My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.

[Rickb]

And that could easilly be the case, given there is no competition in this unique category, and considering the current oil production insecurities...
Consider the following stats and historical details;
(and the possiblity of getting even a small percentage of the numbers shown below)

See how charts below match up to the time-line of geo political oil issues down farther.
As best I can detect, Ford Fiesta from 1976 to 1983 directly competed with and strongly offset other sales in this category.
My own family bought two of them in those years. And they also bought a Ford Cortina earlier in the 70's, that also competed.
View attachment 25663
1980 marked the end of the Pinto's production run to make way for its replacement, the front wheel drive Ford Escort, which largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Successor to the Ford Escort? Ford Focus.

American Oil Production Decline;

By 1969, American domestic output of oil was peaking and could not keep pace with increasing demand from vehicles. The U.S. was importing 350 million barrels (56 million cubic metres) per year by the late 1950s, mostly from Venezuela and Canada. Because of transportation costs and tariffs, it never purchased much oil from the Middle East. In 1973, US production had declined to 16% of global output. Eisenhower imposed quotas on foreign oil that would stay in place between 1959 and 1973. Critics called it the "drain America first" policy. Some scholars believe the policy contributed to the decline of domestic US oil production in the early 1970s.

1973 Oil Crisis;
The 1973 oil crisis or first oil crisis began in October 1973 when the members of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries led by Saudi Arabia proclaimed an oil embargo. The embargo was targeted at nations that had supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. The initial nations targeted were Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States with the embargo also later extended to Portugal, Rhodesia and South Africa. By the end of the embargo in March 1974, the price of oil had risen nearly 300%, from US$3 per barrel ($19/m3) to nearly $12 per barrel ($75/m3) globally; US prices were significantly higher. The embargo caused an oil crisis, or "shock", with many short- and long-term effects on global politics and the global economy. It was later called the "first oil shock", followed by the 1979 oil crisis, termed the "second oil shock".

1979 Oil Shock;
The 1979 Oil Crisis, also known as the 1979 Oil Shock or Second Oil Crisis, was an energy crisis caused by a drop in oil production in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Although the global oil supply only decreased by approximately four percent, the oil markets' reaction raised the price of crude oil drastically over the next 12 months, more than doubling it to $39.50 per barrel ($248/m3). The spike in price was connected with fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations similar to the 1973 oil crisis.

1980's Oil Price decline;
In 1980, following the onset of the Iran–Iraq War, oil production in Iran fell drastically. Iraq's oil production also dropped significantly, triggering economic recessions worldwide. Oil prices did not return to pre-crisis levels until the mid-1980s.

Interesting. The erratic oil market is likely why several major car brands have pledged to go exclusively electric by 2030. I‘ll hope for a production scaled long range/fast charge/affordable BEX sometime between now and then Or a fully enclosed Arcimoto FUV. I’ll be 83 in 2030 and most likely require the autonomous drive Option. Most members here, if not all, have little interest in electrics, but EVs seem to be the future.

 

[84mpg]

I’ve been watching your highly skilled build process. I‘ve had interest in a fully enclosed three wheeler (2-3 seater) with deposits on many over the past 15 years……..to include a $100 refundable deposit on the Elio…..while waiting on a test drive opportunity. I would need a BEX test drive to verify performance, handling, and driver comfort to make the decision to actually purchase any vehicle. Also, is a low production model motorcycle classified three wheeler required to be NHTSA certified to be sold, registered, and licensed in the USA? What about warranty, parts, and a servicing network to handle issues after the sale?

I may be in the minority here... but if/when Mark is satisfied with the BEX and puts his stamp of approval on it, I'll buy one – without a test drive. I've watched Mark build his vehicle on a daily basis. He's kept the public informed on his build like no other person or company that I'm aware of. He's been an open book as much as one could possibly be. He's building the BEX to HIS standards – and from what I see, his standards are high. His portfolio includes high performance cars, race cars and planes. This 3-wheeler is a walk in the park for him. If the finished BEX makes Mark smile, I'll gladly wire the money for mine before it has paint.

 

[Rickb]

I may be in the minority here... but if/when Mark is satisfied with the BEX and puts his stamp of approval on it, I'll buy one – without a test drive. I've watched Mark build his vehicle on a daily basis. He's kept the public informed on his build like no other person or company that I'm aware of. He's been an open book as much as one could possibly be. He's building the BEX to HIS standards – and from what I see, his standards are high. His portfolio includes high performance cars, race cars and planes. This 3-wheeler is a walk in the park for him. If the finished BEX makes Mark smile, I'll gladly wire the money for mine before it has paint.

More likely I’m in the minority. I wasn’t being critical of his process or ability to build a quality prototype. I‘ve liked the look (styling and specs) of a few cars that I wanted to own, but after a test drive discovered that ingress/egress was a challenge for MY old bones and it lacked driver comfort once in the drivers seat. Also, I’m not a DIY mechanic and need service and parts support to take care of possible warranty and/or maintenance issues. I need to smile too. “Buy What You Like, Like What You drive”

 

[Mark BEX]

I just got word that Mark has been called away for a few days to take care of an urgent matter .... accordingly, he may or may not be posting about advances for a little while

Yup, just dropped in at home for a bite to eat and now off again to talk to the local Government Visa Office.

100% nothing to do with the car, but a passport issue involving completely my own stupidity and Covid that may see me with no Passport in order for me to extend my Resident Working Visa.

At worst I will have to leave the Country, and could see me lose 6 to 8 weeks, with the hassles of having to fly home, and trying to get back in again with the Covid restriction, a time delay I don't need right now.

Terrible timing isn't it, sigh.

