Did this title raise your eyebrows? Well, this is a true story as reported by Newsweek. The story begins back the late 60’s to early 70’s when North Korea was approached by Sweden for business opportunities. In 1974, Volvo exported 1,000 units of the 144 model to North Korea and was billed to then-Supreme Leader Kim Il-sung.
However, the deal went south when the communist regime refused to pay up and the Swedes left, leaving behind the cars in that hermit kingdom. As years go by, the unsettled bills piled up, and when adjusted for interest and inflation, the North Korean debt now exceeds three billion Swedish kronor, or €300m. Even if all 1,000 cars were sold at the current book value of about €2,000, they would cover a meagre 0.6% of that massive debt.
However, until today, most of the 1,000 units of the 144 are running as taxis in Pyongyang, and the best part is they are all in fine working condition! (Of course they are, these sturdy old Volvo’s frequently outlive their owners, and next of kin! – Ed.)
“I think I’ve never been inside such an old car even back home in Sweden. This taxi was very well maintained too, close to mint condition it seemed.” said Tor Rauden Källstigen, a Swedish photographer and entrepreneur on his trip to North Korea. This could mean the North Koreans are masters on maintaining cars, despite their decades of isolation from the outside world.
While Volvo may not get their money back, at least these 144s are proven examples of the sturdiness of a Swedish workhorse. The images of the sturdy 144 that runs as a taxi in modern Pyongyang should work as an effective marketing tool for Volvo rather than splurging millions for a 60sec TV commercial. Come to think of it, Pyongyang got the best and most reliable taxis without paying a single cent!
[Source: Newsweek, Jalopnik, Image Source: Photos by Radcliffe Marxwell, Wikimedia Commons]
