Elio Motors, The Next Big Thing?!!...

[Frank Lee]

Aptera claimed to have so many deposits... didn't they?

[Arragonis]

Has any company doing the "economy car" thing succeeded yet ?

EDIT - By this I mean a specialist like this one, so not counting MMC with the Mirage or the Geo Metro etc.

Even if they did in the short term, they would be steamrollered by the big makers joining in. Most EU leccy car specialists are struggling already and there are only a few around from the major makers. But those majors have better products, similar prices and a more extensive dealer network.

[doclees]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Has any company doing the "economy car" thing succeeded yet ?

EDIT - By this I mean a specialist like this one, so not counting MMC with the Mirage or the Geo Metro etc.

Even if they did in the short term, they would be steamrollered by the big makers joining in. Most EU leccy car specialists are struggling already and there are only a few around from the major makers. But those majors have better products, similar prices and a more extensive dealer network.

I don't look at this as an "economy car". I see it as a 4 season motorcycle and hope they sell it as such. Yes it would be crushed if you compare it to a Nissan Versa or its equal. But this can appeal to people like me or maybe even "us". I see economy in cost of ownership. I can't think of anything out there that can compete. If you go by vehicle cost insurance will be about $150 a year for full coverage insurance. Cheaper to maintain than a motorcycle. Easy to work on. I can take the dog with me. The wife gives me the evil eye when I stuff the dog in my motorcycle jacket.

[Superfuelgero]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

I'm glad they have wheel pants, but they can't have very long trailing surfaces because those would get in the way of the door and come too close to the car when turning. I agree, the exhaust system looks terrible under there.

What makes their business plan so terrible that you just "know" instantly they are doomed to failure?

The sales numbers that they require to be profitable would place it in the top 5 for all US sales. Each employee would have to sell more than one per day (almost 2). There is no budget for support staff (finance, service, etc). While I admire their goal, it reminds me of too many failed attempts of the past (tucker in goal, daewoo in execution). The low end of the market requires too thin of margins for a start up. For a niche product (2 seater), this would be unprecedented.

They would have been better of either one or all of:
1, starting in the bev market to pay for development and infrastructure (using government loans and incentives) (see corbin robin, tesla). Or in the alternative: start down market in a emerging market where entry barriers and competition are lower, then move up (vw, toyota)
Or 2, using a robin/uk type path where teenagers can drive them before regular cars.
Or 3, use a existing engine, and contract service/warranty to the manufacturer using direct online purchases as the primary sales method (design/build/price/deliver, like many niche items). This would help ease concerns of some customers by using a known commodity's kei car's drive train (most cottage builders).
Or several others

I do think the credit plan will be useful at this end of the market. Easy credit has helped KIA, Mitsubishi and Nissan with sales.

All and all, it will make an interesting case study, even if the correct timing for the 3c's would've been 8-10 years ago.

[doclees]

Anyone seen the distribution plan from Elio yet? Web site says it would be available by late 2013.

[user removed]

Only a few days away from a year have passed since the original post. I wonder how many "reservations" they have collected? If this vehicle is ever sold commercially it will cost 3 times the original quoted price, at least.

regards
Mech

[doclees]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Only a few days away from a year have passed since the original post. I wonder how many "reservations" they have collected? If this vehicle is ever sold commercially it will cost 3 times the original quoted price, at least.

regards
Mech

Web site says in the 6k range but no break down on that. How do you figure that it will cost 3x the initial price?

[user removed]

Originally Posted by doclees

Anyone seen the distribution plan from Elio yet? Web site says it would be available by late 2013.

My price prediction is based on my experience with these types of start ups. Consider the tesla Model S was predicted to be under $50k. You are talking about new production, fully equipped, warranteed, street legal, insurable, vehicle for just a little more than a Kawasaki Ninja 300.
Maybe time will prove me wrong, but I seriously doubt it. I would be surprized if it comes in below $20K.
Most likely by the time that happens this thread will be long forgotten.
The late 2013 availability prediction has obviously passed with little new information. They will gladly take your money.

regards
Mech

[Arragonis]

Doesn't the 3-wheeled thing mean it can dodge, er sorry, avoid having some regulations apply ?

[sendler]

Originally Posted by doclees

Web site says in the 6k range but no break down on that. How do you figure that it will cost 3x the initial price?

How can anyone think it would cost $6000? They are completely misleading everyone. The cheap Honda CBR500R made in Thailand costs that much. The slightly larger but still two cylinder Ninja650 is $7500.
.
The longer they can drag this on, the more years the execs can milk their million dollar salaries until the whole thing dies.