Elio Motors @ Sema 2014

[goofyone]

Yea! The closest thing to a periscope we'll ever see! I also, think the system is a bit pricey...but intriguing. I can see the benefits of having on board cameras, and the ability to record. And I like the thought of using a tablet as a gauge cluster. I want a closer look.

I do have to clarify the system as displayed is not intended to replace the gauge cluster but instead as a 'second screen' experience running on a phone or tablet in addition to the gauge cluster. it is my understanding that EM is looking into also offering an LCD dash upgrade which can be tied into this system however those screens may look slightly different as they would have to always display basic driving information.

While $1500 is a good bit of money, especially as an option for such an inexpensive vehicle, when you stop and consider how much a system which does everything this system does would cost as an option on any other vehicle the price actually begins to make more sense. Every other automaker would charge you that much, or more, just for a navigation system without everything else this system does.

 

[Ty]

There are a number of issues with this statement.

You do realize that many people have older cars without TPMS's, there are also newer cars with mostly useless passive TPMS systems, and also motorcycles are not required to have TPMS systems at all?

It has been confirmed to me by EM that the Elio will NOT have a TPMS standard as this would add cost and it is not required as the Elio will be NHTSA certified as a motorcycle so finding our own TPMS systems is a very good idea if you wish to reach maximum fuel economy which includes keeping tires properly inflated as even being a few PSI off does make a noticeable difference in fuel economy.

Bluetooth has a range of over 10 meters so being only two or three meters away inside the vehicle will not be an issue at all in terms of signal and the Fobo Tire system also includes a base unit which communicates with the tire sensors even when you do not have your phone connected. This unit will warn you of what tire is losing pressure just like a decent built in TPMS would.

I don't understand what filling your tires with air has to do with this at all as Fobo Tire is a TPMS system with monitors on the valve stems so it really does not matter what gas you fill your tires with.

Balancing the tires is not an issue as we can either get balance our tires with the sensors in place or using a product such as Ride-On which both balances the tire and helps protect against flats which is extra important in a vehicle which does not have a spare tire.

I was talking about the Elio - not older cars. It was my understanding the Elio had stability control. If it does, then TPMS is there as that system uses the same information. I didn't mean to infer that the FOBO system had no place nor to insult anyone who wanted it. My (apparently not funny) line about air was in reference to your earlier post where you said pudding want to bring back a topic that had received too much attention in the past. (Just like that whole Air/nitrogen thread)
I do, however, feel that a system that $75 is a bit expensive to avoid having to check your own tire pressure but I didn't voice that opinion as it is a personal prerogative and doesn't matter what I think anyway. Even if I had that system, I'd probably check my tires and add the pound or two of air every couple of months like I do now.anyway because I'm that guy. The range comment was tied to the $1,500 system that monitors the Elio even when you aren't around. That was my error. I thought the two systems were together for some reason.

In summary:
1. I didn't mean to insult or offend anyone.
2. I was talking about the Elio, not older cars.
3. My joke telling skills are lacking.

 

[Bert]

A Priest, a Rabbi and Paul Elio walked into a bar...

 

[Charlie G]

I do have to clarify the system as displayed is not intended to replace the gauge cluster but instead as a 'second screen' experience running on a phone or tablet in addition to the gauge cluster.

Somebody might want to tell that to the Elio rep on Facebook.

Gene: Will this be the new Gauges ?
Elio Motors: Hello Gene, this will be one of the instrumentation options, and if you want a more basic instrument panel, you can get that too!
Gene: Will this option replace the round analog gauges ?
Elio Motors: Hello Gene, with the Infinite Skyz addition, you will not have Elgin inspired gauges.

 

[Ekh]

G1 said, "While $1500 is a good bit of money, especially as an option for such an inexpensive vehicle, when you stop and consider how much a system which does everything this system does would cost as an option on any other vehicle the price actually begins to make more sense. Every other automaker would charge you that much, or more, just for a navigation system without everything else this system does."

According to consumer reports, 20% of new car buyers find that their built-in "infotainment" systems DO NOT WORK. Voice recognition is really, really unreliable, and the nav systems in particular don't "get it." I can certainly vouch that the voice nav system in my wife's 2014 Camry simply does not work. You can whisper, you can shout, you can go falsetto, you can speak normally, speed up, auctioneer it, or drawl -- and it doesn't work.

Twenty percent is a staggeringly high customer dissatisfaction rating. So, while G1 is right that automakers would soak you even more than $1500 for a really comprehensive system like the Skyzmatic, it might be a better deal than the current built-ins. But I find that my $169 suction-cup Garmin (which also does a lousy job on voice recognition) does a great job of navigating at a very reasonable price.

What I don't like about the Skyzmatic approach is that in a one-person front seat, displaying information on a smart phone or iPad is guaranteed to cause distracted driving. And where would you mount the thing?

I hope that in fact Elio pumps the core data into a dashboard, and lets a variety of providers offer systems of varying cost and complexity as add-ons. I can live without much of the information on offer ... but I definitely want the rear-view camera!

