Elio Motors Three Wheeler

[rickb]

I wasn't aware of the Elio Motors Three Wheeler @ under $7500 MSRP and 75 mpg. Not a bad looking vehicle.........although no tilt factor. http://www.eliomotors.com/ Maybe they could use some of that Dept. of Energy money to develop a tilting version.

[Derwin]

I wasn't aware of the Elio Motors Three Wheeler @ under $7500 MSRP and 75 mpg. Not a bad looking vehicle.........although no tilt factor. http://www.eliomotors.com/

The price is FANTASTIC, but the body design is lacking. If they could work on a new body design, then I think they might have something.

Does anybody know the specs on this thing? Their website doesn't seem to have any information.

Derwin

[WarpedOne]

It may be lacking but it still runs circles arund this abomination (http://cgi.ebay.de/Elektrofahrzeug-Elektromobil-City-EL-Elektroauto-SAM_W0QQitemZ190341769423QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomo bile?hash=item2c5140e8cf)
Is really that hard to find at least half-competent designer? (No, I am not one so my design doesn't count :P)

[rickb]

Derwin.............The styling really isn't bad. It's sleeker than Dagne and I like Dagne. What makes it look a little odd is the rear wheel guard which is there to reduce drag. I'd like to see the Elio design in a 360 degree spin to catch front a rear angles. I just can't find any more specs. Maybe a company contact would be productive. Great price for a commuter.

[Derwin]

Great price for a commuter.

I agree 100%.... For the price they are stating, you can't beat it! And if they actually go into production with the vehicle, I can see them selling quite a few at that price.

Derwin

[voyager]

According to Automotive News, October 19th, U.S. Congress has approved a measure that will allow makers of three-wheel cars to receive funding for fuel-efficient auto technologies, according to published reports. The bill, which still needs to be signed into law, could be a boost to companies developing alternative car designs, notably Aptera Motors and Elio Motors. Both companies have argued that their three-wheel cars deserve federal funding meant to promote more efficient vehicles. The legislation, passed late last week, would overturn an Energy Department rule that limited funding to four-wheel vehicles meeting emissions and fuel-economy benchmarks. The new guidelines will now allow vehicles that get an average of at least 75 miles per gallon and can carry at least two adults, according to the report.

[Derwin]

Voyager.... Check out this thread where we have already been talking about this issue....

http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2318

[voyager]

I apologize.

[rickb]

I apologize.
It is such good news that I didn't mind hearing it again.

[voyager]

So, what's the story of VV and Dutch firm VandenBrink? Here in Holland we heard about the demise of the latter.

[rickb]

I received info from Elio Motor's Chip Stempeck, VP of Marketing and Sales. He says they are unable to provide much inormation at this point because of the competitive nature of this business but are about to make an exciting announcement to three wheel enthusiasts. Chip made this statement: As a quick overview, we have created a vehicle that seats two in tandem that will exceed every existing car in mileage and overall value. We will start out with a gas powered vehicle, available in manual and automatic transmission, and move to other technologies as soon as the they become more reliable and affordable to the masses. We are committed to making a safe vehicle, one that will stand up to the upcoming changes in occupant safety. On top of that, this car will be fun to drive and afford the owner a chance to really make it his or her own. Over 70 mpg, 5-star, and less than $7500.

I must say that I am excited about his enthusiasm for the Elio and at the price point looks be a safe, high mpg, eco friendly, fun ride even without the tilt. I for one am eager for more information about Elio as it becomes available.

[rickb]

I know this is a PH enthusiast's club but I'm disappointed that there isn't a little more positive or negative chat about the first three wheeler that will no doubt hit the market from Elio Motors. Particularly from people interested in an enclosed trike concept, the environment, a high mpg commuter vehicle, safety, affordability, with a splash of fun even without the tilt factor.

I personally am on Elio's intersted to buy list and hope to have some affordable fun while still waiting for PM to make their announcement.

[Derwin]

I know this is a PH enthusiast's club but I'm disappointed that there isn't a little more positive or negative chat about the first three wheeler that will no doubt hit the market from Elio Motors.


I guess, rick, it's because there's really not too much information out about this vehicle. Their website is non-existent, and I just haven't found many details. And this is a concept, after all. I guess we just have to wait and see what happens. If/when they get the thing on the market, I would think you'll see a great deal of discussion.

If you can, try to contact them and ask them when they will get a half way decent website up with more details. I'm sure many club members would love to see it.

