The story of Velkarja: Part 2 - Stability is only skin deep (REVIEWS PENDING!)

[Mikonp7]

Haapala Race And Development!

The new LM perfect for long-term racing!

The LM is powered by a revisioned engine from our F1 vehicle, producing even more power while increasing releabilty!

Other than our previous maschine, the engine was placed behind the driver, giving the LM a better weight distrubution and better grip from the rear wheels!

Also new for our customers:

The LM Katurata! A tamer version of the racing version.
It still keeps most of the original parts, but comes with a plusher interior, a radion and a softer suspension tune.

But softer doesnt mean soft.
The Katurata still reaches speeds of over 200km/h and weighs still under a ton

Haapala - Racecars from the hearth of Finland

[lotto77]

is anyone even going to read this? I guess I'll just put a spaceship here (_)(_)=====D~~

1952: Vania enters Velkarja

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Left to right: Vania Type CB, Type CC, and Type CD

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The Backstory

In 1946, Vania attempted to enter the Velkarjan market with their first production car, the Type BA, as well as the Type BB utility. However, being a Japanese company scrambling to rebuild after the war, resources were extremely limited, and one thing they lacked was translators, leading to incorrect paperwork being filed and the cars not being able to be sold in Velkarja.

Not that it mattered much, as post-war they were not allowed to build the cars regardless, and were limited to only producing a handful of prototypes and units for the occupation forces, but their hard work wouldn’t go to waste.

Left image: the sole remaining Vania Type BA car and BB utility, from the Vania Museum's collection. Right image: the Type BA and Type CB from the Museum's collection.

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The True Start

Various images of the Vania Type CB, CC, and CD

The Type C family of Vania cars was both reasonably ambitious, and a rather cautious approach after the false start of the Type BA/BB. Built on a stretched and lightly modified Type BA chassis that was now RWD, the body and interior were totally redone to feel like a more modern car. The styling was very minimal to save on stamping costs, and the interiors and equipment were very sparse, but it was hoped that they’d prove to be rugged cars.

The engines were also largely unchanged, with the Type CB using the same 800cc three cylinder as the original Type BA/BB. The Type CC and CD are where the engines got a bit more interesting, though, with the Type CC receiving a four cylinder version of the old three pot (now known as the VE1) called the VE2, starting a family of engines that would go on to be ubiquitous in Vania cars.

The Type CD was perhaps the most interesting model though. While the Type CB and CC were both around the 7,700 VEM mark, the Type CD pushed that to 10,000 VEM by slightly improving quality, providing a slightly nicer interior, and swapping out the tiny VE1 engine for the first VE3 six cylinder, an engine that would go on to be a mainstay for Vania’s higher-end cars. The extra power of the VE3 (relatively speaking, 33.7 kW is a big bump from 20.3 kW!) led it to being the first Vania car capable of hitting 100km/h.

The Type CB/CC/CD were the company’s first real, but still floundering, steps into the wider car industry, but would go on to provide the foundation for the current major business that is the Vania Motor Group.

[Knugcab]

CLOSED FOR SUBS!

In case you haven’t put an ad up, just do it ASAP. It will probably be a small delay before I sart judging this time anyway, unfortunately.

[moroza]

Dalluha Coach & Motor Works presents…

1952 DCMW Velkarjan market lineup

(Left to right: Al Sheikh Superiority Twelve X, Kutshuriat Standard Four X, Ghurruz Medium Six)

[karhgath]

1952 MAWs in Velkarja

In early 1950 MicroAuto Werke started exporting their models to Velkarja. MAW was confident the market was there for the fledgling Hetvesian company offering, so three models made their debut overseas - a very small UTE, a Class-C 4-seater and a 8-seater small people mover.

MAW was know for their small cars - while they lacked in some areas, they excelled in many important ways for Velkarja - good offroading capabilities from the steep Hetvesian mountains, well known reliability, easy to maintain and good value for the price. MAW hoped it would be enough to succeed here.

1952 MAW Titebulle Osche

The Titebulle was offered in a few configuration, but it was the UTE that made its debut in Velkarja. Named after the owner’s pet ox*, this delivered a lot for such a small package. At only 410kg, it could transport more than it’s weight, albeit at a maximum speed of 85 km/h.

The 20hp engine was a heavy-duty inline 3 810cc engine. It was install in the middle of the car, under the bed. The front bench could sit two people, and was pretty barebone otherwise, except for safety glass. A rack & pinion controlled the steeing and a 4-speed manual transmission handled the engine. Both of these made driving the small UTE a joy and was effortless. While not as practical or comfortable as larger UTE, it had the advantage of being usable as a daily drive if only a single passenger was needed. It was able to handle the farms and transit through mountainous villages with its all-terrain heavy duty wheels.

Lastly, for all these, the tiny engine dranknext to nothing with it’s 5.7 L/100km consumption. You also won’t be stranded with the Titebulle Osche and at 6390 VEM with no taxes, your wallet will thank you.

