That Perodua post got me thinking...

"not for canada - australian in disguise" (for-canada) 04/26/2016 at 19:58 • Filed to: None

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The Malaysians might actually do well in North America (Canada, specifically) now that the Koreans have moved upmarket.

Of course, not Perodua, god no, but I think Proton could have a chance.

They even have a Rondo/5/C-Max/B-Class/Ham sandwich competitor!

If they used the whole no frills approach Hyundai got big in Canada with back in the 80s, they could probably sell a few cars. There’s really no proper cheap car brand around since Hyundai and Kia moved upmarket.

Why I’m saying Canada specifically is because Canada has always been a LOT less brand concious, especially when it comes to cheap cars. (Hyundai came here first, so did Suzuki, and brands like Lada and Skoda were only sold in Canada.), so we’d probably be more willing to try something new.

Proton, if you’re reading this (you aren’t), think about it.

JRapp: now as good as new again > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/26/2016 at 20:16

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This last one looks very Audi’esque.

facw > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/26/2016 at 20:33

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http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-27/bus…

ranwhenparked > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/26/2016 at 23:11

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I know a guy that travels to Malaysia and Singapore on business with some regularity and has ridden in or driven a number of Protons. His take is that they’re not terrible cars in any way, but not great either. Comparing them to where Hyundai and Kia were 15 years ago is about accurate.

Doubtful that many people would choose a Preve over a Civic, but, for real cheapskates that just want a reliable new car with a warranty, it probably could find a market.

They could start in Canada and Mexico and just skip over the US entirely. Maybe work through an independent importer to limit their capital costs, which could then be listed to raise funds.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/26/2016 at 23:20

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I also think this should sell well. A cute little no-frills awd crossover. But it might need some interior upgrades.

not for canada - australian in disguise > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 04/26/2016 at 23:25

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You know, I really think Lada could also make a comeback, sure, their other cars aren’t what you’d call innovative, or good. But, sell ‘em cheap enough, and people would eat them up. And the Niva.

Maybe Lada and Proton could share dealerships, give Proton a 4x4 to sell.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/26/2016 at 23:46

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The Niva starts at less than CAD$9000 in Russia. What other crossover exists in Canada for $15000? If I had the capital I seriously would consider importing them for profit. I’m pretty sure it would only cost $500k to get them “federalized”.

not for canada - australian in disguise > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 04/26/2016 at 23:48

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In a country like Canada, something like the Niva being sold again would be very appealing to a lot of people.

Lada was touted a lot back in the 80s that if it was tough enough for Siberia, it would be tough enough for Canada. That philosophy could work again. And, a 4x4 for less than a Micra or a Spark, that’s one hell of a steal.

facw > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/27/2016 at 00:20

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Lada could do well in Canada, but I still maintain that Rover had far better looking Viking ship logo.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > facw 04/27/2016 at 07:37

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Lada’s ship isn’t exactly a Viking longship... Similar, sure, but it’s a much later shallow-draft river boat.

facw > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 04/27/2016 at 08:40

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Basically all of the viking ships were shallow draft boats (so they could traverse rivers), and the Rus were vikings.

In any event, if we trust Wikipedia:

The Lada badge depicts a shallow-draft river sailing ship (a form of Viking longship ) known as a lad’ya in Russian.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > facw 04/27/2016 at 09:05

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I wasn’t going to cite it, but that’s my supporting evidence for it not being a Viking Longship. Only kinda sorta.