This post is going to talk about the Islamic car. No, I am not talking about the Saudi made Gazalle I.
Volkswagon was set to acquire Malaysian car manufacturer Proton and manufacture the world's first "Muslim oriented" car. The prototype would boast a compass pointing towards Mecca, a special box for carrying the Qur'an and another compartment for headscarves. Sounds appealing, if you are a practising Muslim that is.
Lets understand the facts: There are about 1.7 billion Muslims on the planet, with nearly 80 million in Turkey alone. It was, therefore, only logical for Volkswagon to capitalize on such an emotional appeal and partner with Proton to capture this burgeoning sector.
But like some fairy tales, this one does not have a happy ending. Talks between the two automakers failed early last month, and both have agreed to go (or drive) their separate ways.
You have to give it to Volkswagon for its savviness. To fill a religious gap in terms of automotive is almost brilliant. Too bad we couldnt see the marketing campaign. A drive from Munich to Mecca in the first Islamic car would have been nice.
