Muslim/islamic car - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Nimetic · 11-12-2007, 03:05 AM

Muslim car plan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7089707.stm

I won't comment except to say that there's a lot of jokes (good and nasty) to be made - if we have cars for each religious group.

analog · 11-12-2007, 03:17 AM

If you can't find anything interesting to say about it and for us to discuss, why would anyone else necessarily find it interesting?

It'd really benefit this thread, as a thread in General Discussion, to add some substance for us to discuss.

Also, don't forget to paste the whole article in your opening post; a lot of people don't like clicking outside links.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimetic's link

The Malaysian carmaker Proton has announced plans to develop an "Islamic car", designed for Muslim motorists.

Proton is planning on teaming up with manufacturers in Iran and Turkey to create the unique vehicle.

The car could boast special features like a compass pointing to Mecca and a dedicated space to keep a copy of the Koran and a headscarf.

The idea came during a visit to the Middle East by a delegation of Malaysian politicians and businessmen.

Malaysian press reports say officials in Iran originally suggested the idea.

Safety features or fuel economy is one way of selling a car, but Proton thinks vehicles designed specifically for Muslims across the world represent a huge gap in the market.

Proton is the most dominant car on the streets here but the company has suffered recently after the government allowed more foreign cars to be imported.

The firm has been in talks recently with VW about a takeover by the German car giant.

Ustwo · 11-12-2007, 06:40 AM

The jokes on this one write themselves.

Plan9 · 11-12-2007, 07:25 AM

A compass that points towards Mecca, huh?

Imagine the non-Muslims getting lost in that one!

Redlemon · 11-12-2007, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crompsin

A compass that points towards Mecca, huh?

Imagine the non-Muslims getting lost in that one!

Unless somebody magnetized Mecca recently, I think it would have to be a GPS unit, not a compass.

Ustwo · 11-12-2007, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redlemon

Unless somebody magnetized Mecca recently, I think it would have to be a GPS unit, not a compass.

It wouldn't take fancy engineering to modify a compass to 'point' east while aligning to magnetic north. It would have to be adjusted for where the car is sold. Of course a GPS would be better but it could be worked out.

Redlemon · 11-12-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

It wouldn't take fancy engineering to modify a compass to 'point' east while aligning to magnetic north. It would have to be adjusted for where the car is sold. Of course a GPS would be better but it could be worked out.

What if you are actually close to Mecca? Mecca might be to the south.

Ustwo · 11-12-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redlemon

What if you are actually close to Mecca? Mecca might be to the south.

Which is why I said it would have to be adjusted locally, and if you are close enough to drive there you should know pretty well where it is without a compass.

Really though, I'm trying to refrain from so many obvious jokes that its difficult to think clearly.

Willravel · 11-12-2007, 09:25 AM

The new Lexus Ahmadinejad.

Kadath · 11-12-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

Really though, I'm trying to refrain from so many obvious jokes that its difficult to think clearly.

Honestly? The only obvious joke I can think of is the bomb included standard.

Maybe something about how sports cars have 'bras', and this has something similar, and then photoshop a complete car covering with just a gap for the windshield.

What else is there?

DISCLAIMER: I am interested merely in the mechanics of joke construction. I do not espouse or subscribe to the view that all Muslims are terrorists or even that they share any characteristic aside from their basic tenants of faith, and even those vary widely from individual to individual.

dlish · 11-12-2007, 10:04 AM

i would have thought that tfp was above mere stereotypes and more inclined towards conversation rather than picking jokes.

maybe this thread should be better off in the humour section than the general discussion. its obvious that the OP posted for the mere novelty of getting a chuckle than a serious discussion.

and for those that may take this thread a little more seriously and query the significance of the position of mecca. The reason for the 'compass' or GPS is that devout muslims pray 5 times a day towards mecca. so by including a compass or gps in a car so that muslims can get their bearings right for their prayers is more of a financial decision that a spiritual one.

Willravel · 11-12-2007, 10:17 AM

Honestly? It's stupid. My dad's base model Jetta has a compass (as do many, many cars), and "a dedicated space to keep a copy of the [Qur'an] and a headscarf"? It's called a glove box.

Here's an idea: make a car that can handle massive heat and cold. Make a car that won't overheat in 140 degree weather.

Kadath · 11-12-2007, 10:17 AM

There's nothing to talk about. It's a car marketed at a specific demographic. What possible discussion could there be? It's like trying to have a conversation about kosher beef products.

Willravel · 11-12-2007, 10:22 AM

Kosher makes sense. It's their interpretation of the Torah. A car that has a compass for Mecca and a place for the Qur'an? Maybe they should have a Ford Focus with a drawer for your rosery. It's massively stupid.

