[Realist Economy By Michelle Raouf]

Welcome to a New Era of Logistics Simulation!

Are you tired of becoming a millionaire after just a few deliveries? Do you feel that the default economy in American Truck Simulator lacks the true challenge of running a real trucking business? 

Realist Economy is a comprehensive overhaul designed for hardcore players who seek ultimate realism. This mod completely redefines the financial logic of the game, making every cent count and every delivery a strategic decision.

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[Revenue Logic - The 2x/3x Rule]:

Quick Jobs: Base entry-level pay (e.g., ~$6/km). Designed for those starting their career.

Own Truck: Increases revenue by ~2x (e.g., ~$12/km) to cover fuel & maintenance.

Own Trailer: Boosts earnings to ~3x (e.g., ~$18/km) for specialized logistics.

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[Detailed Features]:

1. Realistic Business Management:

- Garage Economy: Massive reduction in garage prices! A small garage now costs $80,000 (instead of $180,000), and upgrades are only $50,000, making company expansion more logical.

- Smart Refunds: Get a fair 75% refund when selling your trucks, protecting your investment.

- Fleet Fueling: Enjoy a 30% fuel discount at your own garage to encourage home-base refueling.

2. Hardcore Driver & Labor Market:

- Realistic Salaries: AI driver salaries and revenue have been overhauled. Minimum salaries are now $80, with a more challenging revenue coefficient.

- Driver Skill Matters: AI drivers now reach their full potential at level 30, and you can find skilled drivers more easily in the market.

- Efficiency Focus: Reduced fuel and maintenance costs for hired drivers to balance the tighter profit margins.

3. Advanced Logistics & Towing Logic:

- Dynamic Revenue: Income per kilometer has been rebalanced ($15 base) to provide a steady but challenging progression.

- Enhanced Towing System: Towing is now much cheaper and faster ($4 base price), but no free fuel provided (0% fuel ratio). Plan your trips carefully!

- Low Penalty for Mistakes: Abandoned job fines are significantly reduced to $250.

4. Quality of Life & Immersion:

- Better Rest Cycles: Drive longer (15 hours) and sleep less (8 hours), giving you more flexibility.

- Online Truck Deals: Buy trucks online from the very beginning (0 trucks required).

- XP Balance: Refined XP bonuses for parking and cargo delivery. Hard parking maneuvers are now more rewarding.

5. Strategic Banking & Insurance:

- Flexible Repayment: No minimum balance required after loan repayment (min_after_loan_repay: 0).

- Realistic Interest Rates: Loans range from $10,000 (30% interest) to $400,000 (10% interest).

- Dynamic Insurance: Your driving behavior directly affects your wallet. Coinsurance varies from 5% to 80% based on your safety record.

- High-Impact Accidents: Maximum fixed costs can reach $15,000 per accident.

6. Vehicle Damage & Maintenance Realism:

- Life-Cycle Simulation: Realistic wear and tear for cabin, chassis, and engine over time.

- Permanent Aging: Added unfixable odometer wear logic for permanent vehicle depreciation.

- Impact Sensitivity: Side and roof impacts are now significantly more punishing (6x and 11x factors).

- Permanent Damage Logic: Accidents leave a small percentage of unfixable damage.

7. Legendary Progression (XP):

- The Grind: Progression has been completely redesigned. Every rank requires dedication.

- Mastery & Beyond: XP requirements reach up to 25,000 - 30,000 per level for the highest ranks.

8. Law Enforcement & Fines Overhaul:

- Progressive Penalty System: Fines scale with your experience level and speeding violations have an exponential multiplier (up to 6x).

- Realistic Police Presence: Fines are doubled (2x rate) if a patrol car is nearby.

- Critical Fines: High penalties for avoiding inspection ($480) or illegal trailers ($800).

9. Dynamic Used Truck Market:

- Faster Turnover: Dealer stock refreshes more frequently (12-24 game hours).

- Authentic Wear: Used trucks come with realistic mileage (up to 1.5M miles) and significant initial wear.

- Smart Valuation: Pricing is heavily influenced by structural integrity and unfixable damage.

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[Compatibility]:

- Supported Versions: ATS 1.58.x (And future versions)

- Convoy Ready: Yes (mp_mod_optional: true)

- Recommended: Best experienced with a new profile.

Created by Michelle Raouf.