Ekh
Elio Addict
When I spoke to someone at Elio the other day regarding upgrading my all-in amount, not only did the fellow know who I was (they like my photography), but when I mentioned I had written letters to DOE and others in support of their loan guarantee application, the reaction was "that's cool!" This chap's name was Allen, but I have no idea who he is in the structure of things. But frankly, I think Elio is so small and relatively inexperienced that it may not have dawned on them that there's a small and vocal advocacy group available to them. There just aren't very many of them to manage all that they have to do ... so if you're waiting around for permission, or for them to ask .... it could be a long wait.
I agree with Goofy that the real potential for genuine job creation, the environmental benefits, and the reduction in petroleum use are all key reasons for gov't to help Elio succeed.
What also helps in any such letter is how the Elio makes things better for YOU as an individual. In my case, the gas savings alone add up to $2,500 a year, some of which I'll be putting right back into the economy. That's not a small amount, and not an abnormal amount of savings. (20K miles / yr Elio, 60% city driving, gas at $3.71 vs 20mpg in my ragged old Subaru). If you have a story like that (e.g., lets me get to my job 75 miles away) you should definitely mention it.
Two reasons a personal "Elio benefit story" is helpful: the human touch counts, and it keeps the reader from thinking this is a form letter being mass-produced by a PR mill. In other words, the personal detail authenticates you as a writer in good faith, raising your credibility.
I agree with Goofy that the real potential for genuine job creation, the environmental benefits, and the reduction in petroleum use are all key reasons for gov't to help Elio succeed.
What also helps in any such letter is how the Elio makes things better for YOU as an individual. In my case, the gas savings alone add up to $2,500 a year, some of which I'll be putting right back into the economy. That's not a small amount, and not an abnormal amount of savings. (20K miles / yr Elio, 60% city driving, gas at $3.71 vs 20mpg in my ragged old Subaru). If you have a story like that (e.g., lets me get to my job 75 miles away) you should definitely mention it.
Two reasons a personal "Elio benefit story" is helpful: the human touch counts, and it keeps the reader from thinking this is a form letter being mass-produced by a PR mill. In other words, the personal detail authenticates you as a writer in good faith, raising your credibility.