NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is not a storefront in the sense you do not need me to confirm sales. Just state how many of those your nation sells every year. Note also that about 940,000 F-series Ford trucks (which this is based on) are sold per year in America IRL. Adjust per population as needed or wanted.

IC:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/allanea/allanean%20arms/vehicle.jpg

Official Press Release from Allanean Arms, Incorporated

Ladies and gentlemen, we are hereby pleased to announce the release of our new civilian pickup-truck into the international market – the Allanean Arms Firestorm. Based on venerable automotive designs, the Firestorm combines new-era luxury and old-style ruggedness.

What, then, is the Firestorm?

The Firestorm is an off-road vehicle:

Boasting an enormous 6-liter 450-horsepower engine, the Firestorm is perfect for the outdoorsman, the hunter, the tourist. Just like the Ruger Ram, it also holds compartments in the truck bed for carrying hunting equipment, defensive firearms or fishing rods, or, alternatively, photo and video cameras and other sensitive gear.

The Firestorm is a work vehicle:

Perfect for farmers and small businesses, the Firestorm can carry 6,000 pounds of gear on it's own and has a maximum towing capacity of 35,000 pounds.

The Firestorm is a safe vehicle:

Not only is the Firestorm rugged and reliable, providing it with extremely good crash and safety records in single-driver accidents (the most common kind of them), it is also equipped with roll bars – that is, in the event of rollovers, passengers are far more likely to survive.

Furthermore, it is an environmentally-sensitive vehicle. It's diesel engine is capable of running on methanol and SVU, and thus making it a zero-net-emission vehicle.

The Firestorm is a family vehicle:

The vehicle is also good for use by the whole family – with seating for six people, the truck is capable of accommodating most families – and it has all the creature comforts needed for the job, including three DVD players for the 'are we there yet' generation.

Sales/Year:

Allanea: 6,000,000
Naasha: 800,000
Siap: 100,000
Reloaria: 45,000
Pantocratoria: 10,000
Avisron: 4,000

Total Sales: 6,959,000

Cost: $35,000
Transmission 6-speed manual or automatic per user choice
Engine: 450hp 6-liter V8
Towing capacity: 20,000 lb max
Payload carried by truck: 6,000 lb max
Fuel capacity: 40 US gallons
0-60 miles: 12.1 seconds
Maximum speed: 220 kph
Fuel efficiency: 20 miles per gallon
Drive: 4 wheels

Interior
Additional 12V Power Supply
Adjustable steering column
Air conditioning
Automatic lights & windscreen wipers
Cruise control with speed limiter
Front electric windows with driver and passenger one touch control
Height Adjustable Steering Wheel
Height Adjustable Front Headrests
Keyless engine start
Rear sunblind
Sunglasses holder
Variable Assisted Power Steering
Electric panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch
Illuminated vanity mirror
Front and rear carpet mats
Height adjustable driver and passenger seats with lumbar adjustment on driver and passenger seats
Leather upholstery
Firearm/equipment shelves in the truck bed and additional gun rack and shotgun holder between the front seats

Exterior
Dedicated cornering lights
Front fog lamps
Internally Adjustable Door Mirrors with Driver's Blind Spot Eliminating Mirror
Parking proximity senors
Xenon quadruple optic headlamps with auto adjustment
Anti-Drill Door Locks And Locking Fuel Filler Cap
Body coloured electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors
Sport chassis
Headlamp washers
Metallic Paint

Safety
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
Anti submarine airbags
Brake Assist
Curtain airbags
Driver & Front Passenger Two Stage Auto Adaptive Airbags
ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with Understeer Control
Front Lateral Airbags
Front lateral airbags
Six 5-Point seatbelts with Integrated Pretensioners And Load Limiters
Tyre pressure monitor and run-flat tires.
Deactivation of front passenger airbag
Anti-Carjack locking doors
ISOFIX mounting points on Front Passenger Seat


Multimedia

Multifunction navigation computer/MP3 player/DVD player/media system/cell phone
3 DVD players

Relorian Motoring Weekly Review of the Firestorm ( http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12756872&postcount=11)

The Knootian Highway comission has ruled the Canyonero.. err... the Firestorm unsafe for highway or city driving.

OOC: How heavy is it?

OOC: I have no clue. Based on the original vehicle I would tihnk this would weigh, about, a ton to a ton and a half because that's what the Ford F-series weigh and that's what this is based on. I could be misreading the wiki.

OOC: I have no clue. Based on the original vehicle I would tihnk this would weigh, about, a ton to a ton and a half because that's what the Ford F-series weigh and that's what this is based on. I could be misreading the wiki.

OOC: "ton to a ton and a half " refers to the weight of the cargo it can carry. For example a deuce and half (2 and 1/2 ton truck) can carry 2.5 tons of cargo, but by itself it weighs almost 8 tons. I believe the Ford F-350 is classed as a 1 ton pickup, and weighs over 3 tons empty

OOC: "ton to a ton and a half " refers to the weight of the cargo it can carry. For example a deuce and half (2 and 1/2 ton truck) can carry 2.5 tons of cargo, but by itself it weighs almost 8 tons. I believe the Ford F-350 is classed as a 1 ton pickup, and weighs over 3 tons empty

Cool, thanks. I don't really know how this stuff works and this is my first car design for NS.

