Krasja (Kresi: Speed), formerly known as Kresimirian Motors (KM) and Kraja Kakovic Automobiles (KKA), is the national automobile manufacturer of the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. Headquartered in the industrial hub of Novi Otonik, it is the largest producer of passenger vehicles and light commercial trucks in the country.
The company’s history is a microcosm of Kresimiria’s economic shifts: founded as a state project to modernize the nation, privatized during the liberal reforms of the 1960s, and re-nationalized under the statist policies of the late 1980s. It is best known for the KM-4, a rugged, utilitarian sedan that became a cultural icon of the Republic. Today, while technically a state-owned enterprise (SOE) under the Council for Development, it operates with significant corporate independence.
History
The KM Era: Mobilizing the Republic (1954–1967)
In the early 1950s, personal vehicle ownership in Kresimiria was a luxury reserved for the party elite and wealthy merchants. Chancellor Kresimir Kresimirovic II, seeking to industrialize the nation and improve logistics in rural districts like Viskogorje, issued the “Decree on National Mobility.”
Kresimirian Motors (KM) was established in 1954. The Council for Development constructed a massive assembly plant in Novi Otonik, utilizing steel from the nearby state-run foundries (which would later be acquired by Maj Holdings).
In 1956, the company released the KM-4. Designed by engineer Jakov Balic, the car was boxy, lacked basic comforts such as a radio or heating, and had a top speed of only 90 km/h. However, it was exceptionally durable, easy to repair with basic tools, and possessed a high suspension capable of handling the poor roads of Ravna Skrad and Decelska. It was marketed with the slogan: “Built like the Republic: Unbreakable.” The KM-4 became ubiquitous, serving as family cars, taxis, and even police vehicles.
The Kakovic Privatization (1967–1989)
Following the Treaty of Brod Moravice in 1961, the political landscape shifted. Under the leadership of Blue Dawn’s Ante Brov, and facing pressure from a strengthened Civic Renewal Front caucus, the government pursued a policy of “Economic Opening.”
In 1967, the government sold Kresimirian Motors to Kraja Kakovic, a prominent tycoon and financier from Sinj. The company was rebranded as Kraja Kakovic Automobiles (KKA).
Kakovic attempted to move the brand upmarket. He introduced the KKA-Lusso, a luxury sedan intended for export to neighboring Kruhlstutt. The venture was a disaster. The vehicles suffered from poor build quality and could not compete internationally. Domestically, Kakovic raised the price of the KM-4 (rebranded as the Kakovic Popular) by 40%, alienating the working class.
By the mid-1980s, KKA was on the verge of bankruptcy. Factories in Novi Otonik faced closure, threatening thousands of jobs in a district that was the power base of Blue Dawn leader Ljubo Sanjakorin.
Nationalization and the Birth of Krasja (1989–Present)
In 1988, Sanjakorin passed the State Enterprise Act, explicitly empowering the state to take over failing strategic industries. One of the first applications of this law was the seizure of KKA in early 1989.
Sanjakorin blocked a rival bid from Bran Maj, who sought to buy the factories to convert them into specialized plants for his logistics fleet. Instead, Sanjakorin re-nationalized the company to save jobs. The company was renamed Krasja (meaning “Speed,” a somewhat ironic aspirational name given the slowness of its cars).
Under state management, the company pivoted back to utility. It launched the Krasja Teret, a reliable cargo van that became the standard vehicle for Republic Rail’s maintenance crews and the Civil Order Force.
In the 2000s, under the modernized guidance of Blue Dawn leader Stoyan Vasilis, Krasja was granted operational autonomy. It functions as a private corporation, retaining its profits for reinvestment rather than paying them directly to the treasury, though its board is appointed by the Council for Development.
Models and Products
Historic Models
- KM-4 (1956–1985): The “People’s Car.” Over 2 million were produced. They are still a common sight in rural areas, often held together with wire and scrap metal. They are affectionately known as “Kockas” (Cubes).
- KKA-Lusso (1969–1974): The failed luxury experiment. Few survive, as their chassis were prone to severe rust.
- Krasja 1 (1990–2005): The first car produced after re-nationalization. A modernization of the KM-4 platform with a plastic interior and a heater.
Current Lineup
- Krasja Vjetar (Wind): A budget hatchback introduced in 2010. It is popular among students and young families.
- Krasja Teret (Cargo): A light commercial van. It is the best-selling vehicle in Kresimiria due to government contracts; the Council for Health uses a modified version as the standard national ambulance.
- KM-X (Concept): A proposed electric vehicle championed by Ari Stov as part of his “Technocratic Statism” platform, though production has been delayed repeatedly due to budget disputes in the Assembly.
Cultural Significance
The KM-4 holds a special place in Kresimirian culture. It is frequently the subject of jokes regarding its lack of speed and features (e.g., “Why does a KM-4 have a heated rear window? To keep your hands warm while you push it.”).
However, it is also a symbol of resilience. During the height of the Bosken insurgency in the 1950s and 60s, the KM-4 was favored by civilians in Moraviskameja because its mechanical engine was immune to the electromagnetic interference used by early military radios, and its high clearance allowed it to traverse roads damaged by BRC-21 sabotage.
In the Holy Derby football matches between FC Sinj and NK Moravice United, it is tradition for FC Sinj fans to paint an old KM-4 in the opposing team’s colors and smash it with hammers before the match, a ritual known as “Scrapping the Rust.”