*: and no, this is not because I messed up the spelling for Ox in German and forgot to review it…

1952 MAW Brunante Sd

Also introduced in Velkarja was the Brunante - a small rear-engine Class-C sedan. With its four comfortable seats comes a single speaker AM radio, but a relatively barebone interior otherwise.

It featured a different inline 3 engine than the Titebulle, a 27hp 960cc pushrod engine that could push the small car to 100 km/h through a 3-speed manual transmission and a rack & pinion. It featured MP struts in front and rear, which allowed it to be comfortable and easy to drive. The fuel consumption also showed great promises at an advertised 6.1 L/100km.

Reliability was reported as good in Hetvesia, but not as much as the Titebulle. It was however nearly as easy to maintain. Overall, at 7320 VEM, it punches above its weight class.

1952 MAW Pitoune 1500

The last offering from MAW was the Pitoune - a small but impactful people mover in Hetvesia. MAW hoped that it would also fill a niche in Velkarja as well. While not the most comfortable car on the market, it was easy to drive, safe, practical, reliable and able to handle harsher roads.

With a 1500cc inline 4 engine mounted in front this time, it developed 43hp and could bring the 1060kg van to 100km/h with its 4-speed manual transmission. The front MP strut and rear coil axle made it able to carry 8 people and some luggage (or 5 people and lots of cargo space with the rear seat removed) while still being comfortable.

At 8570 VEM and 8.1L/100km, MAW hope it will be competitive and fill a space in the market.

[supersaturn77]

The story so far…

ADX Corporation is an American company looking for new markets. Expansion to foreign markets is liable to be slow even through the 50s, maybe picking up more in the 60s, because focusing on domestic products was more important to the brand at the time, more so than some of their major competitors. This is mostly due to a lack of overseas roots, being entirely home-grown… but some models would begin to see export production in a handful of markets, particularly utility vehicles and some of the bread-and-butter models that would be cheaper to adapt to foreign demands.

Realistically, the J-platform utility vehicles absolutely could’ve made it by '46, when they were first revealed to the consumer market… but negotiations with shippers and prospective dealerships were slow and clumsy until some staffing changes were made at the turn of the decade.

Now, it’s time to see how this company does in this unique little market…

NEW FROM ADX
FOR 1952.

Audax Titan

Standard

A true utility vehicle

The Audax Titan started as a consumer-grade rework of a military-spec vehicle. Given options for amenities as well as deletes, it could be had in a myriad of schemes throughout the lifespan of its underlying J-platform.

Solid axles front and rear on a typical ladder frame combined with a standard 4x4 transfer case and a somewhat short wheelbase allowed for a very capable little vehicle.

The “Standard” trim shown here included a majority of possible options, namely 2 seats, a radio, front fog lamps, a reverse lamp, a detachable soft top, and a hand-charged windshield wiper mechanism.

Road Plow

Being put to work

Here’s one of the possible uses of a Titan: a road plow. Useful for both the snow and simply smoothing out rough gravel and dirt, it’s sure to find a home somewhere on the market. Now if only it came with a hard top and a heater… but that’s too fancy for now.

It does come with a ton of technically-not-fog-lamp work lights, though. How legal they are is anybody’s guess.

Delray Standing-Cab Hauler

The Go-Anywhere Delivery Van

Originally billed as a solution for the United States Postal Service on rural delivery routes, the Standing-Cab Hauler would be released as an option for the general public soon after, using the same J-platform as the Titan with the main differences being a swap to more road-oriented tires, a heavier duty rear suspension setup, and most obviously a unique body shell, made to be tall enough to more-or-less stand upright inside of. It also featured sliding front doors and a novel roll-up rear door for easier loading.

Audax Hometown

2-Door Sedan

Americana at your doorstep

What’s a legacy challenge round with Audax cars without a blatantly, flagrantly American vehicle in a market that it might not really belong in?

The Hometown might actually have a market in Velkarja, but it’s hard to tell. If it were given four doors, it might make more sense… but it’s the '50s, you can get away with two, for some reason. Despite that, it has seating for as many full-size occupants as its engine has cylinders. This thing blatantly ignores any attempt at following tax brackets with a sizable engine, sizable power, and sizable, uh… size. At least the J-platform vehicles were (probably) B-segment tax-wise. This thing doesn’t even care about those tax things.

If you want a proper car, this is your best bet.

© 1952 ADX Corporation

Here's some spare images I couldn't fit anywhere else

if only I’d been able to finish the interior of that sedan

[Knugcab]

Even if I have hinted at it, I could as well add it again. The start of judging for part 2 will be a bit delayed, which is something I knew and planned for. I just felt like if it didn’t make sense to extend the deadline until forever just because I became a bit busy. When I start the judging, however, I don’t think it will run any more slow paced than last time, so have patience.

[HyperMud]

do I look like a doctor ?

[Knugcab]

Status report:
Work on this will start before the weekend.