<snip>

"Wow, it has wheels."

~ total sum of Iluvauromeni interest

"Wow, it has a combustion engine."

~ resurgence of interest 5 minutes later

Although a vehicle of this size was impractical for many Pantocratorian urban environments, and even forbidden by some municipal authorities, the Firestorm filled a niche which Peacock Motors had never filled in the Pantocratorian automobile market. It particularly appealed to the rural gentry and nobility, which enjoyed hunting and therefore appreciated the off-road capabilities of the Firestorm. Likewise, some farmers, particularly in the rougher areas of Votosoros and Diogenia, found the Firestorm to be a useful working vehicle which was very competitively priced and comfortable compared to the more conventional vehicles they had been using to get about the farm for years.

And so it was that in Pantocratoria at least, the Firestorm achieved a sort of cult status. The stereotypical rural nobleman on his ancestral estates deep in the countryside (with all the usual suspicion that aroused from city dwellers) began to be depicted driving a so-large-as-to-be-vulgar vehicle very much resembling a Firestorm in the popular media of New Rome, Adrienople, New Constantinople and other urban centres.

You are welcome to begin selling your vehicle in The Community. Unfortunately, the fuel economy is a little too low for the standards of most Siapians, so the market will react accordingly.

We estimate that after initial sales peak, you will probably sell around 100,000 vehicles per annum

~Council Subcommitee on Economic Development

Official Allanean Response:

We thank the Subcommittee for providing us this data.

OOC: Panto, I shudder at the thought of what would happen if I marketed an International CXT or something in your nation.

Jealia Gazeta
Motoring Weekly
Page 2: "Allanean Arms Firestorm - fired"

With fuel rationing continuing in Reloria due to poor supply, and the average refill costing anywhere between J-60.00 - J-90.00, Allanean company Allanean Arms saw fit to unleash the Firestorm on our fair island.

At first glance this monstrous expression of immature testosterone-fuelled foreign masculinity is an impressive vehicle, capable of lugging some 20,000 lb along with its own substantial frame thanks to the use of a 450hp six litre V8 engine. Its acceleration figures aren't exactly much to celebrate, but for a vehicle of this magnitude they aren't especially disappointing either.

It comes with a lot of kit as standard too, much of which one would expect to find as optional extras on other brands - air conditioning, cruise control, a fully adjustable steering column, key less ignition, the ever-useful illuminated vanity mirror, and leather upholstery make it comfortable, whilst ABS, ESP and more airbags than you could shake a stick at make it safe. Security is a concern though, with an apparent lack of alarms, immobilisers or deadlocks. It also has a firearm rack, which I suppose you could use to store... stuff.

But the fuel economy of this monster is sufficient to make us believe that would-be criminals wouldn't get very far if they did manage to get into the vehicle. Such is the price of that six litre V6 engine; for all its pulling power, it consumes fuel like late-night party goers down wine, with official specifications listing it as twenty miles per gallon, although it does have a whopping forty gallon fuel tank to compensate (presumably where most of the vehicle's weight goes). Fortunately the vehicle is equipped for accepting environmentally friendly fuels such as methanol, and it should accept domestically produced biofuel as well - none of which are especially cheap themselves, but certainly more so than petroleum and standard diesel fuels. The vehicle sits in insurance group F with most insurance companies, in spite of its safety equipment, ramping up the cost even more, and both company and personal car tax rates are expected to be high.

On testing we noticed one problem immediately - it's too big! While perfectly comfortable on the wide open countryside and the intercity motorways, the Firestorm will quite quickly get stuck as soon as it hits a city - even delivery of the test model (courtesy of Jealian Foreign Imports Co) suffered problems due to the infamously narrow city streets of Reloria, as the darned thing got itself stuck on the street outside this very office. Its poor acceleration figures made it difficult to safety exit junctions and enter traffic islands, and its handling was not particularly brilliant. Body roll, a harsh ride and an unrefined cabin compared to executive and small cars make it hard to live with during urban driving when paired with its size and acceleration.

However, this is not what the vehicle is designed to do, not by a long shot. Having been on the streets for a few weeks now the Firestorm has received positive reviews from those living in rural areas and from farmers. Indeed, during the course of our review we attempted to fill the vehicle with whatever we could find - we used up everything in the office that we were allowed to move, and still there was room left over! Even more importantly, despite carrying the extra weight the vehicle did not appear to suffer from any significant hit to its performance.

We also found it difficult to get the four wheel driven, high ground clearance Firestorm stuck in any rural areas, and it pulled well for its size. Although its sheer weight tends to sink it in the fine sandy beaches of our coasts, there have been no complaints from its owners as yet. There are smaller four wheel drive vehicles which are arguably more appropriate for cross-country driving - the Kesopa Country Ranger being our personal favourite - but none of these can match the Firestorm's size, pulling power and carrying capacity.

