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

The car will have 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.

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

I wonder if the car has bulletproof windshields

Probably has .50 caliber machine guns and 60mm grenade launchers for killing innocent civilians.

Baron Max

it has an "Allah" red button for immediate catapult to the kingdom of forty virgins. TNT on the seats insures safe and quick delivery.

a dedicated space to keep a copy of the Koran and a headscarf.

Doesn't sounds like anything more than a roomier glove compartment. The only extra I see is the compass pointing to Mecca. I don't understand why this is being marketed as a "Muslim car".

Doesn't sounds like anything more than a roomier glove compartment. The only extra I see is the compass pointing to Mecca. I don't understand why this is being marketed as a "Muslim car".

Niche marketing. It doesn't matter that the car is the same as any other. Look at Excedrine. You can buy "Extra Strength Excedrine," "Excedrine Migraine," "Back and Body Ache Excedrine," "Excedrine Sinus Headache" and "Excedrine Tension Headache" and there is not a single difference between them save slight differences in price and the packaging. The active ingredients of each are all 250 mg of aspirin, 250 mg of acetaminophen and 65mg of caffeine.

This could be the beginning of a new fad. I can envisage a car with a pop-out joint making tray for all the potheads; or, dashtop computers for forums addicts; how about cars with a built in bed, for those that like to make out more comfortably? Christians could have a bible rack and a built in cross, candles, statues and icons. Yes, I think Proton are on to something, real cutting edge stuff.

I can envisage a car with a pop-out joint making tray for all the potheads;

LOL! I'd buy one!

it has an "Allah" red button for immediate catapult to the kingdom of forty virgins. TNT on the seats insures safe and quick delivery.
lol, better hope that's not anywhere near the handbrake.

If I buy one does it come with the 'Outfit" too, I don't want to look out of place! :rolleyes:

it has an "Allah" red button for immediate catapult to the kingdom of forty virgins. TNT on the seats insures safe and quick delivery.pffff...LOL

...The car will have a compass pointing to Mecca and a dedicated space to keep a copy of the Koran and a headscarf. ...

???? We have an electronic compass in our truck and we also have a glove box. Holy Crap! We drive a Muslim vehicle! :rolleyes:

I just found it a bit odd that they are aiming for a certain group. If anyone was building a car for Christians, the ACLU would be out in droves screeching "discrimination!" :(

Christian cars are awesome, I wish I had a Pope-mobile.

I just found it a bit odd that they are aiming for a certain group. If anyone was building a car for Christians, the ACLU would be out in droves screeching "discrimination!" :(

In Malaysia? I'm not so sure about that.

Besides there are things that are marketed to Christians: Christian dating services, for example, that don't draw outrage. What I think would draw some attack is if you marketed something to Christians and refused to sell it to non-Christians--essentially making it "Christians only."

If I start selling teeshirts with a picture of Jesus on them or the fish logo or "Jesus loves you", or, for that matter, if I start selling Christmas trees or Easter decorations, clearly my target audience is Christians.

The unusual thing here is that it takes a largely non-religious product and (from what the article says) markets it to a religious group without using any overtly religious theme to tie it to them.

I just found it a bit odd that they are aiming for a certain group. If anyone was building a car for Christians, the ACLU would be out in droves screeching "discrimination!" :(

No, they would not. You clearly have no idea what the ACLU is about.

ooh just what I need! A car with a compass and extra storage.

excellent idea.

I just found it a bit odd that they are aiming for a certain group. If anyone was building a car for Christians, the ACLU would be out in droves screeching "discrimination!" :(

Why? Building cars is not a government venture.

There's a billion Muslims on Earth. It sounds like wise marketing to me.

~String