Jalopnik
On the way from Japan to Beijing for next weeks' auto show, the Mazda Taiki was stopped by Chinese customs at the border for what we're told was nothing more than a random customs check. We're not buying it. We're assuming it was really to have their dogs try to find any psychedelic drugs that may have been used to create this multi-folded concept car exhibiting the "Dave's not here" design language of Ford's Japanese brand. Fortunately for the design team, the Taiki survived the check — with one of the designers, a Mr. Anthony "Man" Stoner, expressed what we can only assume was the team's obvious relief, saying "What's the Immigration Service doing here, man?"
[xinhuanet.com via autohome.com.cn]
Chinese Customs Search Mazda Taiki Concept, Looking For 'Nam Grass?
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8:38 AM on Thu Apr 17 2008
By Ray Wert
827 views
15 comments
Comments
The customs agents were secretly photographing it and getting the specs. Lime green knock-offs will be pouring out of Chinese sweat shops in about two weeks for $2500.
In China, embargo made for broken.
""Dave's not here" design language""
I love it!
Post Of The Day!
maybe they are worried Japan is stealing auto secrets from China.
Although no drugs were found per se, the drug sniffing dog at one point apparently licked the Taiki's paintwork, and was later observed eating an entire ten pound bag of kibble and snickering and staring at objects for long periods of time.
I heard the Mazda was also protested against several times on its trip to China for its support of the Beijing auto show.
They were hoping Mazda was pulling another John DeLorean
[img371.imageshack.us]
Maybe they thought this was some sort of an illegal composite material canoe on its way to the Olympics!?!?!
I would have turned it away at the border. Too freaking weird.
they took one look and figured mazda had to be way fucked up to design the taiki
Is it a complete coincidence that "Dave's Not Here" is a restaurant in Santa Fe which is rumored to have been so named because the owner went away because he failed his own customs search? Or is there a fe head on the Jalopnik staff?
could be a scam for the chinese to copy new designs
@weatherman: Nah it's the first Cheech and Chong album (yes, album).
Oh, I was thinking Dave from Wendy's isn't here, and that's why there's no grille.
Way to go to the photographer for capturing the moment. Admiral Chew and Rin-Tin poring over the Japanese concept car is a priceless image.
@Novaload:
what's an album?
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