Could The Key Players Get Bought Out?

[Ekh]

I don't know the answer to this question, so I'll toss it out and see if others know: Are motorcycles (remember, Elio is a motorcycle) subject to any safety regulations and required crash tests, etc.? I realize Elio Motors will voluntarily be safety testing, but I don't know if gov't requires it for 'cycles. I don't see how new regs could be passed solely for Elio, without requiring those regs across the board for all motorcycles.

I believe motorcycles, which lack any kind of cage or shielding, do not need to be crash tested. Defined as a motorcycle, the Elio does not have to test but they WANT to be tested. The perception of safety is essential to their success. Without it, no prayer.

 

[Cali Chris]

Tucker was a potential replacement for what the major auto companies offered. Elio is a supplemental vehicle in most cases (not all). Much different scenario.


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[Rickb]

He's only driven by dollars in the sense of finding ways to reduce cost. That's how he started in automotive engineering -- and the firm he worked for then didn't want to take the trouble to follow his findings regarding the placement of a single bolt.

..........without compromising quality and safety......which is admirable and highly unusual in the 'auto industry'.

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

Batten the hatches, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. There's a growing number decent hard working young having to struggle so, You would if you were that primary bread winner and one of the growing number of young trying to keep a full time job. Haven't you heard yet. Obama want's you part time and at least partially dependent on the warm mother's milk (welfare) of the new Mother America. LOL

Folks (addressed to both the user by that name and folks in general), lets try and keep the board non-political

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

It's also known as moderator announcement, pay attention.

 

[Horn]

Folks (addressed to both the user by that name and folks in general), lets try and keep the board non-political

.....taking away our freedom of speech! JUST KIDDING

I think everyone has their price. And although this can be seen as a supplemental or alternative vehicle. It can eat into sales. Most families have 2 cars often times an suv and car, 2 cars, car and truck.....etc. I think the elio would take place of the second car. You would see the elio and the suv or elio and a van....I don't see many families picking up more than 2 vehicles. Some would though. (I currently have 5 so what the hell do I know?)

 

[Folks]

.....taking away our freedom of speech! JUST KIDDING


)

I know you're just kidding, Horn. Good Moderators have a tough job do have to show judgement and watchful that no one is offended. I went back and erased my comments about the new mother America. I remember Paul Elio himself referring to his vehicle as just the ticket for the single mother trying to get across town to her job. That said I think Josh's his yelling is a little rude when a simply thumbtack would have serficed. Being that he is young and inexperience we need to cut him some slack.

 

[Chris F]

Historically, US car companies filled the niche markets for small, basic transportation cars. Studebaker, Nash and later AMC, for example. The big 3 left this niche to be filled by VW and Toyoda. The attempts they did make (the Chevette and Escort, for example) were not terribly good or reliable. If EM can fill this niche with a US built car, then the insiders will be coining money. No reason to sell out. By the time EM goes public, the guy who empties the waste baskets will be a millionaire.

 

[HHH]

It's an enclosed motorcycle.......why would big car companies feel threatened? Perhaps motorcycle companies should worry as they begin losing their aging biker customer base to the enclosed cabin Elio Trike.

There is/will be a huge market demand for the Elio................and a continued market demand for what big car companies churn out. Elio will be the ideal 'second' car for most families. The other market Elio may take a chunk out of is the USED CAR market. Why buy used when you can buy a new, reliable, high mpg Elio for $6800.

You've touched on many significant points. Who might feel threatened by Elio's success? Yes, possibly motorcycle manufacturers. I am the very market you are referring to. How might they respond? Demand a "level playing field" by requiring a motorcycle license for each owner. Auto Manufacturers, along with their captive finance companies as well as the commercial banks? Quite possibly, if demand for the used car market shrinks, as this affects lease residual values they were depending on. How might they respond? Having worked in bank regulatory compliance, I think they would use the regulatory angle to constrain EM; demanding they be considered an auto manufacturer. How effective can they be? The American Bankers Association is one of the very largest lobbying groups in the country.

As for the premise of this thread, "Could the key players get bought out", I refer you to EM's own Privacy Policy: "SALE OF ASSETS: In the event that there is a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or another company acquires the stock or assets of Elio Motors, we reserve the right to include information among the assets to the changed corporate structure." This tells us that they have at least thought of the possibility.

 

[Mark Ambrose]

Paul Elio is a driven man and I don't think he will abandon his dream. Ego's and dreams are hard to overcome and I truly feel his dream of the Elio far outweighs a buyout potential. I still believe he is a man of principle, an engineer, and a dreamer. It doesn't seem he has ever been driven by the all mighty dollar and he is not willing to give up his dreams.

I agree completely. I met Paul Elio and talked to him at length then the P3 was in Maryland. I believe this is a man who is doing this on principle, not simply to make a buck.