Infinite_Loser · 11-12-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kadath

There's nothing to talk about. It's a car marketed at a specific demographic. What possible discussion could there be? It's like trying to have a conversation about kosher beef products.

Precisely. The car is aimed at a certain demographic. If you're not Muslim nor do you live in the marketted region, then I don't see what the big deal is or why you'd poke jokes about the car.

Ustwo · 11-12-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlishsguy

i would have thought that tfp was above mere stereotypes and more inclined towards conversation rather than picking jokes.

maybe this thread should be better off in the humour section than the general discussion. its obvious that the OP posted for the mere novelty of getting a chuckle than a serious discussion.

and for those that may take this thread a little more seriously and query the significance of the position of mecca. The reason for the 'compass' or GPS is that devout muslims pray 5 times a day towards mecca. so by including a compass or gps in a car so that muslims can get their bearings right for their prayers is more of a financial decision that a spiritual one.

Oh I'm well aware, but between some Islamic states not allowing women the right to drive and suicide bombings I could write quite a few off color jokes. To me such is the best way to deal with something like this. Doing a google image search for 'Muslim car' doesn't produce very funny results.

Its a marketing ploy only, its not worthy of serious discussion.

Plan9 · 11-12-2007, 12:16 PM

World's King · 11-12-2007, 12:39 PM

Christian car: Looks down on other cars for not being as good while it sits on the side of the road dead.

Catholic car: Normal car but it makes you feel really guilty for driving it.

Jewish car: Won't start on the Sabbath. Engine is very high pitched and whiny.

Atheist car: Refuses to admit it's actually a car.

Voodoo car: Runs on monkey come and dried chicken feet.

Wicca car: Only runs at night and runs on badly brewed coffee and clove cigarettes.

How's that for stereotype... ?

Plan9 · 11-12-2007, 01:16 PM

casual user · 11-12-2007, 03:06 PM

i wonder how good the miles per gallon ratio is

Baraka_Guru · 11-12-2007, 03:48 PM

This is the best automobile idea since they decided to domesticate the SUV for fat and lazy North American urbanites.

Plan9 · 11-12-2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

This is the best automobile idea since they decided to domesticate the SUV for fat and lazy North American urbanites.

I didn't wanna be the first to say it.

Willravel · 11-12-2007, 04:01 PM

I'm surprised that this article is on the bbc and not the onion.

ubertuber · 11-12-2007, 04:14 PM

TFP POLICY AND GUIDELINES (--READ ME FIRST--) 02/17/2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by halx

No personal, racial or religious insults (flaming) - They have no place here on the TFP. This includes bigoted jokes. When in doubt, err on the side of good taste.

Come on guys...

Charlatan · 11-12-2007, 05:39 PM

Considering that Proton is a Malaysian company and manufactures cars in a nation with one of the largest Muslim populations and is on the doorstep of a nation with the largest (Indonesia), I think this is a bit of marketing genius.

It's right up there with the standard coffee mug holder which recognizes that most people in America sip beverages on their morning commute.

Proton has been struggling over the past few years. Granted their problems may have more to do with the quality of their cars, the cost of their materials, or any number of other issues, but this is a marketing strategy that plays directly to their home market in Malaysia and could potential tap into the growing markets in places like Turkey and Iran.

I don't see much to get excited about.

Jadast · 11-12-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

This is the best automobile idea since they decided to domesticate the SUV for fat and lazy North American urbanites.

When I drive my 4 wheel drive SUV only on paved roads I prefer the terms "less slim" and "not quite as active" to fat and lazy.

Plan9 · 11-12-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jadast

When I drive my 4 wheel drive SUV only on paved roads I prefer the terms "less slim" and "not quite as active" to fat and lazy.

The rough roads of urban South Carolina, huh?

How I miss them.

...

Hippie Plug: Get a car. Save the planet. Get a treadmill. Save your ass.

ASU2003 · 11-12-2007, 08:27 PM

It would be funny if this was an electric/alternative fuel car.

Do they really need a specific model? Wouldn't this just be considered dealer-installed extras?

Or do they want to know that no [people of a certain faith] got any money or had anything to do with making it?

Willravel · 11-12-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASU2003

It would be funny if this was an electric/alternative fuel car.

Well considering Iran is trying to develop nuclear power, electric vehicles make perfect sense. I think that it'd be halal to have a car that doesn't pollute.

Ustwo · 11-12-2007, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

Well considering Iran is trying to develop nuclear power, electric vehicles make perfect sense. I think that it'd be halal to have a car that doesn't pollute.