In spite of its fuel economy and impractical size, especially for driving in urban zones, the Allanean Arms Firestorm has found a niche with farmers and country bumpkins everywhere - and franchised dealerships already report sales of several hundred across the country. Estimates suggest that sales figures could be as high as 40,000 to 45,000 per annum, give or take, given an effective marketing campaign.

It's a great, yet expensive, pulling machine with enormous capacity - just don't take it anywhere near civilisation and you'll do fine.

By Jasini Retta
Jasini Retta is a freelance motoring journalist. Her views do not represent those of the Jealia Gazeta Limited nor the managers of said company. Letters of complaint should be directed to her personal e-mail address published below.

OOC: Reloria, I love you and your article. I have to ask though - do you RP a smaller population then NS stat?

The Allanean Arms Firestorm, upon release in the Libertarian Federation, initially recieves a great deal of good press and celebrity praise. Zecka Corporation, Avisrons largest automobile manufacturer, has always successfully defended its nearly 97% market share in Avisron, and many industry insiders were intially pointing to the Firestorm as an actual competitor to Zeckas similar offering, the Zecka Mountainline.

Unfortunately for Allanean Arms, however, the Mountainline is smaller and more suited for navigating Avisrons massive urban centers. Further to the disadvantage of the Firestorm, the Mountainline is cheaper. This effectively ruins any chance of the Firestorm becoming a mainstay on the Avisronite market.

Sales are estimated at 4,000 units per annum.

OOC: Reloria, I love you and your article. I have to ask though - do you RP a smaller population then NS stat?


OOC: Hehe, no. The Firestorm just isn't a particularly competitive product for the Relorian market; it's too large, expensive and gas-guzzling to be of interest to most people, especially in an country suffering from fuel difficulties at the moment. Plus it doesn't really convey an appropriate or desirable image. Added to that the fact that it's a new product going up against established brands in a niche market, it's quite a generous figure, especially considering the brand it is sold under. The favourite vehicle of rural folks would be something akin to a clone of the Land Rover Defender (I think I christened it the Country Ranger just now) - which is smaller, cheaper, and perfectly capable of handling Reloria's landscape. The F-series may sell well in America, but it doesn't sell so well elsewhere - how many do you suppose are sold in Europe, for example?

Given a couple of years, a good marketing strategy and perhaps a rebranding and it might be able to double those sales, but in reality a smaller car is needed to break into the market significantly - unfortunately, the smaller the car, the more competitive the market...

This is a country with routinely low car ownership at the best of times, remember. Which certainly isn't a reflection of myself personally, as I can't stand public transport and love my car!

OOC: Edited some typos.

IC:

In other news, Allanean Arms executives hint that a new, smaller entertainment jeep could enter the international market quite soon.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6152/headerjg8.png

Greetings!

The Ministry of Transportation has deemed the Firestorm a legal car that can be withstood by the Nord-Brutlandese road network. (However, cars of this size is restricted from many inner cities and old towns. Streets are too narrow for this car.) However, we at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources are concerned about the the pollution it might cause and whether it can use fuel here. Right now the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden requires that all fuel sold in the country be composed of at least 75% biofuel (ethanol, used cooking oil, etc.) and should contain no lead. We are asking whether the Firestorm can handle such type of fuel. Also, all cars are required to have the special catalytic converter that does not require warming to work.

Should the Firestorm be able to use this type of fuel, we would be allowing it in the Nord-Brutlandese market. Be reminded, however, that many Nord-Brutlandese are environmentally conscious and that we have an excellent public transportation system. But we believe in introducing choices, and right now, the Firestorm, should it pass our tests, would be the only big family truck available in the market.

Thank you.
Dr. Simon l'Englàntino, PhD
Finisterretto per l'Ivono e Rescoru Míagna
(Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources)
MP, Plano Verta Costa

Official Allanean Arms Response

"Yes, the Firestorm can operate on biofuel, as mentioned in our original announcement.

Excerpt from www.N1.na The Naashan news network.

The massive Allanean truck, the Firestorm, took markets in Surdun quite literally, by storm. While being too large, heavy and otherwise unwieldy for Naashan roads and cities, the masculine jeep appears to be filling a growing niche in the transportation market of the southern state of Surdun.

While cynics might claim that the huge increase in disposable income amongst the still mostly rural and uneducated Surdunni populace coupled with clever Allanean marketing has made this vehicle far more succesful than it deserves, it still fills an important role.

The Firestorm's huge interior and capacity, coupled with its hunting and countryside image has turned it into the first of what might be called 'recreational working vehicles'. Although much of the more expensive electronic systems such as the DVD players have sensibly been removed by the Allanean company for export into Surdun, the car still retains its expensive and macho image and has proved irrestible to many.

The Ministry of Transport estimates the Firestorm selling at a rate of around 800,000 units per annum initially and sales are expected to rise as the brand grows.

Official Announcement of Allanean Arms

Given the success of our vehicle in Naasha, we will invest 150 million dollars in the new ad campaign there, marketing the Firestorm to the Surdunni demographic. Advertisements will be produced in the local dialect, and nice Surdunni girls will be hired to star in our advertisements, which will also be filmed locally.