Derwin

[rickb]

Derwin..............I did contact Elio Motors and got back the note in #11 above. It really sounds to me (guessing) that this vehicle is beyond concept because of their involvement along with Aptera regarding the Funding Bill. I emailed some additional questions to Chip regarding Elio specifications at his request and I'm waiting for his reply. Again, it sounded like a major announcement regarding the vehicle soon.

[rickb]

Also Chip's quote......."We have created a vehicle" along with his enthusiasm makes me believe it is ready for production. I haven't seen a 2F1R design I like better except for the P. Liion and that will remain in the concept museum along with a lot of other three wheel concept tilters.

[MVRacing]

rickb,
I hate to be a wet blanket, but that is the same type of thing we heard from Venture Vehicles/Pursue & Revolution Motors...and we are still waiting :confused:

[rickb]

rickb,
I hate to be a wet blanket, but that is the same type of thing we heard from Venture Vehicles/Pursue & Revolution Motors...and we are still waiting :confused:
MVR.............I know but in my desparation for an enclosed three wheeler I'm thinking that Elio Motors was silent during the entire design/build process. They actually spent money along with Aptera to promote the DOE Bill and are applying for a Federal Loan because they are actually ready to manufacture their vehicle. Elio is actually to my knowledge a design/engineering firm which can and probably did get something ready for production long before getting potential customers excited about their vehicle. I'm still looking forward to a PH but the Elio would be one affordable, fun ride while waiting for PM to break their silence. It's my hope and I am on the official Elio Motors potential buyers list. =y:

[rickb]

Info on Elio Motors: Founded by Paul Elio CEO of ESG Engineering in Tempe, AZ. ESG specializes in "ideas from concept to reality". Paul Elio worked in the auto industry for seven years as a private consultant inventor and holds numerous patents related to mechanisms. Further research finds that Elio met with the U.S. Director of Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers discussing the advantages of manufacturing a three wheel Trikke in America. His goal is to locate the manufacturing plant within a distressed auto community in Michigan. Marketing the vehicle is scheduled for Spring 2011. Info I pulled off the internet which I found interesting. It sounds like a design/engineering co. with auto background developing a threewheeler rather than lawyers and investor groups. Maybe a good sign that something could happen soon with Elio but again we still "wait" for info.

[Derwin]

Rick, I regretfully have to agree with MVR on this. Sure, Elio spent some money on the DOE bill, and may have even done other things for the industry. But that is no guarantee that they will actually produce a vehicle....at least not any more of a guarantee than Persu building a vehicle for production. Persu also spent money and put a great deal of effort into getting legislation passed that would benefit the industry. Did they do this for nothing? I don't think so. I think they did it so it would benefit them when their vehicle hits the market. But until one of these companies, or another, actually have something on the market for us to buy, it is all speculation.....and YES.... a waiting game.

Why can't a company just pop one of these babies out? I really don't get it. du:n:n:o(

Derwin

[wireman]

Why can't a company just pop one of these babies out? I really don't get it. du:n:n:o(

Derwin
$$$$$$$, baby! $$$$$$$! Looking at the rules for fed funds, you find that you can't get any if you haven't the wherewithal in the first place. :confused:

[rickb]

Derwin........after following three wheeler "concepts" for over three years I grow impatient. You have a great new toy in your Piaggio. Open trikes or scooters don't have the safety factor I require......although look like a hoot to ride. I'm simply trying to determine whether Elio Motors is credible and genuine with their statements of getting an enclosed three wheeler to market at that price point. I was hoping other members would be able to scope out additional info which hasn't been the case. Perhaps there isn't much interest in this vehicle from a 2F1R design standpoint. Elio's background info makes him appear to be a contender in "popping out his baby". I don't mind the wait if the anticipation is for a vehicle that is actually going to be produced. It otherwise becomes less fun and more frustrating and I'm currently on the edge of wondering if it will ever happen.

[Derwin]

Hey, I'm with you, rick! And I think everybody in this club is behind your sentiments as well. I was just trying to point out that there's really no reason to get anymore excited about the Elio than there is to get excited about the Persu Hybrid. Both companies have invested money and a great deal of effort into getting legislation passed which will benefit them when they (hopefully) get a vehicle on the road.

I am hoping ANY one of these companies succeeds. It just means more choices for us in the long run. But, as you may be able to tell, I am a huge Persu supporter, and hope they get their vehicle into production as soon as possible.

