Australian Atom - are we getting close?

[wisp]

Actually they do let the Atom on the road, in Australia, for very brief stints. In a recent TopGear New Zealand magazine there was an article were the Supercar Club car was driven from Melbourne to Sydney. They had to apply for a permit which granted them 12 hours on the road.

It poured the whole trip so the report is more about how cold and wet they got rather than the cars outstanding performance.

[Alec]

I know it's taken out on the road on occasions because these were posted in the 'Spotted' thread last year.





I was really referring to registering for the road. 

[wisp]

[quote="Alec"]
I know it's taken out on the road on occasions because these were posted in the 'Spotted' thread last year.
I was really referring to registering for the road. 
[/quote]

Yes. I remember the pictures you and Ash Simmonds posted. But no one was sure of how it came to be allowed on the road or if was being operated legally. Now we know, thanks to the TopGear NZ article, that they can get a limited time permit for driving the car across country.

[CapsicumDreams]

Agreed. Nothing learnt in that exercise. 

Start compliance again? That's exactly what OWI did instead of following on from the work Hyper had already done. Look where it's got them.

The Hyper work already done was not relevant, due to the changes between models from when they made the effort, and OWI began their attempt. They've offered all their work performed to IMG.

Give the dealership to a Kiwi! We can actually get stuff done!

The delay wasn't due to a lack of effort or skill, apparently - Any bona fide top-bloke legendary Kiwi faced with the same task would have arrived at exactly the same position.

..bugger, though..

[wisp]

Give the dealership to a Kiwi! We can actually get stuff done!

The delay wasn't due to a lack of effort or skill, apparently - Any bona fide top-bloke legendary Kiwi faced with the same task would have arrived at exactly the same position.

..bugger, though..

Possibly true. I think the point is more that NZ sales and spares should be handled by someone resident in NZ. Already I've had comments about the lack of support to local owners and one even asked why he was getting no response from OWI lately. It then does not take long for word to go around and local buyers are put off by dealing with someone in Oz that you never hear from.

[apollyon25]

[quote="CapsicumDreams"]
The Hyper work already done was not relevant, due to the changes between models from when they made the effort, and OWI began their attempt. They've offered all their work performed to IMG.
[/quote]

Not relevant? Youre having a laugh!?!
The changes between the Atom 1 to Atom 2 to Atom 3 are not that extensive...
If there wasnt actual chassis crash test data and only simulation data, then re-simulate... The majority of the parts are off the shelf... and meet international standards in terms of pretty much every relevant standard.

[quote="CapsicumDreams"]
The delay wasn't due to a lack of effort or skill, apparently - Any bona fide top-bloke legendary Kiwi faced with the same task would have arrived at exactly the same position.
[/quote]

Effort perhaps not. Skill is questionable.
My dealings with OWI did not show OWI's abilities in a particularly positive light. I organised practically EVERYTHING, and they get an 8k commission... their communication was utterly dismal and if I had it to do over, I'd fly to the UK and buy one in person - sidestepping the distributer entirely.

I dont tolerate incompetence very well.

Yes, Wisp has it right... NZ local distributer for sales and support...

[Todka]

Agreed. Nothing learnt in that exercise.   ::)

Start compliance again? That's exactly what OWI did instead of following on from the work Hyper had already done. Look where it's got them.

The Hyper work already done was not relevant, due to the changes between models from when they made the effort, and OWI began their attempt. They've offered all their work performed to IMG.

Give the dealership to a Kiwi! We can actually get stuff done!

The delay wasn't due to a lack of effort or skill, apparently - Any bona fide top-bloke legendary Kiwi faced with the same task would have arrived at exactly the same position.

..bugger, though..

Hello.

Is this Andrew or Angus?

You have OWI general manager in your signature....

Regards,
Todd

[xr_ated]

Anyone heard any more about IMG's attempt to get the Atom to Australia?

Their web site hasn't been update since the initaial statement

[wisp]

[quote="Todka"]
Is this Andrew or Angus?

[/quote]

Angus.

[xr_ated]

ADR rules now require all new cars to have electronic stabilty control.

Is this the end of the Australian Atom dream?

[wisp]

[quote="xr_ated"]
ADR rules now require all new cars to have electronic stabilty control.

Is this the end of the Australian Atom dream?
[/quote]

Mandatory from 2011. But they are only coming into line with what will be with international standards used in Europe.

Whether this will effect small specialised car manufacturers like Ariel I don't know. It is definitely going to apply to large car manufactures that produce for the masses. Cars like the Atom may require a special certification, for use in Europe, in the future. That's the way it works here, in NZ. Our LVVTA (Low Volume Transport Association) caters for cars like hot rods, home builds, off-roaders, electric conversions, etc that would not fit with the normal everyday passenger vehicle rules.

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/35060/ ... from-2011/

edit = added news link

[apollyon25]

Or you could buy one of these...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 855516.htm

[Driver]

My eyes, my eyes    ...
It stings!

[wisp]

[quote="apollyon25"]
Or you could buy one of these...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 855516.htm


[/quote]

Is there anything we or the factory can do with regard to this disgusting sort of advertising? The ad says...

"Atom Replica
This is a replica of the English Atom. Made in China with 600cc car engine....." 

[apollyon25]

firebomb his garage?