Elio Crowdfunding

[AriLea]

On a good note, I don't think they could come near the expected price of the Elio, I think they might aim for a higher priced market (also the reason I think they will make a "better" product)

Yes!, there is also the predatory practice of nipping at the edges in the hope of impacting production volumes.

One big change that opens the door to what other companies might do. There never was an autocycle definition and restitution of the helmet laws across the US, plus provision of reasonable insurance and stabilizing the liabilities issues. That killed one (or more) model for VW and one for ? Peugeot ?, possibly others.

The vehicle mostly likely coming from all competitors are upmarket sports versions, expanded specs (LX or GT) or even luxury versions. They will play with those for a couple years before going head-to-head with the Elio product line.

 

[Kuda]

The auto cycle bill now in both houses of congress is specifically intended to define auto cycles and set safety standards for them. Personally, I think it's a good idea because it can only benefit Elio which is already committed to automotive-level safety standards.

Thanks EKH, thumbs tired....

 

[JEBar]

Polaris seems to be doing fine with theirs @19K so who knows, of course they aren't cranking out nearly as many as Elios target.

exactly .... I doubt that very few, if any, folks reserving an Elio are in the market for a Polaris ..... two very different markets

 

[Kuda]

There may be another response already in this thread, but thought I'd chime in here Rick... in the Devin Thorpe interview yesterday, Paul said that there are two other funding plans / paths / sources in addition to the ATVM loan, that he's not at liberty to discuss, that may also bring in some funding. No way to know if those two other plans are for 10 million or 100 million. So I believe it's helpful to be hopeful, that even if the ATVM loan doesn't happen, the Elio still could happen.

Agree, it's the 'ol not all eggs in (1) basket.....

 

[bowers baldwin]

exactly .... I doubt that very few, if any, folks reserving an Elio are in the market for a Polaris ..... two very different markets

It's the only 3-wheeled comparison that's even close, I agree totally different (open air, high HP, performance marked) but people will buy a $20K 3-wheeler is what I am getting at. If Porsche came out with a 3-wheeled 300+ HP unit for $50K I am quite sure there would be a market for it.

 

[AriLea]

The auto cycle bill now in both houses of congress is specifically intended to define auto cycles and set safety standards for them. Personally, I think it's a good idea because it can only benefit Elio which is already committed to automotive-level safety standards.

I don't think it will fly, since it has awakened the States Rights lobby, as crazy as that sounds. Smells like industry underhandedness to me!
Anyway, that actually works to Elio's advantage IMO. Competition from major makers would benefit from those laws more than Elio will. And the states seem inclined to accommodate the Elio as it stands now. Even if it will be touch and go for a few. This law-fail may even help to stave off foreign competition too. The patchwork of state's laws would befuddle them at least a bit.

 

[Rickb]

Yes, and have had for years and years. But none of those were 'Engineering models' what we used to call pre-production prototypes. What they lacked was a business imperative to do so. They have to justify competing with their own product lines! The only reason there are any base models like we have now, at all, is that the competitors have them. These bring people in the door and establish the perception of a full product line for the brand.

For many years the Sentra was known to lose money on each car. But it kept Nissan on the map as having something for everyone.

So my statements below are based on corporate business thinking in evidence up to now.

Anyway, on an exceptionally inexpensive car like the Elio, the shipping cost will impact over seas competitors. For local competition they will want evidence that 1) Elio will not fail on it's own without competition, 2) the customer interest will not wavier after 5years. They can possibly project that during year three sales. Oh yes and 3) There is a business case making their own. Which has it's own time lines involved.

One thing that could happen is an overseas sales competitor. But the Elio is very optimal on US freeways, and the specs are hard to warrant on foreign roads. They will want evidence that sales work in those markets, but I think they only need about one year of that to get interested, then a year to or more to do it. So 2 years after Elio is exported at minimum.

There is always the chance for a strong leader with forward thinking vision and street cred to jump in the game up front. Tata seemed to have the whit's to do that in the US and India markets, but failed hugely in the US. So I don't think they will try for anything in the US if that risky again. But in India? Sure, if a customer base can be found. But most common folks overseas want a flexible vehicle that they can stack 16 relatives on. ( that was a Tuk-Tuk joke reference folks! )

VW had their production ready GX3 open three wheeler set for production but the lawyers nixed it as I understand due to liability issues and didn't want to be in the motorcycle business. VW also has two narrow 2 seater pre-production concepts. Toyota's i-Road is in the P4 stage and being road tested this summer by 100 average drivers. It may be produced before the Elio for specific non-USA markets. Either VW or Toyota could bring an enclosed three wheeler to market quickly if the market warrants it. I know the i-Road is a slow 40 mph EV City Commuter, but they could ramp up the MPH. Base price MSRP would be difficult to compete with, but I hear many reservationists saying they will end up with a $10-12K option loaded Elio.

 

[CompTrex]

Wont matter for the first run, they would be grandfathered as far as any NEW standards, but yea, I could see that. And don't forget all new cars have to have tire pressure monitors also...

Seriously??

 

[Cache Man]

VW GX3- I can see this coming back into play...

 

[Rickb]

Enclose cabin the VW GX3 with the door on the right side and I am in the market.