Derwin

[rickb]

Elio's Chip Stempeck's reply to my questions:

We are moving as fast as we can to make sure that you can have years and years of enjoyment out of your Elio motors vehicle. The design is what I would term functionally complete. There may be a couple of changes depending on manufacturing process needs and a couple of items that need to be run through focus groups, but for the most part it is final. As far as speed and acceleration, you know that there is a trade-off between mileage and power usually. If you want to idle around the road you’ll get much better mileage than if you drive like me (I like to feel the vehicle). Our vehicle will have the ability to go 0-60 in less than ten seconds (can’t get too detailed) and will be able to comfortably perform at any highway speed in the US. Plus over 70 mpg highway. We are planning on having the vehicle available in early to mid 2011. It all depends on how quickly we can get the next funding round.

The next funding round seems to be the brick wall to production. Wireman is right on the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[rickb]

Chip's response to my skepticism about having the Elio available by 2011:

Excellent summary of the process, sounds like you may have experienced it yourself a couple of times. We are working on all the things you noted in your email, plus a couple of thousand more, and have made headway on most. The reality is that if a start-up company doesn’t get funded, it doesn’t go. We are all too aware of that and are trying to manage the flow of information to the consumer until we get closer. That is one of the reasons we did such a slow roll on the website. We want to avoid the messes that some of our competitors have created by coming out too early, without a price, and then being late before ever delivering a vehicle. We have a plan, of which all of our suppliers have signed off on, to be in production in record time.Keep the faith, I know I will, and I’ll keep you posted.Chip Stempeck

[Derwin]

Sound good, rick!

Please tell Chip about our site, and maybe he would like to join us and give us updates on their progress.

Pretty much all of what he has said was also said by Ian and the people at Persu. I am hoping that BOTH companies, as well as many others, get the funding that they need to finally produce these vehicles. I know we all share this desire.

Derwin

[voyager]

Why the excitement? Thought that this site was about leaning vehicles. Is the Elio one?

[rickb]

Why the excitement? Thought that this site was about leaning vehicles. Is the Elio one?

I'm the only FTRC member excited about Elio a 2F1R three wheeler that is likely to hit the market sooner than later at an affordable $7500 price point. Overall good design, 70-75 mpg, 5 star safety, narrow 2 seater, eco-friendly, adequate power, adaptable to hybrid and all electric versions when affordable to the masses, customizable, and fun to drive during the long wait for a leaning vehicle to get to market if ever. What's not to like? If they could offer a tilting version............ that would be icing on the cake. They are even communicating with their customer base which is why I'm on their to buy list.

There has been discussion about alternative non-leaning vehicles in the past.

[Derwin]

Why the excitement? Thought that this site was about leaning vehicles. Is the Elio one?

You make a very good point, voyager.

This club consists of people interested in a variety of things, though. We all initially gathered around the idea of the Persu Hybrid 3-wheeled tilting vehicle. I absolutely LOVE the concept, and wanted a place where we can talk about all of these types of vehicles that may be coming out. But then the club seemed to move towards vehicles that were "eco-friendly", and many members were ONLY interested in these aspects of vehicles, whether they had three wheels or four. Then it seems the club moved towards talking about any new vehicles at all that may be coming on the market.

But, yes, this club was started primarily for talking about tilting vehicles because we want to experience the "FlyTheRoad" sensation of tilting.

As with most things (my waistline included!), this club has expanded it's initial reason for being here. We no longer just talk about the Persu Hybrid, or even tilting vehicles. We're here to talk about ANY and ALL new vehicles that may be of interest to members.

But, hey, I'm still waiting for the first tilting three wheeler to hit the market! :burning:rubber:

Derwin

[voyager]

I understand, Derwin. If you go to the Elio website you only get to see a three-wheeler from the side. It's design (and engineering) that's drawing investors and customers. In that respect all newcomers could learn from Tesla and Fisker. The last one even bought an old Pontiac plant from GM to start building their sedans. I learned a great deal over the last year how the industry is working... and not working.

[Derwin]

I understand, Derwin. If you go to the Elio website you only get to see a three-wheeler from the side.

Quite frankly, I'm not impressed at all with the Elio. The body design (in my opinion) is terrible. But I could dismiss this aspect IF it was a leaning vehicle, but it's not. So, for me at least, if they had the vehicle on the market next week ready for consumers to buy, I would NOT buy one. But, hey, that's just personal preference, and I understand completely how others may really like the design of the Elio. That's why there's so many different vehicles on the market, right?

But, yeah, to me they have to work on the body design before I would even be slightly interested. And when it is all said and done, I would much prefer a tilting vehicle so that I can FLY THE ROAD!

