#you attack fiat multipla you attack me

[marsuro]

Huetobervember day 22

Purple Multipla’s

[bigyack-com]

Europe and the U.S. Share a Lot, Except When It Comes to Cars

The 2020 Geneva International Motor Show is over before it began. A victim of Covid-19, manufacturers have retooled to unveil new releases “digitally.” We Americans may shrug our shoulders because unlike viruses, many European cars and brands can’t cross continents.Sure, the new Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Mercedes E-Class that were scheduled to debut on the Geneva show floor will be coming to America, as will the BMW i4 electric sedan that was to be shown as a concept. But the new Seat Leon hatchback and Renault Captur Hybrid will be no-shows here in the United States. There are many reasons there will be no Dacia Dusters in Delaware driveways.First off, Americans are not starved for choices. As the second-largest automotive market in the world after China, the United States has dozens of brands to browse.“As attractive as the U.S. market is, it’s saturated,” said Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst for IHS Markit. “In the States, consumers are confused with all of the choices; it can be overwhelming.”True enough. In the past 25 years or so, Suzuki, Daewoo and Daihatsu have left our shores. Scion, Geo, Saab, Eagle, Plymouth, Mercury, Saturn, Pontiac and Oldsmobile have joined Studebaker on that great off ramp.For some European brands, coming to the United States means new dealerships and parts distribution. That’s expensive. Vehicles must pass our government emissions, safety and lighting requirements. That’s very expensive. And how does a company market an expensive product to consumers who are loyal to existing brands? That’s bottomless-money-pit expensive.Even with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ existing network of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep franchisees, it has struggled to get Americans to fully embrace the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands. A newcomer to the U.S. market would need a Caddy full of euros to introduce a brand. And by Caddy, I mean the Volkswagen Caddy, which is a small van used for deliveries and family hauling. And no, we don’t get it either.People of each continent use their vehicles differently. “Americans like large vehicles and S.U.V.s that do 100 percent of everything,” Ms. Brinley of IHS said. “We plan for the most extreme-use case, while Europeans are more comfortable squeezing things into a small space.”While traveling in Slovenia recently, I met the musician and Wudisban Records executive Marko Kocjan, known as Emkej, who drives a Skoda Octavia wagon, a VW product the size of the Golf SportWagen (that just left our market because of sluggish sales). In Ljubljana, Slovenia, the Octavia is a popular, though larger, choice.“Me and my fiancée, Ajda Perme, came to the conclusion we needed a safer car and wanted extra room in the back for snowboarding and transporting music equipment to concerts. I love its space.”American musicians would probably find the Octavia wagon far too small to haul keyboards, guitars, drums and amps. But like many European buyers, Mr. Kocjan makes the Skoda work.“It is a car we can afford, plus the tax rate and fuel costs are in our range,” he said.Many European countries tax vehicles on size, weight, engine size and fuel consumption at a far higher rate than our states.So while there’s a more powerful 2-liter engine, Mr. Kocjan’s Octavia is driven by the smaller, more efficient 1.6-liter diesel with a five-speed manual transmission (rowing your own gears is much more popular in Europe).Americans would find that powertrain pokey and inconvenient. It might be more appealing to Missourians — who pay around $2 per gallon, according to AAA — if they had to pay triple the price. That’s what Italians pay when filling up. You’re more likely to see Bigfoot sipping espresso there than a thirsty Chevrolet Tahoe.And size matters to both continents, just not in the same way. No one needs to point out that America likes its trucks. Ford’s F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle (not just pickup truck) in America for over 30 years, but it is not officially sold in Europe.With low fuel prices, we’re more likely to pick something larger and more comfortable to cover that ground. “We have a lot more room to spread out,” said Ray Telang, U.S. automotive leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers. “The U.S. market is filled with buyers who value size, they want S.U.V.s. The footprint of the U.S. has more rural areas. We are not as constrained by space.“The European buyer drives narrower roads, pays a lot more for fuel and has to find a place to store the car in more crowded cities. Smaller works better there.”But Mr. Telang also said the tastes were merging a bit. “As crossovers become more fuel efficient, the demand is accelerating in Western Europe, just not to the same level as in the U.S.”Hatchbacks and wagons have always been popular choices overseas, and it can be argued those are close cousins to crossovers when it comes to usability and practicality.Generally, European S.U.V.s are smaller than three-row models such as the Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander that we buy in droves. Ford is a popular brand in Europe, but there are few Explorers there. And you will see far more Jeep Renegades overseas than Wranglers.The huge VW Atlas that’s built in Chattanooga, Tenn., has been rebadged the Teramont in many foreign markets. And even though VW makes the midsize pickup Amarok, it’s not sold in our truck-loving country.And then there’s design. In the home of the brave, we’re timid when it comes to styling.Our roads are crammed with Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys and Nissan Rogues that roll with safe designs.We would rather be seen in a Pontiac Aztek than the Fiat Multipla, which is best described as the only transportation device with a muffin top. A Citroën Berlingo would be roomy enough for our market, but the sheet metal would probably be ostracized.Europeans are often willing to try different things, like the old three-wheeled BMW Isetta and Reliant Robin. The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe. The oddly cladded flanks of Citroen’s C4 Cactus crossover would probably not generate much U.S. interest.We don’t see Vauxhall or Opel cars circling cul-de-sacs, but the best of Europe’s automotive industries have influenced our cars in many ways. Volvo and Saab pioneered many safety technologies we now take for granted. BMW fundamentally changed the way cars performed with firm but comfortable suspensions.It forced Cadillac (which has a minor presence overseas) to abandon its soft floaty ride for a much crisper dynamic. Americans wouldn’t rule out Peugeots or Skodas because of the way they drive. On my last visit to Europe, I enjoyed the dynamics of a rental Renault Clio. The small four-door hatchback was comfortable on the highway and attacked curves with spunk. The small engine did not pack much punch, but I appreciated its efficiency after pulling into gas stations with fuel prices at $1.45 a liter. Yeah, remember, there are nearly four of those in a gallon.It’s human nature to desire forbidden fruit, but maybe it’s best we stick to what we have. Automakers know their markets very well.Mr. Kocjan of Slovenia said: “I wanted a Cadillac Escalade when I was a kid, but now I see how big they are and I don’t know. I would love to have a Mustang … for a few days.”Years ago, an Opel Insignia wagon cruising through Rome caught my wife’s eye. She was tempted to buy when the stylish machine ended up stateside rebadged as the Buick Regal TourX, but she did not pull the trigger. That’s what counts.After just a few years it’s been discontinued, partly because of, you guessed it, lack of sales. Read the full article

