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How This Radical Car Missed Its Chance To Change The World - Maybe!

Elio Amazed

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I just found a brand new "Orange Metallic" (more of a beautiful Coppertone burnt bronze) Spark ACTIV with six miles on it, at a dealership loaded with 15" aluminum wheels, roof rack, 98HP 1.4L w' a 5 speed manual tranny, Cruise Control, Onstar Wi-Fi, special "ATV / Off-road" trim and accents, power everything and 29 city / 37 highway gas mileage for $12,511 (MSRP of $17K+). Now tell me, what does that say about Elio's chances?
 
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3wheelin

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I just found a brand new "Orange Metallic" (more of a beautiful Coppertone burnt bronze) Spark ACTIV with six miles on it, at a dealership loaded with 15" aluminum wheels, roof rack, 98HP 1.4L w' a 5 speed manual tranny, Cruise Control, Onstar Wi-Fi, special "ATV / Off-road" trim and accents, power everything and 29 city / 37 highway gas mileage for $12,511 (MSRP of $17K+). Now tell me, what does that say about Elio's chances?
"IT MEANS THROW IN THE TOWEL" baby, ELIO's already black and blue! :D
 

slinches

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I just found a brand new "Orange Metallic" (more of a beautiful Coppertone burnt bronze) Spark ACTIV with six miles on it, at a dealership loaded with 15" aluminum wheels, roof rack, 98HP 1.4L w' a 5 speed manual tranny, Cruise Control, Onstar Wi-Fi, special "ATV / Off-road" trim and accents, power everything and 29 city / 37 highway gas mileage for $12,511 (MSRP of $17K+). Now tell me, what does that say about Elio's chances?
That if the Elio ends up having less than half mpg and costs 66% more than the projected msrp, then it wouldn't sell well.

Trying to compare the Elio to any existing car is a wasted effort. The combination of fuel efficiency and low cost fundamentally changes the economics of owning vehicles in a way that nothing else does. If it gets to market, it will sell purely out of the economic utility it provides.
 

RSchneider

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Trying to compare the Elio to any existing car is a wasted effort.
You need to tell Elio motors this then. Because that's all they have been doing. Comparing it to cars and trucks. I agree with Elio motors on this because you must compare it to cars as that's the market they are trying to get into. Case in point, this blog they have published twice: https://www.eliomotors.com/the-elio-vs-_______/
then this most recent blog:
https://www.eliomotors.com/changes-for-the-better-2/

The combination of fuel efficiency and low cost fundamentally changes the economics of owning vehicles in a way that nothing else does.
You are correct. The 84 mpg Elio for $7450 is much better than anything (even motorcycles). The thing is, are the specs that Elio states, actually realistic? So far, the answer is no, as they are theoretical and those specs are only from the company (not an independent source). Until then, Elio might as well say they can sell it for $4K and it'll give 120 mpg.
 

Elio Amazed

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That if the Elio ends up having less than half mpg and costs 66% more than the projected msrp, then it wouldn't sell well.

Trying to compare the Elio to any existing car is a wasted effort. The combination of fuel efficiency and low cost fundamentally changes the economics of owning vehicles in a way that nothing else does. If it gets to market, it will sell purely out of the economic utility it provides.
Yep. It WOULD be nice if we actually had an Elio, any Elio, to compare other cars to. "The combination of..." What fuel efficiency? Oh, you mean the one on paper? Yeah, I guess you're right. After all, GM is having a terrible time selling the four-wheeled, four-passenger, ten-air-bagged Spark that has a very positive proven track record right? Actually, the dealer called me back and offered another $600 off on that blinged out and completely loaded ACTIV Spark. That means they were offering it brand new with 6 miles on the clock for less than $12K. Only $4500 more than what a nonexistent Elio costs. I haven't even decided if I still want to trust these people enough to take possession of an Elio for the $5500 I still owe on it before delivery, tax and title if by some chance it is produced at this point. Keep in mind that no matter how wonderful this unicorn will be, they'll now also have to dig themselves out of a hole of general public mistrust as well as produce a stellar vehicle.
 
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slinches

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If Elio can produce a vehicle with a similar build quality and reliability as that Spark anywhere close to the target price and mileage, then the PR hole they have dug will vanish in a hurry. Yes, it's a long shot at this point to get the funding. But that doesn't mean that the idea behind the product wasn't a good one and missteps taken on successful projects are quickly forgotten.
 

84mpg

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If Elio can produce a vehicle with a similar build quality and reliability as that Spark anywhere close to the target price and mileage, then the PR hole they have dug will vanish in a hurry. Yes, it's a long shot at this point to get the funding. But that doesn't mean that the idea behind the product wasn't a good one and missteps taken on successful projects are quickly forgotten.

I agree 100%.....

Also that additional $600 price drop off the already "heavily" discounted Spark illustrates perfectly how bloated today's vehicles' prices are. It's ridiculous.
 

Made in USA

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Decided on a slightly different source for Elio Motors information. Decided to contact Stuart Lichter directly though one of his companies and ask some simple questions about shareholder meetings, SEC reports, etc. as it pertains to him being one of the Elio Motors directors.
(Note: None of the questions dealt with insider information. The questions were fairly generic.)

The board of directors may own the majority of the stock, but they still have a fiduciary duty to all the shareholders, large and small.
So far no answer. No surprise. I'm a nobody to him. However, this ignoring of common shareholders may effect him later when lawsuits are brought and may prevent him from getting on other boards.
 

RSchneider

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I agree 100%.....

Also that additional $600 price drop off the already "heavily" discounted Spark illustrates perfectly how bloated today's vehicles' prices are. It's ridiculous.
You need to look at a few other things before you claim victory for Elio. The Spark:
1. It's made in South Korea with lots of parts from India (which makes dirt cheap components). Thus cheaper than making it in the US with 90% USMCA parts as Elio does.
2. It's a compliance car. That means, GM loses money on most of them but need it for corporate mileage ratings. SUV's and Pickups make up the difference and then some.
3. It doesn't sell that well. Maybe around 25K per year and at least half are fleet sales (rental cars, corporate cars).
4. It's going to go away in either 2020 or 2021 and be replaced by a more expensive but same mileage Crossover.
5. Those deep discounts are from GM to dealers because they are stuck with inventory they don't want because it doesn't sell. Floorpanning costs money.
 

RSchneider

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Decided on a slightly different source for Elio Motors information. Decided to contact Stuart Lichter directly though one of his companies and ask some simple questions about shareholder meetings, SEC reports, etc. as it pertains to him being one of the Elio Motors directors.
(Note: None of the questions dealt with insider information. The questions were fairly generic.)

The board of directors may own the majority of the stock, but they still have a fiduciary duty to all the shareholders, large and small.
So far no answer. No surprise. I'm a nobody to him. However, this ignoring of common shareholders may effect him later when lawsuits are brought and may prevent him from getting on other boards.
Stu doesn't care. He's in the real estate business. The guy is 70 years old and a billionaire. I doubt he's worried when it comes to a lawsuit or being banned from being on a BoD. I bet his businesses and himself have 20-30 pending lawsuits going on right now from various things that have nothing to do with Elio Motors. That's why you have a lawfirm on retainer. They take care of that.
 
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