Derwin

[voyager]

Hey Derwin, what would you think of a vehicle that's 'soft tilt'? I mean a vehicle that's not actively leaning by using a tilt mechanism like the one in the Carver, but a vehicle that uses active damping to counter G-forces. Theoretically it could mean stiffening the damping on one side of the vehicle to such an extent that the vehicle will actually lean in corners.

[JoeU]

voyager,
If a pendulum type of sensor could be used to control a mechanism to force the vehicle to tilt the opposite way and counter the swing, it might work. du:n:n:o(I have no idea on how it could be done, but that might get others thinking to figure out a way to do it. 2thumb:up I believe Carver uses the steering mechanism to partially accomplish this. I may be wrong so let the Carver owners correct me.thu:mbs:up:22

[voyager]

voyager,
If a pendulum type of sensor could be used to control a mechanism to force the vehicle to tilt the opposite way and counter the swing, it might work. du:n:n:o(I have no idea on how it could be done, but that might get others thinking to figure out a way to do it. 2thumb:up I believe Carver uses the steering mechanism to partially accomplish this. I may be wrong so let the Carver owners correct me.thu:mbs:up:22

I guess. Anyway, it's an expensive piece of hardware and engineering the Carver lean was based on. Sensors that measure lateral forces to determine lean will be much cheaper and easier to implement, is my idea. Faster and perhaps even more subtle too. No rocket science involved. Mercedes already uses G-force dependent damping to counter body roll during cornering on the more expensive models.

dr:ive1)PS: btw, does anybody have an email address of Paul Elio?

[rickb]

Voyager.........The contact person at Elio Motors is Chip Stempeck, V.P. of Marketing & Sales. He has gotten back to me on all of my questions regarding Elio.

[rickb]

Derwin.....I know liking vehicles and body styles are all personal preferance and I am not promoting any idea about what you should like or think is terrible design but it is interesting for me to understand what is "terrible" about the Elio body style and what it means when someone says a little work. Elio's overall outline is very similar to the PH (to my eye). If you took the PH to a 2F1R configuration there is similarity in overall design. What makes Elio's profile look "a little odd" is the rear wheel cover and no door details which make it look like a very simple aerodynamic wedge design. My opinion is that a 2F1R design is a more difficult design challenge. What is terrible about Elio is that it doesn't tilt. I also hope PM has a first place win to the production line at 3x the cost. I would rather fly the road in my PH but may have a little fun in a reasonably priced, high mpg, eco friendly, less conventional vehicle while I wait. If economics wasn't a factor I would be flying the road in a MonoTracer today.

[Derwin]

Derwin.....I know liking vehicles and body styles are all personal preferance and I am not promoting any idea about what you should like or think is terrible design but it is interesting for me to understand what is "terrible" about the Elio body style and what it means when someone says a little work.

I just don't like the "look" of the Elio. But, as I said, if it TILTED, then I would most likely be willing to overlook the body design. The Dagne vehicle that Revolution Motors is developing is a 2F1R design also, but it looks really nice. So you have the Elio that has a terrible (in my opinion) body design that does NOT tilt, and you have the Dagne with a good body design that DOES tilt. Both have 2 wheels up front and one in the rear. But only one of them has the "FLYTHEROAD" aspect to it. So, hey, I would always go with the tilter. But that's just me.




I would rather fly the road in my PH but may have a little fun in a reasonably priced, high mpg, eco friendly, less conventional vehicle while I wait. .

Absolutely. And that's why I bought the Piaggio MP3 500. I'll have fun on that while waiting for one of these other vehicles to come out. If you like the Elio, and it comes out soon, you should buy it. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it. And I'll even create a special section for that vehicle so owners can log on and share their experiences.

It's all good.

Derwin thu:mbs:up:22

[rickb]

Actually..........if all three vehicles hit the market on the same day I "might" buy RM's Dagne simply because of the 2F1R and their alternative engineered tilting mechanism. Although I am a huge PH fan I worry about reliability and maintenance issues the Carver owners have experienced. A test drive would be mandatory in making the final decision. I agree it will all be good when we finally get some choices on the market.

[voyager]

Thanx, Rickb. I know Chip. Was a bit confusing to notice that there is a company called ESG Engineering and then Elio Motors. They're behind the same Elio vehicle. Chip knew about my concept and design of the Space-Efficient Vehicle. They took a pass on the idea, he said.

