# Automobile

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2009
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: #753
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 120 min
- **Weight**: 3.52 / 5
- **Designers**: Martin Wallace
- **Artists**: Czarnè, Klemens Franz, Mike Atkinson, Peter Dennis
- **Publishers**: Mayfair Games, Warfrog Games, 999 Games, IELLO, Lookout Games, Phalanx Games Polska, Treefrog Games, Wargames Club Publishing
- **Categories**: Economic, Industry / Manufacturing
- **Mechanics**: Commodity Speculation, Loans, Open Drafting, Turn Order: Role Order, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
Perfect for those who love dense economic games and enjoy feeling the market pressure. The highlight is the realistic simulation of industrial obsolescence.Deep and rewarding economic simulationVery clever obsolescence mechanicWell-integrated historical themeCompetitive interaction via market shareVery steep learning curveLong games, potentially tiring for newbiesFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you enjoy Martin Wallace's style, Automobile is the kind of challenge that makes you feel the weight of being an automotive tycoon in the early 20th century. You're not just 'making cars'; you're managing an industrial empire in the US, starting with the primitive 1893 models and evolving as technology progresses. The heart of the game lies in the balance between market demand and your production capacity. You must decide whether to focus on low-end, mid-range, or luxury vehicles, but be careful: demand shifts every round and information is partial. Overproducing leads to 'inefficiency cubes', which act as anchors dragging down your progress.

Strategy extends beyond the factory walls. You can invest in distributors to expand your reach, but if you fail to supply them with cars, your investment goes bankrupt. There's also a battle for market share, where dropping prices can give you an edge, though it comes at a cost. To get an extra boost, there are special action spaces inspired by real figures like Ford and Durant, granting powerful temporary abilities. The biggest dilemma is obsolescence: old factories become inefficient over time, forcing you to shut down outdated operations and open new ones with cutting-edge technology. It's a game of rigorous financial management where every cent counts and efficiency is the key to victory. Whoever best navigates the demand crises and modernizes their industrial park the fastest will end the game with the deepest pockets and the title of king of the road.

## FAQ
### Is the game too complex?
Yes, it's designed for experienced gamers (weight 3.5). If you've never played a heavy economic 'euro', be prepared to study the rulebook carefully.

### How long does a game take?
Expect to spend about 2 hours, though it may vary depending on the group's experience and player count.

### How many people can play?
3 to 5 players. With more players, the battle for market share becomes much more intense.

### Do I need to know about automotive history to play?
No, but knowing figures like Ford and Durant makes the experience more immersive and enjoyable.

### Is the game language dependent?
No, most components use icons or simple terms, making language dependency minimal.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 149.09 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2081415&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 183.53 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2081414&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/1685/automobile?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com