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Elio sputters again, production now in 2016?

Michael James

The Elio is a three-wheel vehicle scheduled to debut in the United States in early 2015.

The future of Elio Motors and its founder’s vision for a gas-thrifty, inexpensive three-wheel vehicle has taken another detour. And this time, even a diehard believer in the product is uncertain of its future

According to KSLA, a television station in Shreveport, La., where the pending car’s manufacturing plant is located, Paul Elio says the company is $240 million short of the funding necessary to begin production.

Elio believes the company can now begin production in the first half of 2016. But he could not predict a date.

The television station has an interview with Eddie Chavez, a retired General Motors employee who spoke with Elio and then expressed his combined disappointed and remaining hope with the television station.

Overhead views of the Elio Motors concept vehicle.
Overhead view of the Elio Motors’ concept vehicle.

The announcement is disappointing for Eddie Chavez, but he says he’s still in support of the start up company.

Elio said the his company is also still hoping further government funding.

The company had previously announced it was going to create 1,500 jobs by the end of 2014, but it didn’t. Elio was granted a six-month extension with Racer’s Trust, the agreement originator.

Nearly 40,000 potential buyers have already made deposits to purchased the Elio, according the the company’s website.

To read the complete article, visit: ELIO MOTORS/KSLA

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Article Last Updated: October 28, 2017.

2 thoughts on “Elio sputters again, production now in 2016?”

  1. Seems pretty clear Elio has a factory, a new engine, nearly 40,000 pre-orders, and ATVM loan at the “due-diligence” phase. It’s not a matter of if but when.

    Reply
  2. When? Try never. It’s a scam, or at least too poorly planned and executed to succeed. The vehicle is already outdated (2008 design) and will never be accepted by the American motoring public or sturdy enough to survive a collision. And as far as planning goes, Elmo would be better qualified to lead the project than Elio. Continually over-promising and under-delivering is a huge red flag in business.

    One last thought… What car using the owner’s name as the brand has ever done well (other than Ford and Porsche)?

    Reply

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