Are There Documented Empirical Marketing Studies For Elio Motors?

[Jeff Porter]

I think I remember a mention at some point that they did commission some market studies early on that led EM to pursue immediate high volume production. But I don't have a reference for that.

The most recent and concrete statement I can find on the subject is in the Reg A+ offering circular:

BIG like Slinches, great find, well done!

 

[Aprilia]

I apologize, but I don't see any meaningful relationship between Elio & the original VW Beetle in context of today's transportation world.

The Tata Motors "Nano" has proven low cost transportation is not always the pathway to a successful automotive venture.

 

[Johnny Acree]

Did the tour team collect any data (survey) at the showings?

 

[Rickb]

Here is some data: Build it and they will line up to buy it. No empirical marketing data to back that up.

 

[slinches]

The only thing that the Tata Nano proves is that cheap products don't necessarily sell well. They also need to fit the target market, which I believe the Elio does better than any previous attempt at an efficient commuter car.

 

[Rickb]

I apologize, but I don't see any meaningful relationship between Elio & the original VW Beetle in context of today's transportation world.

The Tata Motors "Nano" has proven low cost transportation is not always the pathway to a successful automotive venture.

Did Tata Motors have imperical marketing data to support the Nano? If so, it didn't mean a thing. EM needs to spend time and limited funding on concept development not marketing studies. My two cents.

 

[Elio Amazed]

"We have analysed the subject so extensively, that, in the process of doing so...
We have changed the subject into something which no longer resembles the original."

...Elio Amazed.

 

[Trusting]

I'm certainly no expert in marketing. That said, I do believe that the sure path to failure in selling a product is to only sell what YOU like and ignore what the public likes. If Elio wants to do a marketing study why not do one to find out what people want in this car? What do they like and what they would change? What is the biggest reason they will NOT buy an Elio? Then make changes to suit the buyers wants and needs.

 

[Kuda]

Yep, big thumbs up! The more they sell, the closer the price could get to $6800. This is a subject that can go in about 5 different directions, so just focusing on your original statement: EM "wants" to produce 250k vehicles during the first year of production. That much we know for sure. Other things we know for sure: the stated list price has been confirmed at about $7300, and there are more than 50k reservations right now.

We don't know what the list price will be if they have for example 70k reservations when production starts.

On why EM wants to produce 250k in the first year, when they have 50k reservations at this point... I'm with you, I have no idea. But I think if EM could wave a magic wand, they are saying that they can meet demand for 250k vehicles during the first year. That's the dream scenario.

For your success story question, I think EM is a success story if they produce 1000 vehicles in the first several weeks. Others will have multiple different opinions for sure. :-) I'm certain Paul wants to pay off the company's debt, that's a success story for him.

If they produce: 2,951 l'll be happy.
))

 

[pistonboy]

I'm certainly no expert in marketing. That said, I do believe that the sure path to failure in selling a product is to only sell what YOU like and ignore what the public likes. If Elio wants to do a marketing study why not do one to find out what people want in this car? What do they like and what they would change? What is the biggest reason they will NOT buy an Elio? Then make changes to suit the buyers wants and needs.

This is a great idea and an idea used universally by companies. But it would not work with EM.. You said "What do they like and what they would change? What is the biggest reason they will NOT buy an Elio?" It is highly likely the market studies would say people do not like the elgin gauges and would like to see it changed. Paul Elio would not do it. Thus these marketing studies would be of no benefit. Maybe that is why EM has not done them and we have not heard of them.