs and load 7572.1lbs. This means that it can haul equipment and tow bogged cars while being a super star with its newly updated 4X4 system paired with manual locker.
Another thing to note is that for the rangers, they get equipped with 2 jerry cans worth of petrol and a spare tire if one gets punctured. It is also worth noting that the Hunter Type-M comes with a radio which would allow for communication and entertainment for the rangers. Another thing is the safety, as it gets a ~27 safety rating meaning it can be used on the road without worrying other civilians.
The choice is yours, and this one is a smart choice
From the Rhania Motor Company
Could someone explain the process this sounds interesting but I’m not sure what to do or how to start
I would highly suggest reading post 1 and post 205 for a full description. Each round car companies submit up to 3 different cars to the Letaran market; a consumer vehicle, a race car, and a government vehicle (the Letaran government will explain what they are looking for in the government proposal each round).
If you haven’t submitted a car last time you will have to register your company with @cake_ape before submitting. Once you enter at least 1 vehicle this round you will be eligible to build facilities in Letara and lobby the government for changes to take effect next round. But posts 1 and 205 will explain all of that better than I could. Have fun with it, and good luck!
Alright thank you a lot this has helped me a lot
Something that Gas forgot to further clarify…
Lobbying for next round and building/keeping manufacturing facilities is only possible if you submited atleast 1 consumer car.
Government and racing do not contribute to that
pictured from left to right: Tegal 4x4; Naktergal DL, SL, Cabriolet; Poesy Cabriolet, DL, DL Kombi, L Kombi, L; Griffin
Where did Torshalla find itself in Letara following it's introduction?
Luck was certainly not on Torshalla’s side when it entered the Letaran market in 1952. The recent dip in the economy proved to be a challenging time to introduce a small car aimed at the premium commuter market. Something would need to be done to broaden the appeal of the Poesy. It seemed that a smaller, more profitable engine could help the Poesy move downmarket. Unfortunately, the company had neither the time to engineer one nor the factory space to produce such a thing. So, they went looking for a company that did. Enter Kardiski Machine Ltd. They had started up making tractors and other equipment for Sweden’s industrial sector. Their product portfolio offered a range of small inline overhead valve motors small enough to fit in Poesy’s small engine bay. The two companies merged in the fall of 1952, with Kardiski renaming as Torshalla Industrial.
A suitable engine was selected for an entry level Poesy, a 918cc inline three making 29 hp. Along with a simplified interior, radio delete, hard life tires, and reduced brightwork trim, the new L series Poesy (the standard would be christened the DL) had a MSRP nearly $3400 less. To further add to the Poesy’s appeal, two new body styles were added. First was the Kombi estate, available in either L or DL trim. The Kombi L was aimed at those whom wanted something practical yet affordable, while the Kombi DL gave buyer an increase in comfort and power, featuring a detuned 1.2L boxer four from the Letaran Cannonball racers.
To top off the range, a Cabriolet was also tooled up. The drop top sacrificed the rear seats to make room to stow the convertible top, but offered premium interior trimmings and radio. It also carried a hefty price tag, in hopes of luring luxury car buyers into buying a fun, second runabout. But with the impending safety regulations and taxes to go with it, the little Poesy would still likely be an outlier in the Letaran market. What was the small Scandinavian company to do? The decision was reached to begin better utilizing their new industrial division, to go further upmarket with their consumer cars, and to gather more attention through motorsport.
Torshalla's bid on the government offroad contract
The 1955 Torshalla Industrial Tegal 4x4
To fulfill the order of the Letaran government’s quest for a vehicle for their new national park system, the company fitted a Tegal van body with a Kardiski tractor drivetrain. The resulting rig features a 2.4L OHV inline four making 73hp and 118 ft-lbs of torque. Four wheel drive, manual locking differentials, and chunky offroad oriented tires allow for excellent offroad maneuverability. With seating for up to five people and 1950 liters of cargo space, it should prove to be quite practical. And with 3,400 pound towing capacity, numerous tow points, and electric cable winch, it should be quite capable as well. The cost is a reasonable $11,000 AMU.