So Iran is developing nuclear power as to not be oil dependent?

Why, how green of them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

Considering that Proton is a Malaysian company and manufactures cars in a nation with one of the largest Muslim populations and is on the doorstep of a nation with the largest (Indonesia), I think this is a bit of marketing genius.

WWMD

Willravel · 11-12-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

So Iran is developing nuclear power as to not be oil dependent?

They are developing nuclear power, but I suspect that their intent is more socioeconomic than environmental.

Charlatan · 11-12-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

WWMD

It seems to me that I'd rather have a Muslim economy where people are worried about their next choice of car to buy than the current alternatives...

Plan9 · 11-13-2007, 03:42 AM

If you've ever been to Iraq or Afghanistan... you notice they drive the hell outta VW taxis (Iraq) and Toyota Corolla (A-stan).

I'd be glad to see newer cars on the roads there. Less of a hassle to inspect.

Ustwo · 11-13-2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

They are developing nuclear power, but I suspect that their intent is more socioeconomic than environmental.

Wow, well I'm sure nuclear power will help their economy when they are sitting on a giant oil reserve. I mean sure its costly and potentially dangerous in inexperienced hands but now they can stand up shoulder to shoulder with those less oil fortunate nations who use nuclear power as an alternative. Undoubtedly this is their only motive for such an expensive and unnecessary investment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

It seems to me that I'd rather have a Muslim economy where people are worried about their next choice of car to buy than the current alternatives...

What Would Mohammad Drive

I was making a joke as one of the 'green' things is 'What would Jesus drive' implying you are a bad Christian for being in your SUV.

MSD · 11-13-2007, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubertuber

TFP POLICY AND GUIDELINES (--READ ME FIRST--) 02/17/2007

Come on guys...

You have no idea how hard I'm biting my tongue on this thread.

Willravel · 11-13-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

Wow, well I'm sure nuclear power will help their economy when they are sitting on a giant oil reserve.

While your education on the endocrine system seems to be up to snuff, you seem to be forgetting econ 101.

1) Nuclear is ultimately cheaper (big initial investment, but upkeep is a lot cheaper)
2) Oil prices will only go up
3) Oil will run out before too long

If they can sell off all the oil they have left and not use much of it themselves, it will ultimately be a serious boon to their economy. It makes perfect sense. The opportunity cost of using their own oil is clear and makes the decision simple.

Plan9 · 11-13-2007, 10:01 AM

Now You Know: Nuclear Energy is the Future

So... how much does uranium cost? They say it might reach around $72 a pound here.

...

Maybe I can have kids with THREE heads!

...

Screw the Muslim mobile. I want Mr. Fusion. It runs on beer cans and banana peels... two staples of the young American male.

Nimetic · 11-13-2007, 01:06 PM

Maybe I should have put this under humour...

But that would have been a judgement of itself. To be honest, I'd prefer not to get involved in a mud-slinging match about religion. Maybe on another day. And no... I'm to busy to have a secret agenda.

I put this up because I thought it interesting - you can make what you will of it. I think it's spin for the home audience (from a manufacturer in trouble).

Look yeah... if I was a comedian, I'd already be discussing my car-type list for each religion/philsophy/party. Its fun and easy to do. But it's a quick way of pissing a lot of people off.

dlish · 11-14-2007, 08:05 AM

its gona from a muslim car discussion to nuclear power to socio econonical something... i dunno.. but i love it!

def worth posting this thread in humour!

Sion · 11-14-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crompsin

Meh.

...ca

11-12-2007, 03:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Nimetic Junkie Location: Melbourne, Australia	Muslim/islamic car Muslim car plan. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7089707.stm I won't comment except to say that there's a lot of jokes (good and nasty) to be made - if we have cars for each religious group.

11-12-2007, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	The jokes on this one write themselves. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

11-12-2007, 07:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	A compass that points towards Mecca, huh? Imagine the non-Muslims getting lost in that one! __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 11-12-2007 at 07:30 AM..

11-12-2007, 10:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
dlish Currently sour but formerly Dlishs Super Moderator Location: Australia/UAE	i would have thought that tfp was above mere stereotypes and more inclined towards conversation rather than picking jokes. maybe this thread should be better off in the humour section than the general discussion. its obvious that the OP posted for the mere novelty of getting a chuckle than a serious discussion. and for those that may take this thread a little more seriously and query the significance of the position of mecca. The reason for the 'compass' or GPS is that devout muslims pray 5 times a day towards mecca. so by including a compass or gps in a car so that muslims can get their bearings right for their prayers is more of a financial decision that a spiritual one. __________________ An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay? - Filthy

11-12-2007, 10:17 AM	#13 (permalink)
Kadath Muffled Location: Camazotz	There's nothing to talk about. It's a car marketed at a specific demographic. What possible discussion could there be? It's like trying to have a conversation about kosher beef products. __________________ it's quiet in here

11-12-2007, 09:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	The new Lexus Ahmadinejad.

