The Lucky 4000 List

[MarkH]

Hi Gang, I would have posted this over at VVs forum but for some reason I can't get logged in.

Derwin ask Ian to publish the lucky 4000 list. While I agree with his reasons for wanting this list to be published I have some thoughts I would like to pass along.

My thoughts on this are that anyone can put their name on a list. This might help to explain why there are over 10,000 names on the VV list so far.

Ian has said something to the effect that there might me another actual reservation list later. I really think the second list is a great idea.

If it was conducted like the SmartUSA folks did I think it would work very well. VV could take a small reservation fee of $99.00 to secure a place in line. The fee could be applied to purchase and be refundable. It would also serve the purpose of showing actual purchase commitment and not just expressing interest in the vehicle (which is what I took the first list to be).


vv has also stated that California would be first. I tend to think of those first 4000 as being the California only units. This would dilute the list further for us "not in California" types.

I think what will happen is that there will probably be two actual purchase reservation lists.

California and all others.

Is it fair? Probably not.

Will it allow VV to iron out the wrinkles by keeping the first ones close to home for the first year? You bet.

Do I like it? Nope, but I would rather wait an extra year if the alternative is to have a V1 in PA broken and the only service is in CA.

Thanks for allowing me my .02

[Derwin]

The reason I posed that question in the VV forum is because I think it is getting to the point now where we want to know. I do agree that all 10,000 people that placed a "reservation" is pretty meaningless. Heck, a 15 year old kid could place a reservation with no intent on really purchasing one!

SmartUSA did have a GREAT system going. I would even go a step further, and be willing to put a $1,000 down payment on the Vehicle. This would certainly eliminate any and all pranks.

As for the first only being released in California, this is true. But, if you read many posts in this club, we are going to be planning many "flight" routes with other members from around the country who will be picking up a V1 from California. I don't think a person MUST be FROM California in order to purchase one. So, as with many other members, I will be flying to VV headquarters to pick up my vehicle, and then I'll be Flying the Road back home!

But, getting back to my other post, I just think it would be nice to know who is definately going to be given the chance to actually purchase one of the initial models. This gives us a chance to put that money aside. April of 2009 is not too far away!

Derwin

[AZEqualizer]

I don't think current lists are even going to be involved. I think the whole process of lists and reservations will start 4th Quarter this year. I just hope they don't do the Aptera thing or it is going to be a problem for people outside the designated area of CA to get one.
I don't have a problem with support... the biggest thing will be getting specialty parts shipped.... Between my friends and I ... we can figure out how to fix or modify anything they can come up with and assemble.

[Derwin]

AZE,

I thought it was mentioned SEVERAL times at the VV forum how people on the reservation list were going to get first chance at purchase. Did you now hear something different?

Derwin

[AZEqualizer]

Nope ... I just don't believe it will happen that way because of "Heck, a 15 year old kid could place a reservation with no intent on really purchasing one! "

They may try to give an extra consideration to forum members but tracing that might be sketchy too. And one has to consider a lot of people between now and then will change their mind. Some people have intentions but have no means or motive to follow threw on them, and some people are just along for the ride and so on and so on.

I think to eliminate complications things will start with a clean slate when they get close to production and just prior to starting the selling process... But I might be wrong.

[MarkH]

I think the whole reservation process needs to be clarified by the nice folks at VV. It would be nice to have clear, defined expectations for everyone.

I also agree with the clean slate approach. That being said though I still believe I won't be able to purchase one until year 2 due to my geographic location. This needs clarification too.

to recap;

1. How will the reservation process work?

2. Will "California ONLY" be inforced in year one?

[AZEqualizer]

Don't think that is going to happen until it gets closer to that time.... like Rick said:
http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1321#post1321

[Derwin]

For some reason I remember it being mentioned that people on the pre-reservation list would be given first chance of purchasing. In any case, it would be nice to clear this up so we all have a better understanding of it.

Derwin

[Mark Tomlinson]

Perhaps they will send e-mails to everyone on the pre-reservation list giving them the opportunity to put some cash down before they open the final list to the rest of the world.