Torshalla goes up market
1955 Torshalla Naktergal
With the smaller Poesy struggling in Letara, Torshalla’s larger offering was added to the lineup starting in 1955. The Naktergal DL rides on a 110" wheelbase, allowing for a greater deal of passenger space. Like the Poesy, boxer power is supplied to the front wheels, but with a larger 2.8l six cylinder. Making 92 horsepower and 133 lb ft of torque, it’s mated to a two speed automatic for supremely smooth operation. A high quality interior and advanced AM/FM radio capable of player 7" vinyl records is surely to impress passengers. Prices after taxes start at $27,120.
Like Torshalla’s smaller offerings, the Naktergal is offered in multible trims. The SL is for the driver who is looking for a bit more excitement paired to their luxury car. The 2.8 has been retuned with duel carburetors to bump power up to 106 horsepower (torque remains mostly the same). Also added to this package is wider tires on lighter wire wheels, stiffer springs and dampers, and a more driver oriented interior. Prices for the SL start at $27,960.
For a bit more exclusiveness, there is the Cabriolet. Features are quite similar to the DL, with an automatic, phonograph, and two plus two seating. Letareans with the means to enjoy top down driving can expect to pay $29160 for the privilege.
Swede Speed
1959 Torshalla Griffin
Following the relatively successful showings in the Letara Cannonball Runs, with every Torshalla finishing with zero failures, it was an easy decision to continue with motorsport with the completion of Lerance Raceway in 1959. The team of engineers tasked with making a new race car started with a Poesy chassis shortened by nearly a foot. Sleeker aluminum body panels where fitted and every measure was considered for weight, bringing the car under 1,600 lbs.
The engineering department came up with the proposal of using the race car, name the Griffin after the mystical creature, as a test bed for Torshalla’s next generation of boxer four engines. Displacing 1.8 liters, featuring overhead cam alloy heads, and twin DCOE carbs, the mill cranks out 129 horsepower and 108 ft lbs of torque. With a rack and pinion steering box, four wheel disc brakes, and experimental radial tires, it has been reported to circle Lerance Raceway in under 5:50 minutes with a blistering 140 mph top speed.
With the Griffin race car program, Torshalla is hoping for great things within the under 2.5l category and perhaps opening up a new direction for the company’s future.
From: Martinet Automobile, Lyon France
To: Letaran Government, Enviromental Committee
After learning that Letara is establishing your first National Park, an effort we at Martinet Automobile gladly and proudly supports, and that you need a suitable offroad capable vehicle platform.
We at Martinet have decided to send you a proposal.
We will present to you a reliable and flexible platform in form of the Martinet Crapaud Ranger model, including an extensive and beneficial warranty and service agreement.
The Crapaud Ranger already in use today as an all purpose service vehicle in the french and swiss alpine regions. it is built to be a flexible vehicle that can take on many tasks from personel transport, rescue vehicle, material transport, etc.
We at Martinet are surtain the Letara Government will find our proposal beneficial and lucrative.
Best regards
Jean Jacques Martinet
Director Martinet Automobile
Specifikations
Construction: Built on the 5 door Martinet Castor Estate monocoque body, with suspension and engine from our former military division.
Drivetrain: Four wheel drive system with manual locking diffentials, 4 speed manual gearbox and durable offroad tires
Suspension: Solid axels with coil springs front and rear, 45cm ground clearence
Engine: 2.7l, long stroke, inline 4, 89hp at 3800 rpm and 182Nm torque at 3000 rpm.
Steering: Servo assisted
Fuel: 92 RON
Wieght: 1198kg
At the Desks of Aetheriian Motor-Carriage Works
Previous Lore:
1946 - 1949: Minerva Solarian
Cake - Rd. 1 Results
AMCW Responds to Cannonball Run Results - '46 - '48
Cake - Gov. Transport Results (1948)
Cake - Family Premium/Luxury Results
A Thinly-Veiled Threat (1954)
Petakabras - Even Keel Proposal Draft #1
Vilzahir Jupard’s Response
karhgath - Press Release for “No Taxes for a Happy Letara”
Cake - Round 2: 1955 - 1963
Elizipeazie - A Collective Letter
Cake - The Government’s Response
1959 - 1961 AMCW Scout Advertisment
1955
The First Meeting
Vilzahir’s Palace, Galren’s Height, Valraad, The Island Nations, World of Aetherii, Milky Way Galaxy, in their equivalent year.