11-12-2007, 10:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Honestly? It's stupid. My dad's base model Jetta has a compass (as do many, many cars), and "a dedicated space to keep a copy of the [Qur'an] and a headscarf"? It's called a glove box. Here's an idea: make a car that can handle massive heat and cold. Make a car that won't overheat in 140 degree weather.

11-12-2007, 10:22 AM	#14 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Kosher makes sense. It's their interpretation of the Torah. A car that has a compass for Mecca and a place for the Qur'an? Maybe they should have a Ford Focus with a drawer for your rosery. It's massively stupid.

11-12-2007, 12:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Meh. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 11-12-2007 at 05:44 PM..

11-12-2007, 12:39 PM	#18 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	Christian car: Looks down on other cars for not being as good while it sits on the side of the road dead. Catholic car: Normal car but it makes you feel really guilty for driving it. Jewish car: Won't start on the Sabbath. Engine is very high pitched and whiny. Atheist car: Refuses to admit it's actually a car. Voodoo car: Runs on monkey come and dried chicken feet. Wicca car: Only runs at night and runs on badly brewed coffee and clove cigarettes. How's that for stereotype... ? __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

11-12-2007, 01:16 PM	#19 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Meh. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake." Last edited by Plan9; 11-12-2007 at 05:44 PM..

11-12-2007, 03:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
casual user Crazy Location: everywhere and nowhere	i wonder how good the miles per gallon ratio is

11-12-2007, 03:48 PM	#21 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	This is the best automobile idea since they decided to domesticate the SUV for fat and lazy North American urbanites. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

11-12-2007, 04:01 PM	#23 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I'm surprised that this article is on the bbc and not the onion.

11-12-2007, 05:39 PM	#25 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Considering that Proton is a Malaysian company and manufactures cars in a nation with one of the largest Muslim populations and is on the doorstep of a nation with the largest (Indonesia), I think this is a bit of marketing genius. It's right up there with the standard coffee mug holder which recognizes that most people in America sip beverages on their morning commute. Proton has been struggling over the past few years. Granted their problems may have more to do with the quality of their cars, the cost of their materials, or any number of other issues, but this is a marketing strategy that plays directly to their home market in Malaysia and could potential tap into the growing markets in places like Turkey and Iran. I don't see much to get excited about. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-12-2007, 08:27 PM	#28 (permalink)
ASU2003 immoral minority Location: Back in Ohio	It would be funny if this was an electric/alternative fuel car. Do they really need a specific model? Wouldn't this just be considered dealer-installed extras? Or do they want to know that no [people of a certain faith] got any money or had anything to do with making it?

11-13-2007, 03:42 AM	#33 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	If you've ever been to Iraq or Afghanistan... you notice they drive the hell outta VW taxis (Iraq) and Toyota Corolla (A-stan). I'd be glad to see newer cars on the roads there. Less of a hassle to inspect. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

11-13-2007, 10:01 AM	#37 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Now You Know: Nuclear Energy is the Future So... how much does uranium cost? They say it might reach around $72 a pound here. ... Maybe I can have kids with THREE heads! ... Screw the Muslim mobile. I want Mr. Fusion. It runs on beer cans and banana peels... two staples of the young American male. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

11-13-2007, 01:06 PM	#38 (permalink)
Nimetic Junkie Location: Melbourne, Australia	Maybe I should have put this under humour... But that would have been a judgement of itself. To be honest, I'd prefer not to get involved in a mud-slinging match about religion. Maybe on another day. And no... I'm to busy to have a secret agenda. I put this up because I thought it interesting - you can make what you will of it. I think it's spin for the home audience (from a manufacturer in trouble). Look yeah... if I was a comedian, I'd already be discussing my car-type list for each religion/philsophy/party. Its fun and easy to do. But it's a quick way of pissing a lot of people off.

11-14-2007, 08:05 AM	#39 (permalink)
dlish Currently sour but formerly Dlishs Super Moderator Location: Australia/UAE	its gona from a muslim car discussion to nuclear power to socio econonical something... i dunno.. but i love it! def worth posting this thread in humour! __________________ An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay? - Filthy