[rickb]

Thanx, Rickb. I know Chip. Was a bit confusing to notice that there is a company called ESG Engineering and then Elio Motors. They're behind the same Elio vehicle. Chip knew about my concept and design of the Space-Efficient Vehicle. They took a pass on the idea, he said.

You are welcome.............although Chip said he would keep me posted on any Elio anouncements or developments.................should you get some info please feel free to share it on this post. I have some intersest in this vehicle. When you contact Chip ask him to engineer a tilting version. I would like to see Elio Motors and Revolution Motors' Dagnne partner a vehicle or at least share production, supplier, sales, and service facilities. It could save millions of dollars in required funding for both companies. A win, win, win for both companies and particularly the consumer.

They could call it the "DagnElio". A little up-start company humor.2thumb:up

[voyager]

It's the design (and clever packaging) that draws the attention of the public... and the media... and new investors! Problem with a lot of these companies is that they're so obsessed with the engineering that they tend to forget about how a new vehicle is perceived. I mean, look at a lot of the eco-cars that have come out over the past couple of years. For now, Tesla and Fisker are the only ones that have made a difference, albeit on the high end of the market. No wonder they have come this far.

Btw, what is the status on the DOA bill on three-wheelers? Haven't heard anything anymore. Is it supposed to go through Congress?

[MikeB]

Btw, what is the status on the DOA bill on three-wheelers? Haven't heard anything anymore. Is it supposed to go through Congress?

You mean the DoE bill? It's now law, signed by the President, and Aptera is already working on a new loan application. I've heard nothing about any other 3-wheel vehicle companies working on a new loan app, but I suspect they are all looking into it now.

[rickb]

My understanding is that both Aptera and Elio Motors are working on loan applications. Hopefully, RM and PM get down to business also.

[voyager]

I see... Thanks for the update!

[rickb]

I invited Chip Stempeck, V.P. Marketing & Sales of Elio Motors to join the discussion by intoducing himself and Elio to the FTRC membership. I feel Elio Motors has an interesting company philosphy and design in Elio as a safe, eco-friendly, fun commuter vehicle that may be nearing production.

[Derwin]

Great! I hope he decides to join our little club and talk with us about his vehicle. I'm sure our members would enjoy hearing from him.

Derwin

[voyager]

Let's use our imagination. Last week President Barack Obama said that innovation will be the key to creating the jobs of the future. He said he is looking for new ways to recoup the jobs lost during the economic recession and searching for ways to create new employment opportunities. Well, America still is about going distances, personal transportation; that means the auto industry.
Looking at what Aptera and Elio are doing, my suggestion would be to strike two in one blow: create new economic activity and jobs as well as do something highly imaginative and substantial about reducing oil (import) dependency and reducing emissions by seriously investing in alternative vehicles like this website has been paying attention to...

[rickb]

I agree with both you and Obama and if I'm not mistaken that is precisely why he has provided millions in DoE low interest loans to companies like Aptera, Elio, Dagne (I'm hoping), and others (BMW) to develop and "finally produce" alternative energy eco-friendly vehicles (Three wheelers now included) that will provide for economic growth, green job creation, less depenency on oil, reduced emissions, and most importantly getting the vehicles FTRC members want setting in their garages that are fly the road worthy.

I only wish for some good news from these companies that have been silent for so long. Chip at Elio tells me they are in fact on the fast track to production. Although non-tiltling, for the price point has great potential as a fun recreational/commuter vehicle to drive while waiting for the ultimate flying the road machine. Elio's design is growing on me as a narrow, two seater, enclosed cabin Tryke. I would like to see it in a 360 degree spin with some interior views along with final specs.

[rickb]

I received an email from Chip of Elio Motors indcating that he will provide Elio information here at the FTRC website but has been "extremely busy". I hope busy means fast tracking Elio's final specs to production status.

Voyager............you mentioned meeting/knowing Chip. Have you contacted him regarding this vehicle and more importantly, if so, has he shared any additional information? What is your opinion of the Elio concept and design.

[voyager]

Hey RickB, thanx for being so helpful. Yeah, Chip wrote to me that he knows about my Space-Efficient Vehicle. So, that's a good sign. But they decided to pursue their own course. I don't wanna sound pretentious, but I'm positive that my vehicle concept, whether it will end up (dependent on vehicle regulations) having a semi-tricycle platform or a three-wheel one, is by far the best. Particularly since it's capable (on paper that is) of carrying three people more safely and with more comfort than any other three-wheeler I know, or any other NTV for that matter.