Vilzahir Jupard Rhuthan-Selgald paced around his office, his long tail sweeping the room in a menacing arc each time he reached his turning point. There was no denying it: Their arrival in Letara had gone badly. The only thing that had bolstered sales early on was their unexpected performance in the Portunis Cannonball Run, because had that not gone well, it’d be likely they’d be following Mara’s plan of leaving the country. (@AndiD) His advisors sat back and watched cautiously, as they knew he often had a temper, even if he usually was rational and diplomatic, but it was never a good thing if he was pacing. Several of them had the inside of their ears go pale as Jupard pulled a pipe from his pocket, packed it with tobacco, and lit it. This was never a good sign.
After a long and hearty draw, and blowing smoke across the room from his feline nose, Jupard turned to his advisors. “So, you know what I know. We failed. We released a luxury car into a country that immediately had a financial crisis. Had we not done well in the races at that time, it’s likely we would have sold a mere handful of cars. How do we proceed? And who authorized sending a luxury car to a failing country in the first place?”
One of the advisors spoke up, “Our spies informed me that the local Letarans are upset about the current crop of useless utility vehicles. It’s the most brought up topic in the taverns. Disgruntled farmers having to use underpowered vehicles, glorified cars with carry-trays, to haul animals and crops to market, of having bed-space to spare, but if they add more weight, the car won’t move, forcing them to make multiple trips. Carpenters lamenting the ability to get actual wood without paying for a shipping company. Crafters and makers having to be concerned about the size of their projects because it won’t fit in their “truck.” I believe we could build a solution to this.”
“We must not forget,” a second advisor spoke up, “that many of these people have a family. Most “trucks” have one bench seat. In a failed economy, no one can afford to buy a car for the family and a truck for their work. They will choose the truck and then make their offspring ride - unsafely - in the bed. If they crash, it’s instantly a tragedy as the new generation is bashed against the back wall of the cab. Our vehicle must have at least five seats.”
Finally, a third advisor mentioned, “I believe it was Carl Senn who authorized the Minerva project. He said it would be a good car to judge people’s tastes in cars.”
“I want that damned spellcaster’s head on a plate.” Jupard spat, filling the air with smoke with every word. “Not just did he send them a car with illegal lighting, he sent them the most expensive car we make.”
January, 1958 in Letara
A few little problems
Motor Works, Galren’s Height
“So, then, what exactly is the problem?” Vilzahir Jupard inquired, looking at the assembly line.
“Which one are you interested in,” the foreman quipped under her hard hat, “the fact that the engine won’t fit? That we’re waiting on the imported aluminum to make the trim? That our safety advisors believe we’d get additional tax for safety because we don’t have the size to soak up a crash? Tell me, which one of these problems is the one you’re interested in solving?”
Jupard smirked. It was rare to see someone so bold and fearless in front of the emperor, especially after he’d had Carl Senn executed. “Let’s start with the big one. You say the engine won’t fit?” Jupard asked.
Kalia, the foreman, motioned to one of the little trucks with half the front end still left in shambles, and their 4.3 liter inline 6 hanging out over the front of it. “You said it needed to be cheap so every man can buy it. But our smallest engine won’t fit. I mean, we can fit the V8 in there, but that’s not a cheap option, the servicing costs would kill it.”
“Cut the engine in half. Go with three cylinders. From what I’ve heard, half the cars in Letara use three-cylinder engines,” Jupard replied.
“Shit. Well, I just lost that bet with Lianara. How the hell that former Warmaiden knows you’d choose that option, I’ll never know,” Kalia grumbled.
“Because she was a Warmaiden. You know she builds our ships. She was one of the first to adapt the oil-burning engines to them in place of a steam engine,” Jupard quipped. “As for the other issues, how long would you guess it will take to solve those?”