[Knugcab]

Yes, there are starting to became many brands entered now. To get a better grip I have gone through the registration forms, and preliminarily this is what needs to be done there:

@Happyhungryhippo and @MoteurMourmin has forgotten to register at all. Not such a big deal, just fix that ASAP.

@Rise_Comics haven’t registered the Nordsterne brand. Instead, you have an unused brand registered called “Renfield”. Hence, you have to replace Renfield with Nordsterne in your registration.

Now when I have checked that out, there soon will be time for some statistics about brand perception. Yes, that should have been something that happened at the end of round 1 but I guess I needed a small summer break. After that, instabins (if there are any) and then reviews will follow. Thank you for your patience.

[Knugcab]

A SURVEY DONE AT THE BEGINNING OF 1947, HOW POSITIVE IMAGE EVERY CAR BRAND SOLD IN VELKARJA HAS AMONG THE PUBLIC.

1. CMG (best)
2. KAZ, KMW, Mara
3. DCMW
4. RSA, Nordsterne
5. Weiss-Kiss, Luvis, Aero, Motor Union, Fitz, Pandani, Breda
6. Fulmino
7. Uji Kogyo, VAU, Union
8. Twin Crowns, Sisu, Duck, Trent & Fair, HCA
9. Burgwart
10. Haapala, VC
11. Primus (worst)

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(OOC note: The way this is working, the statistics is probably a bit skewed up after only one round. Nobody should see this as “I made the best vehicles” or “I made the worst vehicles”. It is more about who managed to strike the right chord, and without messing up. For example, the Primus brand places low since the only model they sold is the worst in its class, it managed to break the hard muffler rules, and took its chance with fuel that its intended demographics probably couldn’t afford. I think there will be more interesting to see what is built up some rounds later, so if you’re low, you still have the time to “fix” it…

Next up is an overall look what your brand represents in the eyes of the public…

@Chief @Hilbert @BababooeyGamington @AndiD @moroza @Rise_Comics @06DPA @conan @Edsel @l0jli @Prium @VanZandt_Breda @Ch_Flash @MoteurMourmin @Dog959 @Fishman501 @Happyhungryhippo @HyperMud @l0jli @Mikonp7

[HyperMud]

If I was to lore in a scale back (shutter a company) would I just go under my tab and make the adjustment or is there more that needs to be done.

(posting here incase someone else is thinking the same in hopes to save every one a little bit of time)

[Hilbert]

Merely out of curiosity. Do these rankings affect sales of the brand? Would a brand that has higher positive image sell better than a brand with a worse positive image, even if the stats are similar.

[Knugcab]

Yes it might affect that. Just like the image of the brand might affect how well a car will do in its segment, depending on how certain stats are ranked in that segment. You know, people buy Toyotas because they know they are reliable, Volvos because they know they are safe, Skodas because they know they will get a bargain, still it happens that competitors less known for that will be at least as good or even surpass those brands. And on the opposite, I guess Maserati would have to build the most reliable cars in the world for MANY years before they would convince people that they won’t catch fire just because it is wednesday. Also, a good reputation can be ruined, just think about dieselgate or how bad Mercedes handled the rust on the W210.

If anyone thinks this is unfair, just keep in mind that this still is a challenge without winners and losers, I just think that it could be fun to see how a market evolves over time, factoring in such things too.

[Knugcab]

You mean if you need to de-register a brand if you don’t want to use it in the future? Nah, that is not needed.

[HyperMud]

ok, thanks for the clarity

[Hilbert]

@Knugcab

Skodas because they know they will get a bargain

I think people buy Skodas because they hate themselves. I can’t think of any other reason to buy a skoda. Seat is a bargain, VW is sensible. Skoda is a cruel and unusual punishment, that’s why they’re not for sale in the US.

[Edsel]

To be fair, Seat isn’t for sale in the US either but that’s because the US isn’t allowed to have bargains

Anyway, what factors is image based on, anyhow? Is it based on reliability? Prestige? Safety? Etc?

You could say Toyota and Ferrari both have very positive reputations, but they’re positive by very different metrics that aren’t exactly directly comparable…

[moroza]

For having, to my perception, one out-of-touch sorta-flop, one well-made but expensive contender, and one well-made and ludicrously expensive reminder of what the country is trying to move away from… I can’t complain much about a reputation that’s remotely positive overall.

@Knugcab

Maserati would have to build the most reliable cars in the world for MANY years before they would convince people that they won’t catch fire just because it is wednesday.

…and furthermore do so by some way other than making sure the fuel leaks out by Tuesday, at which point it’s moot since the battery’s been dead since the weekend. Lovely to look at and listen to, but the brief (secondhand) experience I had with an older Maserati made Audis seem the pinnacle of reason and sanity. And whatever the etymology of the actual name might be, the moniker Nasrati is hard to forget.

[splendidsloth]

We’ve already got Fiat Chrysler, we suffer enough already.