Over the last one and a half year (ever since the aftermath of the Detroit Auto Show 2008) I have received so many rave comments from people, even from distributors who were curious when my SEV was gonna hit the road, that I'm sure that I'm on to something. Engineers and three-wheeler experts already pointed out to me that there's nothing wrong with my concept. However, what I encountered is the phenomenon of "not invented here". Creative people know what I'm talking about.

Time will prove me right I hope. My SEV is tackling a lot of issues all at the same time: more energy efficiency, better space utilization (Holland is debating the introduction of a multi-billion dollar costing road pricing infrastructure), lean manufacturing. The thing is that I am convinced that my SEV should be further developed and manufactured in your country, the U.S. Not in Europe or Asia. I have my reasons for thinking that way. I can tell you this: I'm prepared to go far to have my SEV make it into production...

(so, to be continued)

[3wheeljunkie]

I wasn't aware of the Elio Motors Three Wheeler @ under $7500 MSRP and 75 mpg. Not a bad looking vehicle.........although no tilt factor. http://www.eliomotors.com/ Maybe they could use some of that Dept. of Energy money to develop a tilting version.

The tilting factor is not as big a deal to me. I look at this vehicle as fantastic and economical transportation. When you can get a vehicle with air and power windows for $75oo that gets 75 mpg I count my blessings. It will take some MAJOR bucks to set up the plant as it is designed now. I talked to Paul Elio this morning and I'm excited about the vehicle just as it is.
For tilting I ride my Burgman and love the heck out of it.

[rickb]

The tilting factor is not as big a deal to me. I look at this vehicle as fantastic and economical transportation. When you can get a vehicle with air and power windows for $75oo that gets 75 mpg I count my blessings. It will take some MAJOR bucks to set up the plant as it is designed now. I talked to Paul Elio this morning and I'm excited about the vehicle just as it is.
For tilting I ride my Burgman and love the heck out of it.

wel;co;m;e101)) When talking to Paul Elio did he indicate they were in the process of retrofitting an abandoned Detroit auto plant as a future home for Elio Motors? If you catch any Elio news please post. I too have interest in this vehicle.
The Burgman looks like a sweet ride while waiting for Elio to hit production mode.

[voyager]

"Fy the Road Club"...???
DeFy? ;-)

[WarpedOne]

LOOOOOOL :)

How long do we have this smiley? :D

[MikeB]

The tilting factor is not as big a deal to me.

I've always seen tilting as a means to an end: it allows a narrower vehicle, which is more aerodynamic and easier to manage on crowded roads. But aerodynamics and narrowness are an important part of what I'm looking for, so tilting becomes important indirectly.

[rickb]

"Fy the Road Club"...???
DeFy? ;-)
I'm not sure what that means, however, with the original fly the road vehicle shrowded in complete silence it is interesting to discuss other three wheel vehicle options with high mpg, safety, and eco-friendly qualities that have the possiblitiy of fast track production with an extremely affordable MSRP. Again, Elio looks like something fun and economical to "drive" while while waiting for my "flight".

I would be interested in more information about your vehicle concept too if you were to start a new vehicle specific thread.=y:

[wireman]

I would be interested in more information about your vehicle concept too if you were to start a new vehicle specific thread.=y:
agr:1FTRC must keep the interest and the info flowing, including all the other concepts out there, since our main focus is extremely un-focused at the moment. Do share more about your concept, V!

[Chip]

Hey Everyone. I was asked by one of your members (Rickb I believe) to come see the forum and comment on the Elio Motors new vehicle. I have been meaning to do it for weeks, and it looks like the discussion has been lively to say the least. I will figure out how to use this and hopefully be able to add some value.

[Chip]

I invited Chip Stempeck, V.P. Marketing & Sales of Elio Motors to join the discussion by intoducing himself and Elio to the FTRC membership. I feel Elio Motors has an interesting company philosphy and design in Elio as a safe, eco-friendly, fun commuter vehicle that may be nearing production.

OK, I finally made it to the Fly the Road Club. I am reading up on the thread and can hopefully figure out how to work this site.

[MVRacing]

OK, I finally made it to the Fly the Road Club. I am reading up on the thread and can hopefully figure out how to work this site.

Hello Chip!! Many of us are interested in your vehicle!! Information seems very scarce ... can you provide a site with more details?

[rickb]

OK, I finally made it to the Fly the Road Club. I am reading up on the thread and can hopefully figure out how to work this site.