“Another year over there. If we’re lucky, we’ll make “September,” I think they call it. We’ll be on time for a 1959 release with updated safety equipment and a 2.15 liter three-cylinder engine.”
March, 1958 in Letara
Solving the Vibration Problem using Water
Motor Works, Galren’s Height
Lianara scowled as the first inline-triple prototype scattered parts around the testing room, having literally rattled itself to pieces the moment she’d pushed the throttle to begin the test. She paced behind the testing console as her crew worked to clean up the mess the engine had made in its final seconds, thinking for a moment back to her sailing days. She’d seen something on the oceans before, where a wave bouncing back off of a rock could often diminish the size of the wave coming in. If the timing was wrong, it would make it worse. She grabbed a sheet of parchment and started writing and sketching, then went sprinting to the engine design room.
“I know how to fix it!” she yelled. “We need to add a second shaft, weighted, spinning at twice the engine RPM. It won’t make it super smooth, and it’ll add cost, complexity, and weight, but we can make it run.”
VAUGHN REVUE LETARA
The magazine that goes out to all of you Letarans driving a Vaughn, Wraith or VCV
Winter 1955
THE GOVERNMENT’S NEXT VEHICLE?
The new Rural B44, presented earlier in this magazine, is currently undergoing extensive testing by the Letaran government. Being engineered right from the factory, it fulfills the needs the government has without any mechanical modifications. It only has some extra accessories, like a roof rack, spot light, grille guard and side mounted rock sliders, all available to purchase at your local Vaughn-VCV dealership. The competition is hard, but we hope that the government will choose wisely and choose VCV this time!
16th February, 1961
Its time that Letara got a taste of what real muscle is like…only we have to brand them as “personal luxury cars” because Europe cant take muscle cars for whatever reason
Welcome to Vausse
Vausse are a new startup company from the states, but they want to do what other brands do not. They are exporting thier cars to Europe. Its simple really. In an interview, Hollie Vausse, the founder, said this
“its not about making money anymore, cars arent just machines, they are a hobby, they are an investment for life, they are as much a family as your dog! Why should we limit the fun we have over here in the states TO the States! lets give Europe what we want!”
Hollie has since actually moved to Letara, thought the factories are not in Letara itself, they are around France and Germany and stuff like that, but she wants to believe that if she brands the new Ranier cars as Luxury, that will make Vausse the first company to successfully launch a muscle car in Letara. That is, if it is successful
so lets meet our cars!
1963 Vausse Ranier Luxe in Verde Le Vausse. The convertible was the first to launch in Letara, followed a month later by the Sport
its a muscle car, simple, easy to understand, and providing lovely luxury for a cheap (from the shop) price, though the fuel costs quickly make it a luxury price.
1963 Vausse Ranier Sport in Dark Plum, the fastest trim of the Ranier out of the shop
The car is able to give hell to other sportscars in Letara with this trim, just as long as it stays on the straights. It still has the comfort that Letara will love too, so dont think your gonna miss out going for extra power. At Vausse, we charge more, for more!
Have fun with your muscle cars Letara!
Safekeeping
In early 1955, a family of four found themselves stranded in a mud patch on the side of the road. They had swerved to avoid a moose and ended up stuck, unable to get out. The only vehicle able to respond was a 1325 Government model.
The serviceman arrived within the hour. Using the high-tech winch on the back of the vehicle, he connected his truck to their car and pulled them close enough to use a tow chain. Then they were pulled all the way out of the mud, the Government’s heavy tires and large motor making quick work of the sticky situation.
This situation is just one of many that the 1325 Government can overcome. Whether it’s identifying and protecting wildlife, towing stuck vehicles, or crawling to the rescue of injured hikers, it has proven its worth in the rugged mountains of Korea that it calls home.
Many of these vehicles run without frequent access to maintenance or high quality fuel. The parts can be sourced easily, as it shares much with KHI’s more common consumer vehicles. The high power light bar on the roof offers good visibility in the dark or the rain, making driving a much safer task. Heavy duty wheel covers, rock sliders, and a protective undertray keep the 1325 Government operating where no others will.
Kim Heavy Industries thanks you for your time.
Can you beat it?
No!