Aptera followed the "California Only" scheme for a variety of reasons. The FAQ mentions wanting to build a support structure. There is also mention of working with insurance companies, which I happen to know means navigating state by state regulations. But I've been looking for the interview with Steve Fambro where he admits the car is made for Southern California driving and doesn't have the heating and traction necessary for snow and ice. That could be a major reason to lock all sales to California buyers.

Tesla, on the other hand, initially was going to do the California Only thing. They could have built the business on Hollywood alone. But they decided to open it up to the whole US because interest was too strong. They will, however, charge an extra service fee for owners outside their service areas.

Ian knows how much demand there is, but has stated they will only sell in California initially. Nonetheless, the pre-reservation page allows all states, the surveys ask what state we live in, and he has never voiced an opinion on our fly-to-buy scheme. I take these things (and his interest in Malcolm Bricklin) as an indication that he's not going to stop anyone from buying the vehicle, regardless of where they live.

[RAN]

When it comes time to put $500-1000 down, you'll see that 10,000 list shrink like my shirts do when I do the wash. If there *were* a have-to-fly-to-CA in 2009 to get one, it would shrink even more. And in all honesty, who among us would commit to buying either a V-1 or an Aptera without a test drive? The Tesla is conventional enough in it's layout to take a chance on foregoing a test drive, but not these 3 wheelers. While I'm 90% sure I'm gonna love it, that could change greatly once behind the wheel. So while I'm willing to put down a deposit and fly to CA, buying one is contingent on driving it first.

[rogwild]

I'm with you RAN, in fact, I still think my idea of a 'Vv Approved' Orientation Course (1-2 days) is a workable idea. Since I want to know as much about this new-style vehicle (that I will be driving for the 'rest of my life') and its unique handling characteristics; Vv should have a 'training program' (especially for those out of the 'initial service area') that goes over the vehicle's systems and ends with a track driving session. Completion of the course would get you a certificate as a 'factory trained V-1 Pilot', and perhaps with additional training they could be 'designated' as "Demonstration Pilots" (authorized by Vv to give 'Demo Flights') to give test rides to potential customers in their home markets.

I would be willing to add a couple days to my 'vacation' to know what items could be user or 'locally serviced' by mechanics in my area, and what 'critical items' must be returned to Vv or 'factory serviced'. Also a bit of training on receiving and installing 'software upgrades' would be helpful.

[RAN]

Sounds good to me rog. Sign me up!

[Bulldog]

When the time comes to make a deposit, I will be on it THEN! I have seen enough and read enough that I would take the chance and or opportunity to latch onto one. I live in New Mexico and would make a quick trip to LA for the factory demo.

[Miracleman89]

I live in AZ and I will be there, one way or the other!

[Davo]

Agree with RAN. Money down is not an issue. Test drive is crucial. Can't believe this has not been mentioned before. Can't wait to test fly one myself.

[Heraclid]

There should be an opportunity for us to get first dibs - a small window of opportunity to ante up the cash to hold one and make those test drives. Starting with this club, then the list. First come, first served still, but from within our pool of folks first. I'd gladly go out to LA to test one out and would love to get to bring it back cross-country... have always wanted to make a cross-country road trip! I-10 all the way from LA back home to Jax.

This is getting so exciting as it gets closer and closer to reality! Woohoo! This thing is shaping up to be way, way cool. Nice work VV!

Hadn't thought of this before, but ya think anyone will get motion sickness and not be able to drive these?

[MVRacing]

As a racing school instructor, I would be happy to help Vv put together a curriculum and orientation course for owners. Thunderhill race track an hour north of Sacremento would be a great track and resonably cheap, however something closer to a major airport and the manufacturing facility might make more sense.
Has Ian announced where the manufaturing facility will be? Gotta have tours! Need to see mine being built!

[CelticFlyer]

Heck, I'm without a car period! I'd be more than happy to fork over some cash to reserve my V1!

I spend $85 a month on a mass-transit pass. I'd gladly divert that towards a down payment. And I'm so glad I live in California! No snow or ice in Sac town, nor do I expect any. I was planning to get a VW Rabbit or GTI. Those plans have been put on indefinite hold. Now I'm focusing on the V1 alone!