Friday's The Big Day ... Or Is It?

[Neal]

Actually he is the former President of smart USA and apparently was the President when that brand launched here. That makes him a very interesting addition to the EM board.

Agreed. Though it was an offshoot of an existing company, he was president of a new "start-up" company. I think that makes him very valuable as someone Paul can get advise from.

 

[outsydthebox]

I am glad that many of you here have decided to take a deep breath and wait. The reality is...none of us "KNOWS" the reasons behind the delay. It is obvious to me, that there is a very good reason, and when EM can tell us, THEY WILL.
Once the truth is revealed, ALL of the negative speculation (when stated as fact) becomes nothing more than lies. I have to say that I have always been impressed by the level of intelligence on this forum. But, having a "my logic is undeniable" attitude is like playing chess with yourself...you always win! But that doesn't make you (or I) a good chess player.
EM has, up to now, overcome some great obstacles. The Engine unveiling is a HUGE milestone...(not done in over 60 years!) Hmmm, now that is the kind of accomplishment that any aspiring (or exiting?) politician, would find irresistible! Possibly an opportunity (for said politician) to personally announce that the ATVM loan has been approved?
Did any of you ever throw a "surprise party"? Did you need to "lie" or tell a "half truth" to make it happen? Just sayin'.

Please be patient.

 

[Ekh]

The press release says his expertise is in new product development, but also establishing dealer networks and facilities. My guess is he'll be really valuable for getting the marshaling center / distribution centers rolling. If only he can get past the Ohio laws ....

 

[John Painter]

He's just a board member, not a VP or anything.
I don't know how much compensation they get for things like that.

His compensation package for Mercedes Smart Car was $1.2 million, and I couldn't tell if that included options, probably not. Guys like that don't step down into the hog trough unless there's going to be some good eats.

 

[JEBar]

does anyone believe that a person with his credentials would want to have his name linked with a company that is likely to fail .... in the industry a person's reputation is all important

 

[CompTrex]

His compensation package for Mercedes Smart Car was $1.2 million, and I couldn't tell if that included options, probably not. Guys like that don't step down into the hog trough unless there's going to be some good eats.

So I seriously don't know how these boards work.
Are they paid?
Don't they have other 'full time jobs'?
Isn't this just an advisory board that meets once a quarter or maybe monthly?
I get why this is good for Elio, but what's in it for him?

 

[ecdriver711]

Double bummer news about the engine NOT running on video. Well, just hanging in for better news coming.

 

[ecdriver711]

I agree about the new board member; looks positive.

 

[AriLea]

The press release says his expertise is in new product development, but also establishing dealer networks and facilities. My guess is he'll be really valuable for getting the marshaling center / distribution centers rolling. If only he can get past the Ohio laws ....

And maybe past the Az laws too?
Just heard something weird on NPR this morning. The state of AZ is doing rule changes that state the dealer network requirements are for fuel powered vehicles only. So EV's like Tesla get an exception and can do direct sales from their website. AZ auto dealers are probably livid about that!
The weird thing is, in Paul's home state, I have no idea how this affects the cyclecar dealer network requirement. Since it doesn't affect motorcycles, remaining as NO requirement, presumably not cyclecars either.

 

[ecdriver711]

Hopefully the Autocycle is excluded and protected from the auto dealers cartel.