[notonlypens]

Dear Readers,

First days of each new year are good for a fast trip down a memory lane. So maybe very shortly, in only few words, I would like to share with you few thoughts about one of my favourite places.

Probably, most of us have our own top, favourite areas. Within these places, for sure, there are few towns from all over the world. I have also such a list and on that list one of my favourite spots is … London. This is a city which I have visited most often in my life so far and which still amazes me. With its own specific climate, this is the only one, unigue place where you are being constantly attacked by this exotic mixture of past and present, tradition and new trends, specific humor and seriousness, dogs and more dogs… and of course many Jaguars E-type ;)

Jaguar E Type spotted in London

But what is most important, the people. Londoners. I had tremendous luck to met a whole variety of characters living there. I had a pleasure to talk not only with Londoners which were living there from generation to generation but also with immigrants who fled there from different regions. I spent a lot of unforgettable time with serious “men” and fun loving “children”, Masons and punks, aristocrats and immigrants, businesmen and free spirit artists, fashion addict and “no shoes ideologists”, ambassadors, doctors, pilots which have been fighting during Battle of Britain and many more with this specific touch of “positive craziness” or addiction to their hobbies, pets or ideas. I would like to thank all people, whom I met during my stays there, living and ones who passed away, you are still in my memory, for the histories which have been told, for ideas which have been disscussed and for fun and adrenaline which has been experienced. Of course, as for a such enourmously big population, not everything was fantastic, but who cares about some stupid persons or dangerous situations. Shit happens, sometmes and everywhere.

  But why I am boring you today with London? Did you read my former article about MarteModena Citizen fountain pen line? If not, you can still find it here.

Below you can find a few photos of Citizen London made by Marte Modena.

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

MarteModena Citizen London photo by Marte Modena

From this point I would like to thank Marte Modena for developing this line and especially for designing Citizen London. Marte Modena THANK YOU for such a beautiful pen which, as a bonus,  brings back memories.

OK, at this stage I am not being neutral in this review. I can’t be. It is Londoner.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen and Time Manager 

I will improve, I promise. The rest of the review will be objective, critical and constructive … I hope.

Let’s start with real life practice, whether Italian vision and craftmanship has payed the tribute to the great city. Was it a Ferrari LaFerrari or rather monster-pen version of Fiat Multipla instead. The creators should show some rescpect to the history, after all, it was the Romans who founded Londinium (todays London) almost two thousands years ago.

Just to remind you, the pen was designed by Marte Modena and handmade by Marlen with a little help from Bock (nib) and Schmidt (converter). Italy and Germany are hidden under Union Jack colors of Citizen London pen, interesting.

But before starting let’s build the mood.

Marianne Faithfull “Give My Love To London” and MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London and notebook

The parcel was big!

Package from Marte Modena

The packaging is nice but without extravagance or fireworks. Cardboard sleeve with a print of an old map, Citizen name and Marte Modena logo on it. At the back you can find webpage and facebook addresses, practical.