Welcome Chip! I'm sure the majority of your time has been devoted to Elio, but I'm glad you finally made it to the FTRC. If you provide detailed specifications about your vehicle concept, as they become available, I think you will find some Elio fans here at the FTRC. If the Elio had the tilt/lean fly the road factor we would all buy it. Even without the tilt......... Elio looks to be a safe, high mpg, fun to drive commuter/recreational vehicle (enclosed cabin trike) at a great price point that I hope is closer to production than when we first emailed.

[Mike kZ]

Welcome Chip! Anymore details?

[pharuan]

Welcome to the club Chip. As you can tell there are many of us whom are very interested in your vehicle and we'd like to know all about it.

[voyager]

Btw, how's Aptera doing? Heard some troubling rumors.

[Chip]

Thanks for the welcome. I know I have emailed with several of you over the last couple of months as the voice of eliomotors.com and look forward to using this forum to continue the communication with more enthusiasts.

As far as our vehicle goes, I will answer as many questions as I can from the group. The only caveat is that we are being very careful with information on our vehicle for the obvious reason of our competition as well as getting too far ahead of ourselves before the launch. There are a couple of posters here that have vehicle designs and hopes of producing a vehicle for this market that we don't want to tip off...

The one issue that I have seen is that we are not a tilting vehicle. No we are not. We are a safe, economical to buy and operate, eco friendly vehicle that will be (is!) fun to drive. I have had several requests to make a tilting vehicle, which we haven't fully ruled out yet. I will tell you that it will have to get a lot of support from focus groups and will be several years down the road if it does make the cut. Our focus for this project is to make something affordable, safe and fun that will appeal to a broad market. When successful, we will create thousands of jobs and have a real impact on the economy.

Let me know your questions!

[pharuan]

Aptera is doing well actually. They're re-filing for the Department of Energy's Advanced Vehicle Technology Manufacturing loan program this month since President Obama had changed the wording to vehicles in October. They've also moved ahead in the x-prize as we have all noted that Persu had dropped out. I do believe they also have a new facility, still in San Diego County as the pervious one.

[rickb]

Chip................You have a side view graphic of Elio on your website...............is it possible that you will post an option to show Elio in a 360 degree rotational view. I personally like the design but would like to see it from all angles to include exterior and interior views.

[Chip]

Chip................You have a side view graphic of Elio on your website...............is it possible that you will post an option to show Elio in a 360 degree rotational view. I personally like the design but would like to see it from all angles to include exterior and interior views.

Rick,

Ultimately we will have exactly what you would like to see, a 360 deg interactive view of the vehicle. I am glad that you like the design, most people seem to like it as well.

The current website, and the last rendition, were done to match a couple of meetings we had with investors, and really weren't targeted for public consumption (I know that is not logical really, internet = everyone). All the pictures you see are of our one "mule", and were not taken in a manner you would for an official piece. The vehicle in colors was simply photoshopped to show color options. We made this decision knowing the possible downside, but felt it important to have something available.

We are focusing all of our resources on making this vehicle, and the fun stuff... marketing, will show you some great things then.

[Derwin]

Thanks for the welcome. I know I have emailed with several of you over the last couple of months as the voice of eliomotors.com and look forward to using this forum to continue the communication with more enthusiasts.

I want to personally WELCOME you to the club also, Chip. wel;co;m;e101))

I know a lot of members like your design, and would like to communicate with you via this club. If you want, we can create a SPECIAL FORUM in the club for EXCLUSIVE discussion about YOUR vehicle and company. Just let me know, and I'll make sure it all gets set up and activated. I know one way to really have an impact is to interact with enthusiasts, and I'm so happy that your company has decided to do just that.

Derwin

[rickb]

Chip...............It sounds like you either have or are in the process of putting together a marketing strategy that will eventually get more detailed information out to potential customers. I know there is real concern about the competition, however, can you share a realistic time line on when general specifications will be available to those interested and what is a realistic target date to getting Elio into production status as you have mentioned "fast tracking production". Is that 6 months, 1-2 years, or longer? There has been no update to the website or newsletter since our initial dsicussion some time ago. Does Elio stand a real chance at production or is it a concept that generates some initial excitement, investment dollars, and then suddenly is off the radar. The lack of information/ silence is extremely frustrating to people waiting for this type of vehicle to hit the market.