 

[JEBar]

While $1500 is a good bit of money, especially as an option for such an inexpensive vehicle, when you stop and consider how much a system which does everything this system does would cost as an option on any other vehicle the price actually begins to make more sense. Every other automaker would charge you that much, or more, just for a navigation system without everything else this system does.

EM's business model is to market an inexpensive $6,800 commuter vehicle .... they no doubt are looking to profit (nothing wrong with that) to making additional profit by adding options .... I seriously doubt that the number of $6,800 vehicles will represent a very large percentage of the total production .... it doesn't take to many high dollar options ($1,000 for an automatic tranny, $1,500 the newly announced electronics, ?? for an upgraded dash, ?? for cruise control, ?? tinted windows, and so often) to leave $6,800 in the dust .... I'm all for giving folks additional options but I can't help but wonder when they get the call and sit down to option out their Elio, how many folks are going to suffer sticker shock ??

Jim

 

[Bert]

Good point JEBar!
It'd be great if the prices for these add on POS items were clearly established early enough so People could take their time to consider, instead of "impulse" purchases!
I see on their website there's the calculator for gasonline consumption. It'd be nice if they had a page, with all the options and prices listed, that had a "total running amount" over and above the base price, listed..
Include taxes and destination charges as well! (manuelly enter tax rate, based on State)

 

[goofyone]

G1 said, "While $1500 is a good bit of money, especially as an option for such an inexpensive vehicle, when you stop and consider how much a system which does everything this system does would cost as an option on any other vehicle the price actually begins to make more sense. Every other automaker would charge you that much, or more, just for a navigation system without everything else this system does."

According to consumer reports, 20% of new car buyers find that their built-in "infotainment" systems DO NOT WORK. Voice recognition is really, really unreliable, and the nav systems in particular don't "get it." I can certainly vouch that the voice nav system in my wife's 2014 Camry simply does not work. You can whisper, you can shout, you can go falsetto, you can speak normally, speed up, auctioneer it, or drawl -- and it doesn't work.

Twenty percent is a staggeringly high customer dissatisfaction rating. So, while G1 is right that automakers would soak you even more than $1500 for a really comprehensive system like the Skyzmatic, it might be a better deal than the current built-ins. But I find that my $169 suction-cup Garmin (which also does a lousy job on voice recognition) does a great job of navigating at a very reasonable price.

What I don't like about the Skyzmatic approach is that in a one-person front seat, displaying information on a smart phone or iPad is guaranteed to cause distracted driving. And where would you mount the thing?

I hope that in fact Elio pumps the core data into a dashboard, and lets a variety of providers offer systems of varying cost and complexity as add-ons. I can live without much of the information on offer ... but I definitely want the rear-view camera!

I believe Elio Motors will have various options at various pricing levels including variations of this system and also standalone options. On the redesigned EM web site they even display a rear view camera option separate from this system.

I have written on the dedicated news thread for this system that I have no intention of buying this system. This is not so much because of the cost but because it does not fit my intended use for this vehicle. I simply need a stereo with bluetooth so I can use my phone for music, occasional hands free calling, and when needed navigation.

EM's business model is to market an inexpensive $6,800 commuter vehicle .... they no doubt are looking to profit (nothing wrong with that) to making additional profit by adding options .... I seriously doubt that the number of $6,800 vehicles will represent a very large percentage of the total production .... it doesn't take to many high dollar options ($1,000 for an automatic tranny, $1,500 the newly announced electronics, ?? for an upgraded dash, ?? for cruise control, ?? tinted windows, and so often) to leave $6,800 in the dust .... I'm all for giving folks additional options but I can't help but wonder when they get the call and sit down to option out their Elio, how many folks are going to suffer sticker shock ??

Jim

I can definitely see this happening. I am sure people will attempt to bite off more than their wallets can chew but that is just the way it goes as it is completely up to each buyer to determine what they need and are willing to spend.

Good point JEBar!
It'd be great if the prices for these add on POS items were clearly established early enough so People could take their time to consider, instead of "impulse" purchases!
I see on their website there's the calculator for gasonline consumption. It'd be nice if they had a page, with all the options and prices listed, that had a "total running amount" over and above the base price, listed..
Include taxes and destination charges as well! (manuelly enter tax rate, based on State)

We have been told that this will eventually happen however the complete options list and pricing likely will not be locked down until just a few months before production. The very first buyers will likely only have a few weeks with the complete options list with pricing but everyone else should have this information well in advance to do as they chose with it.

 

[Bert]

Nice!
Great minds think alike! Even though it took like 4 of us just to think through this one question... o_O

 

[JEBar]

I can definitely see this happening. I am sure people will attempt to bite off more than their wallets can chew but that is just the way it goes as it is completely up to each buyer to determine what they need and are willing to spend. .

I've read bunches of post from folks who are saving so as to pay cash for their Elio. They are probably working on the $6,800 figure. Fully realizing that at this point it is impossible for EM to lock down specific numbers, folks will low reservation numbers probably won't know the approximate cost for the Elio they want much before they have to place their order.

Jim