MarteModena Citizen box

Simple, leatherette black box stiched with white thread and filled in with a nice in touch material. There is also a short written info about Citizen line and warranty.

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

And there was also something special, a surprise, a letter from Marte Modena.

MarteModena Citizen London

Let’s look closer at the pen. It is made of a special resin, hand turned from solid bars. London is made from three different resin colors which respond to colors of the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. White barrel and section, blue cap nad red blind cap and threads. White and blue resin shines beautifully in the light. Magnificent effect, I can stare at this for hours.

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London and Leuchtturm1917

At the bottom of the cap you can find engraved decoration, I think Roman orgin symbols and at the top of the cap there is a Marte Modena logo.

MarteModena Citizen London and Traveler’s Notebook

MarteModena Citizen London

Nice inspection window. This window and very, very, very slightly translucent barrel makes me think about turning this pen into eyedropper. It would look amazing! I have to think about it, I love the idea. It would be like a cherry on the top. It would add a flow of a river Thames to my pen!!! On the other hand, who am I to change factory solutions? They know better the materials, eventual possibilities of sealing etc. What do you think? Should I follow this way?

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London and notebooks

MarteModena Citizen London and notebooks

Oh, I have almost forgotten, between top and bottom of the cap, you will find sword shapped, gold platted clip with Marte Modena name carved on it.

MarteModena Citizen London and Leuchtturm1917

I am a simple guy, I do not know much about marketing issues but  I have to explain some misunderstandings about this line which has been spread around. These pens are definately not a piston fillers. You shouldn’t be fooled by a blind cap or ink view window. These pens have cartridge/converter filling system. You can fill the pen by unscrewing the blind cap or unscrewing the barrel and then use the standard converter. In piston fillers, ink is stored directly in the barrel, the barrel is the ink reservoir, without any elements between and screw driven piston is moving directly in the barrel. This solution allows much more space for ink, even double the amount. Typical examples of piston fillers are: Montblanc 146 Meisterstuck, Pelikan M400 or TWSBI 580. I hope this explanation has clarified raised questions.

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

MarteModena Citizen London

Steel nib, made by Peter Bock AG with a Marte Modena logo engraved on. M size.

MarteModena Citizen London nib

MarteModena Citizen London nib

I was thinking about which ink I should put in and I have found a 30ml unused bottle of Diamine Ruby ink. That is it. English ink. Ruby. Nice :)

MarteModena Citizen London and Diamine Ruby ink

And than … it cannot be filled by simply putting the pen into bottle because the hole in the bottle is to narrow for the pen section :-D. You have to take out the converter, fill it up in the bottle and mount it back in the pen.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen, coffee mug and notebook

The pen is not small but of light weight.

  MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen and Leuchtturm1917

Nicely shaped section sweetens the process of writing.

MarteModena Citizen london and Starbucks coffee mug

Very comfortable writer, prepared for long sessions.It would be noticed when it is used as EDC writer or as a signature pen.

Here you can compare M nib sizes from different producers or even difference between Rembrandt and Opera nibs.

MarteModena Citizen London, Visconti Rembrandt, Visconti Opera and Montegrappa Parola

The pen can be used capped or uncapped.

Lovely, juicy line. No skipping, no hard starting.

Let’s switch music genre.

MarteModena Citizen London and The Clash

MarteModena Citizen London and The Clash

MarteModena Citizen London and The Clash

  Dimensions:

Length closed  – 139 mm

Length open – 129 mm

Weight partly inked – 23,8  g

The only issue for present moment is a nib range. You can buy pen with only M size nib for now. Good news is that in very near future there will be more options to choose from.

Price for this pen is below 100 EUR, as for a beautiful, handmade pen is it rather low price. If you like juicy lines you should search through Marte Modena webpage to find your color combination. You will not be dissapointed. Also you can feel even better due  to donation to some charity actions in which Marte Modena is taking part.

MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen

I have promised in my previous article about Citizen line that I will find out whether “MarteModena CITIZEN: luxury is finally suitable for everyone.” – is true or false?

Essentials – coffee, fountain pen and notebook

You will not find in this pen any fancy materials or gold nib but you can find handmade craftmanship and this is what you are buying as a luxury in comparison to automated, machinery products in this price range from other players on the market. So quality/price ratio can be judged as not overpriced.

MarteModena Citizen London and notebook ready for a trip

Marianne Faithfull “Give My Love to London” album and MarteModena Citizen London fountain pen

If you like this pen, or any other from the line, there is still a special gift waiting from Marte Modena for you. You can buy now your own Citizen pen using a special discount code from Marte Modena: TZ6YT3LX 

I am packed and ready for another trip to London of course with Citizen London.

Do I need more for a trip to London?

The link to Marte Modena shop you can find here.

Pen which brings memoires – London Dear Readers, First days of each new year are good for a fast trip down a memory lane.