[Chip]

Chip...............It sounds like you either have or are in the process of putting together a marketing strategy that will eventually get more detailed information out to potential customers. I know there is real concern about the competition, however, can you share a realistic time line on when general specifications will be available to those interested and what is a realistic target date to getting Elio into production status as you have mentioned "fast tracking production". Is that 6 months, 1-2 years, or longer? There has been no update to the website or newsletter since our initial dsicussion some time ago. Does Elio stand a real chance at production or is it a concept that generates some initial excitement, investment dollars, and then suddenly is off the radar. The lack of information/ silence is extremely frustrating to people waiting for this type of vehicle to hit the market.

Rickb,
One of the toughest issues to manage for a brand new product like ours is timing. You are torn between getting information out there early to build excitement and waiting to roll info out until you have everything in place. We initially had planned on the latter, wanting to not repeat some other manufacturers mistakes in the rollout process. (many have come and gone without adding any value to society, we do not want to do that) We have had two significant events happen that made us move a little faster than we would have liked. For the first we put up the one page website and for the second we added some additional info to the site. It was too early because we are not ready to communicate everything, which is what most people want. We are frustrated too, but are confident that we have chosen the right path.

When can we have the vehicle manufactured? We will deliver our first vehicles between 18-24 months after our next funding event. So that means later 2011 at the soonest. Information about exact specifics of the vehicle will come out 6-10 months before delivery (est.). It may be sooner depending on consumer research and prototyping. We are ready to go once we get our next round of funding.

I know its frustrating, on so many levels, and I will continue to try to answer as much as I can to keep everyone involved and excited.
C

[Derwin]

At Chips request, I've created a new forum entirely dedicated to Elio Motors and their vehicle. This entire thread has now been moved to this new forum.

If you want to discuss anything related to Elio Motors, please be sure to go to the Elio Motors forum, and post in the appropriate thread.

Thanks.

Derwin

[voyager]

Perhaps easier to link this thread thru?

[voyager]

Yeah, I am also curious what's happening. Just checked my Space-Efficient Vehicle project on the internet... I was surprised to see how many websites mentioned it... And I am probably nearly not as far as Elio is... (I will be)...

[rickb]

With the lack of any real information from Chip about Elio.....................you could be as far or even further along with your SEV project. I was counting on Chip to provide much more updated information at this point in time. Therefore, I seem to be disappointed in not only PM's lack of ino but also in EM's lack of info. I'm pretty sure we won't be seeing a mass produced enclosed three wheeler on the market for a looooooooong time.

[Derwin]

With the lack of any real information from Chip about Elio.....................you could be as far or even further along with your SEV project. I was counting on Chip to provide much more updated information at this point in time. Therefore, I seem to be disappointed in not only PM's lack of ino but also in EM's lack of info. I'm pretty sure we won't be seeing a mass produced enclosed three wheeler on the market for a looooooooong time.

I wouldn't be so rough on Elio Motors, or Chip, Rick. At least Chip is willing to come to this club and share whatever he has to share. He actually contacted me and requested I set up an entire section of the club just for Elio Motors, which I have done. That says a great deal about the guy, and hopefully his company. I'm not a great fan of his vehicle, but, hey, that may change!

Derwin

[Chip]

With the lack of any real information from Chip about Elio.....................you could be as far or even further along with your SEV project. I was counting on Chip to provide much more updated information at this point in time. Therefore, I seem to be disappointed in not only PM's lack of ino but also in EM's lack of info. I'm pretty sure we won't be seeing a mass produced enclosed three wheeler on the market for a looooooooong time.

Rickb,
I understand your frustration, and frankly, feel it too. We have been very upfront about the amount of information that we could and could not share to this point. We had hoped, since we soft rolled information a little sooner than we had planned, to use this forum to slowly release information about the Elio Vehicle. I still plan to do that, but will not jeopardize the ultimate success of our vehicle by releasing infomation before it is time. Our sole focus is to build a safe, high mileage, eco friendly and fun vehicle here in America, as quickly as we can, and we will continue to execute our plan to that end.

I saw that Derwin started another forum for Elio, and will start ansering questions over there.

Thanks,
C

[rickb]

Chip................Don't misunderstand.................I'm happy you have made the decision to use this forum to release information when it's timely for the ultimate progress/success of your vehicle. I suspect that if/when you release more detailed design specs I will be even more impressed with Elio. I have decided not to follow the progress so regulary and will sit back and hope to be pleasantly surprised when/if Elio becomes available to it's fan base over the next 5 + years. Put me down for the first vehicle to roll off the detroit assembly line........or if you need someone to test drive a preproduction model under the Midwest's driving conditions ............I'm available. I'm also betting Derwin will become an Elio fan over time...........because it is going to be one fun ride even without the lean factor. You have my email address so let me know. Thanks.