NuevoPont
NuevoPont is a Cuban Automobile, Robotics, and Heavy Machinery company, headquartered in Havana. It models itself as the spiritual successor to the American automobile company Pontiac, one of the manufacturers popular during the 20th century American trade embargo. As Pontiac's parent company did not survive World War 3, no one contested NuevoPont's assumption of the Pontiac trademarks in 2157 (although there were a few lawsuits later in the 23rd century).
NuevoPont is most well known for their "Coche Clasico" line of automobiles inspired by mid 19th century American automobiles. These are largely based on old Pontiac designs and feature bulbous, sweeping curves. This unique, iconic style sets them apart from certain utilitarian designs popular in the East (TATA Motors for instance). The Clasico line also features designs inspired by other manufacturers besides Pontiac, such as the "Nuevo Chevro" series of cars with a more streamlined shape and tail fins, or the "El Cadi" electric convertible.
While relatively popular throughout Cuba and the rest of the Confederation of Southern Nations, their relationship to the North American market has been a tumultuous one, especially around the War of the Americas. In the 22nd and early 23rd Century, NuevoPont vehicles were a fairly common sight on the roads of North America, but as conflicts between Cuba and the United North American States flared up over Florida, imports ground to a halt. In an ironic twist of fate, Americans who were fans of their banned Cuban cars had to meticulously maintain their vehicles without access to OEM parts and service in order to extend their service life by decades.
In the 2260's and 70's, the influence of Confederation culture was seen as a threat to the American way of life by many in politics and mainstream culture. The popularity of NuevoPonts in spite of the conflict with Latin America seemed a specific affront to patriots, who viewed such vehicles as inherently unamerican, despite the roots in 20th century American automotive aesthetics. Many NuevoPont owners faced vandalism of their vehicles throughout the course of the war. In turn, anti-war activists took interest in NuevoPont designs, specifically because of the mainstream hatred for anything out of the Confederation. An underground import market and popup microplants developed in the late 2270's to bring newer Nuevopont vehicles to the shores of North America.
After the war, NuevoPonts retained their status as a symbol of nonconformity and contrarianism, and owning or driving a NuevoPont is a popular form of rebellion against the mainstream, even into the 24th century as hostilities begin to ease. NuevoPonts aren't just for rebellious teens and midlife crises, though. Because of the rarity of a genuine factory-new Coche Clasico (as well as the retro design aesthetic) they have become popular collectors items. Even earlier models of NuevoPont vehicles that have been meticulously maintained for half a century or longer can go for hundreds of thousands of North American Dollars.
Within the CNS itself, NuevoPont's Clasico line fell into its own niche due to the stark contrast with modern aesthetics.
"Lo antiguo está de moda"
Type
Corporation, Manufacturing
Alternative Names
Nuevo Pontiac
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