Since we're getting roleplaying elements, I'd like to suggest another element in that vein: origin stories. Basically, on top of the country expertise bonuses, you could also choose to play a company that's been spun off from another business. This won't affect anything but the initial tech and stats you start with, including leveled up HQ, an initial selection of perks and some other bonuses.

Aircraft company: a techy origin, with a focus on big V engines, centrifugal superchargers, high starting level with wind tunnel unlocked (meaning expensive to run from the start) and a bunch of engine techs. The idea is that the company used to make fighters (or their engines) in WWII, then switched to cars.

Heavy equipment company: focused on big V and boxer engines, but with otherwise low tech level. Some bonuses in the suspension area, as well. This one could have made construction equipment or tanks in WWII.

Light aircraft company: another techy origin, but focusing on naturally aspirated boxer engines, and with a lower company level. This company came over to cars from pre-WWII general aviation.

Motorbike company: bonuses to small inline engines, minimum in other tech, but with a bonus to dealerships and brand recognition, due to connections and brand recognition from its now defunct motorbike business.

Tractor company: focused on big inline engines and transmissions, otherwise few tech bonuses, but a cheap HQ setup. Some brand recognition, especially in utility markets. Used to make things like, well, tractors and other machines not quite big enough to qualify as heavy equipment.

State enterprise: best fit for Archana, but could be work in other countries. An unusual origin that gives you perks and bonuses for personnel-related areas, big HQ, but no tech bonuses of any sort. Basically, a company started by a political decision, ran by those who know all about how to handle people, but not a damn thing about cars.

Vanity project: an origin focused on financial bonuses, with finance-oriented perks and a midsize HQ, considerable brand recognition, but again, no tech expertise. The idea here is a company launched by a celebrity with great fanfare, but of course celebrities usually have no idea about making cars.

Bootblack: The usual starting from zero with a gearhead hand-building cars in a garage, hoping to one day stop shining boots as a day job and become a millionaire.

I think this should cover all the basics. Not only would it be nice for roleplaying, it could also provide a faster start and a bit of a different way to play in early years in particular. You could probably tell which companies I based each origin on. Some were more successful than the others, so to speak, but in Automation, that's up the player. :)