Tough Sell?

[outsydthebox]

.... If something unlikely happens (unexpected crash testing) it's insured, fix it, or build one of the 25 E's to replace it.

So, you "know" for a fact that EM has this "one-of-a-kind" hand built prototype, "insured to a level that would allow them to drive it around stupid people?!?! And what "deductible" would you place on it? A solid collision could even crack the engine block.

....EM needs a proven Prototype not another prop prototype used for show and tell. It's a test vehicle from which to build E's

Well, which one is it?...a "Prototype?"...or a "test vehicle?"

................if it could be driven (and I don't think it can, only short controlled drives)...

It has been driven. The potential "cost" of driving it (like a regular production vehicle) are just too high.

.... It's not a collector vehicle that should be used for still photo opportunities.

Uhm, Yes, yes it is. It was "purpose-built" to "do" exactly what it is doing.


The "E's" are coming. They are also being "purpose-built". Some for crash testing, some for mileage testing and, probably, some to just look pretty.

 

[Rickb]

Yep, I apparently know it all. My wife made me a name tag and gifted me this coffee mug:

With that said she has recently threatened to tear up the tag and hide the mug because of my continued interest in and preorders on both the Elio and the SRK motorcycles.

 

[W. WIllie]

You will know when her threats are serious when she says................."Elio, SRK, or ME?"

 

[Rickb]

So, you "know" for a fact that EM has this "one-of-a-kind" hand built prototype, "insured to a level that would allow them to drive it around stupid people?!?! And what "deductible" would you place on it? A solid collision could even crack the engine block.
Well, which one is it?...a "Prototype?"...or a "test vehicle?"

It has been driven. The potential "cost" of driving it (like a regular production vehicle) are just too high.

Uhm, Yes, yes it is. It was "purpose-built" to "do" exactly what it is doing.


The "E's" are coming. They are also being "purpose-built". Some for crash testing, some for mileage testing and, probably, some to just look pretty.

You don't think the P5 is insured? What if somebody crashes into the trailer it's being hauled around in on the way to photo opps...........or it rolls off a cliff? Now I'm concerned.

The P2 was pretty enough to get my attention.

 

[Rickb]

You will know when her threats are serious when she says................."Elio, SRK, or ME?"

That's hilarious! I hope it turns out to be the four of us and we live happily ever after.

 

[3wheelin]

Agreed. I am looking at getting a used Smart as a stand-in commuter until the Elio comes out, but that is just because they are dirt cheap. That is my only justification, otherwise I would get something like a Chevy Sonic hatchback with the little turbo. The Smart is cute but performs poorly all around and has zero utility. And that dreadful AMT. Awful.

I think Elio's biggest seller (in the US at least) will be the price. MPG is a good attention getter for advertising, but I really think if they can keep the price down that will be what really moves them. The looks and cool factor will get people interested, the low price will get them sold, and the MPG will be a good justification for the purchase so people do not feel cheap. Me, I have no problem being a cheapskate. I waste my money on other hobbies, not commuting.

Try not to get too attached to the price because while that maybe the biggest attention getter (affordable), targeting such a low price COULD be EM's Achilles heel! Never been done before! Of course we're all hoping they make it, that's why we're all here!

 

[3wheelin]

I have to disagree with those in here that are claiming that mileage is not a strong selling point for the Elio. If they make it to production, it would be the first time that I'm aware of that a new vehicle would be cheaper to own and operate than an average paid off vehicle. I actually plan to sell my current daily driver ('04 Chevy Colorado, 21mpg) which will almost be a straight swap with the Elio as far as purchase costs and the operating costs should be reduced to 1/3-1/4 of the cost per mile after that. Nothing else comes close for affordability of transportation. It's not just going to replace "clunkers", it could replace a large portion of the daily driver used vehicles on the road right now.

The strongest selling point of the ELIO is it's target base price of $6,800! I have to admit that when I first see that target price, I jumped on the first opportunity to make a reservation. I believe it's a long shot of them meeting that target price point but hey, I won't lose sleep of losing my 1K (plus $100 want in)! I will no doubt be upset but I took the risk and that's that!

 

[3wheelin]

You don't think the P5 is insured? What if somebody crashes into the trailer it's being hauled around in on the way to photo ops...........or it rolls off a cliff? Now I'm concerned.

The P5 prototype should be the final design freeze and engineering freeze specified, drive tested, and verified prototype that insures the E build test fleet vehicles are all built to EXACTING SPECIFICATIONS so that testing insures uniform and accurate testing results. The accurate testing results would be used to determine any changes that may be needed to build the final PRODUCTION READY ELIO. In short, the P5 was supposed to be a road worthy Prototype on which the E Builds are based not just the look pretty photo worthy prototype we ended up with.

The P2 was pretty enough to get my attention.

The only reason I can think of for EM to preserve the P5 from all kind of wear and tear is they might use it FOR INDEFINITE PERIOD if they don't get the necessary funding! What else could it be? It could be on road shows for years to come w/out the funding? What else are they gonna do? They're now using all media format so it's all for attracting more reservations AND investors! Then again, what do I know?

 

[outsydthebox]

You don't think the P5 is insured?

To Quote what i "actually said"..."insured to a level that would allow them to drive it around stupid people?!?!

The P5 prototype should be the final design freeze and engineering freeze specified, drive tested, and verified prototype that insures the E build test fleet vehicles are all built to EXACTING SPECIFICATIONS so that testing insures uniform and accurate testing results. The accurate testing results would be used to determine any changes that may be needed to build the final PRODUCTION READY ELIO...

What is source of this "statement"?

In short, the P5 was supposed to be a road worthy Prototype on which the E Builds are based.....

Finally, you said something I agree with (and totally in conflict with you second statement)

 

[Rickb]

To Quote what i "actually said"..."insured to a level that would allow them to drive it around stupid people?!?!
What is source of this "statement"?
Finally, you said something I agree with (and totally in conflict with you second statement)

You don't think the Elio is insured? I don't know what level of insurance is needed to drive it around people.

I thought the in short statement was the summarized second statement, but could be mistaken. I think we agree on considerably more when it comes to the Elio.......for example wanting EM to finally meet a production goal so we are able to buy and drive one.