 

[Made in USA]

Interesting. The erratic oil market is likely why several major car brands have pledged to go exclusively electric by 2030. I‘ll hope for a production scaled long range/fast charge/affordable BEX sometime between now and then Or a fully enclosed Arcimoto FUV. I’ll be 83 in 2030 and most likely require the autonomous drive Option. Most members here, if not all, have little interest in electrics, but EVs seem to be the future.

I think if a choice were available, I would go electric. However, I would also want a solar panel roof to "fill" the vehicle and reduce my homes external energy consumption.

 

[Hog]

I too would buy "undriven", in fact, I have done this before when the circumstances demanded it ( like in 2008 when gas was above 4$ and Nissan only had two Versa sedans on the lot, there were actually people there in line to test drive them). I will adapt if I have to in order to drive something economical. I found out quickly that in the Versa, my right knee would rub against the sharp bend in the center console and would become painful on any trip over an hour in length, my solution, a small pillow between my knee and the console. I prefer the van as I have room to spare, but mpg is only 24 at best, so that remains parked for now.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

Hi... I know I am late to the party. I've been reading this forum on and off for a while. I wanted to register and join to express my desire for a manual transmission in your vehicle. (I did vote in your poll) I have driven manuals for over 40 years and will only drive a manual transmission vehicle (which are becoming harder to find). I like the simplicity and longevity of manual transmission cars, trucks and motorcycles.

I didn't read your entire thread, so if these questions have already been answered, please forgive me.

(1) Do you have an MPG estimate for the "mongrel"??

(2) Can I assume this vehicle will be considered a motorcycle here in the US?? (Motorcycles are exempt from emissions tests in my state. I have already had to junk two running vehicles as I couldn't get them to pass the bi-annual emissions test, here)

(3) Will a service manual be available for sale?? I'm a bit of a shade tree mechanic and think I can do most of the maintenance and repairs.

As a side note, if I am able to purchase one from you; the "mongrel" will be my "bucket list" vehicle for touring the USA in my retirement. There is so much I want to see and can't wait to drive your vehicle - everywhere!!

Thank you in advance.

 

[Mark BEX]

I too would buy "undriven", in fact, I have done this before when the circumstances demanded it ( like in 2008 when gas was above 4$ and Nissan only had two Versa sedans on the lot, there were actually people there in line to test drive them). I will adapt if I have to in order to drive something economical. I found out quickly that in the Versa, my right knee would rub against the sharp bend in the center console and would become painful on any trip over an hour in length, my solution, a small pillow between my knee and the console. I prefer the van as I have room to spare, but mpg is only 24 at best, so that remains parked for now.

Well rest assured, I am 6'1", and lanky as you can see in the video, I love driving, especially distances, and I detest being uncomfortable.

You can see the driving position is comfortable, the seat is fully adjustable, as is the steering column.

One thing I hate is no where to rest your arm/s comfortably on long distance trips, the number of manufacturers who still get that wrong is astounding.

I have raced and rallied, I do not like cars that don't behave to your inputs. Although only short drives, to this point it is very stable with good feedback to your inputs.

At the very end of the video, I was braking and turning into the kerb quite firmly, I am surprised and delighted how quiet the handling looks from the outside when I watched it.

 

[Mark BEX]

Hi... I know I am late to the party. I've been reading this forum on and off for a while. I wanted to register and join to express my desire for a manual transmission in your vehicle. (I did vote in your poll) I have driven manuals for over 40 years and will only drive a manual transmission vehicle (which are becoming harder to find). I like the simplicity and longevity of manual transmission cars, trucks and motorcycles.

I didn't read your entire thread, so if these questions have already been answered, please forgive me.

(1) Do you have an MPG estimate for the "mongrel"??

(2) Can I assume this vehicle will be considered a motorcycle here in the US?? (Motorcycles are exempt from emissions tests in my state. I have already had to junk two running vehicles as I couldn't get them to pass the bi-annual emissions test, here)

(3) Will a service manual be available for sale?? I'm a bit of a shade tree mechanic and think I can do most of the maintenance and repairs.

As a side note, if I am able to purchase one from you; the "mongrel" will be my "bucket list" vehicle for touring the USA in my retirement. There is so much I want to see and can't wait to drive your vehicle - everywhere!!

Thank you in advance.

1/ 84.1 mpg.

2/ Autocycle. Motorcycle regulations mostly, but can be driven with a car licence. Some States may differ.

3/ Service manual for the donor car is online, as are parts manuals.

BYD F0 OWNER'S MANUAL Pdf Download

View and Download BYD F0 owner's manual online. BYD auto. F0 automobile pdf manual download.

www.manualslib.com

Of course those manuals are for driveline and electrical only, I will need to create servicing the rest, and body repair ones.

PS: "84.1 mpg" is a bit of tongue in cheek based on Elio's claim of 84 mpg. The donor car gets between 55 and 65 mpg, and we should be a bit lighter and aerodynamically more efficient, so expect on increase of those numbers.

 

[84mpg]

More likely I’m in the minority. I wasn’t being critical of his process or ability to build a quality prototype. I‘ve liked the look (styling and specs) of a few cars that I wanted to own, but after a test drive discovered that ingress/egress was a challenge for MY old bones and it lacked driver comfort once in the drivers seat. Also, I’m not a DIY mechanic and need service and parts support to take care of possible warranty and/or maintenance issues. I need to smile too. “Buy What You Like, Like What You drive”

I certainly understand. …. Years ago, when I sat in the orange Elio, it was a good bit lower than what I was accustomed to driving. (I’ve been in trucks and SUVs for a while now.) I forgot what a “lower to the ground” vehicle was like to get in and out. For me - I realized I’d have to adapt to the lower seating. I won’t be able to just jump in like my early years….. the best thing Mark did was to include a rear door. At least that gives an older passenger a chance to get in….