Is Anyone Going Base Model?

[CompTrex]

I'm with you 100% on this one...I absolutely HATE option packages...you're basically forced to purchase other options you don't want/need just to get the ones you want...Please Elio, make the options available INDIVIDUALLY!

I agree. But let's think about this...I don't know how this works, so I'm speculating, but bear with me and feel free to correct.
Think about one of the big car companies. They have an assembly line. The main branch is the base vehicle. Any time the car has to break away from the main branch, it causes a delay. So to offer three packages, with four options in each package, the car only has to break from the main branch three times for a possible 12 options. If they were all individual, the car would break away 12 different times. That doesn't seem cost effective to me.
So while I do believe that all of the options are going to be offered individually by Elio, and not a package, I do think that overall, that will add cost and time to production and that will be passed on to the consumer.
Just my thoughts...

 

[Chris F]

Automatic and cruise. My $500 credit will take care of some of that

Same here. I intend to use the Elio as a commuter car. Just local roads. I'm in Baltimore every 812 weeks, so cruise would be a nice option. Unless the radio upgrade is a minimal cost, I'll keep whatever is standard.

 

[Chris F]

Same here. I intend to use the Elio as a commuter car. Just local roads. I'm in Baltimore every 812 weeks, so cruise would be a nice option. Unless the radio upgrade is a minimal cost, I'll keep whatever is standard.

That should have been 8-12 weeks.

 

[CompTrex]

That should have been 8-12 weeks.

I was wondering! Heading to Baltimore for my standard 15-1/2 year visit! Better get cruise.

 

[grampi]

I agree. But let's think about this...I don't know how this works, so I'm speculating, but bear with me and feel free to correct.
Think about one of the big car companies. They have an assembly line. The main branch is the base vehicle. Any time the car has to break away from the main branch, it causes a delay. So to offer three packages, with four options in each package, the car only has to break from the main branch three times for a possible 12 options. If they were all individual, the car would break away 12 different times. That doesn't seem cost effective to me.
So while I do believe that all of the options are going to be offered individually by Elio, and not a package, I do think that overall, that will add cost and time to production and that will be passed on to the consumer.
Just my thoughts...

Are you saying it's less expensive for the consumer to purchase option packages rather than purchasing them individually because it's cheaper for auto makers to produce this way?

 

[CompTrex]

Are you saying it's less expensive for the consumer to purchase option packages rather than purchasing them individually because it's cheaper for auto makers to produce this way?

That's my uneducated guess.

 

[Jim H]

Automatic and cruise are the only 2 options I want, and some sort of a sound system, but I thought cruise and a sound system were part of the standard equipment?

AM/FM radio is standard. I don't believe the decision on Cruise Control has been finalized yet

 

[HHH]

I agree. But let's think about this...I don't know how this works, so I'm speculating, but bear with me and feel free to correct.
Think about one of the big car companies. They have an assembly line. The main branch is the base vehicle. Any time the car has to break away from the main branch, it causes a delay. So to offer three packages, with four options in each package, the car only has to break from the main branch three times for a possible 12 options. If they were all individual, the car would break away 12 different times. That doesn't seem cost effective to me.
So while I do believe that all of the options are going to be offered individually by Elio, and not a package, I do think that overall, that will add cost and time to production and that will be passed on to the consumer.
Just my thoughts...

Elio Motors has stated that the assembly line will make 14 models only, all the same. Your choice of two transmissions (with the automated manual transmission being a factory installed option), and your choice of 7 exterior paint colors. A very simple, streamlined assembly process.

Several months before you will be notified to complete a purchase agreement, and your choice of factory available options, along with their prices. They have stated that options will not be prepackaged. Your option selections made at this time will be added to the car after assembly.

 

[zelio]

I agree. But let's think about this...I don't know how this works, so I'm speculating, but bear with me and feel free to correct.
Think about one of the big car companies. They have an assembly line. The main branch is the base vehicle. Any time the car has to break away from the main branch, it causes a delay. So to offer three packages, with four options in each package, the car only has to break from the main branch three times for a possible 12 options. If they were all individual, the car would break away 12 different times. That doesn't seem cost effective to me.
So while I do believe that all of the options are going to be offered individually by Elio, and not a package, I do think that overall, that will add cost and time to production and that will be passed on to the consumer.
Just my thoughts...

If you have read the information provided by Paul Elio, the production plant will only produce 14 variations - 7 colors each of manual and automatic transmision. Everything else will be done outside of the production line thus keeping the expenses of producing down and allowing for individual option pricing. I believe this was covered in his town hall meeting. Z

 

[Truett Collins]

I'm with you 100% on this one...I absolutely HATE option packages...you're basically forced to purchase other options you don't want/need just to get the ones you want...Please Elio, make the options available INDIVIDUALLY!

That is their stated plan. Each option is stand alone and will not require the purchase of any other option. In other words a philosophy of not forcing you to buy things you don't want.