Vehicle manufacturing industry

Tetrian vehicle manufacturing is an industry that involves art as much as engineering. Those involved in the industry are respected in Tetrian society, since well-designed vehicles are highly valued.

Origins
The Tetrian Vehicle manufacturing industry dates back to 575 million Earth-years ago when Protopyronates living on Reldiga gained the ability to forge metal and began developing manually-powered groundcraft. Even without engines, the geared drivetrains which turned the wheels of these early vehicles acted as a force multiplier, allowing Tetrians to travel at much higher speeds than previously possible.

Modern Practices
Most vehicles today are manufactured by small companies that design and build each vehicle to an individual buyer's specifications. As a result, almost all vehicles on Tetro are unique. Engines and other parts are often shared by multiple vehicles from the same company, but there is an expectation among customers that the exterior and interior styling will be individualized to their vehicle. The idea of mass-producing a single design was not explored until Earth-year 1998, when Verockla Vehicular Industries introduced the V line of groundcraft and aircraft.