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Elio Motors: To reserve or not? Nearly 12,000 say yes

Overhead views of the Elio Motors concept vehicle.

Interest in the yet-unnamed Elio Motors’ $6,800 three-wheel vehicle, scheduled for delivery in 2015, continues to steadily increase.

According the the company’s website, nearly 12,000 prospective buyers have paid deposits from $100 to $1,000 and with refundable and non-refundable options.

A non-refundable reservation provides customers with an additional discount worth 50 percent of the initial deposit (a $1,000 deposit would receive an additional $500 toward the price of a vehicle at the time of purchase).

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

Although refundable deposits can be made, more than 80 percent of customers have opted for the non-refundable reservation

Overall, the reservation options are varied and are offered with and elaborate formula. Here’s the link:

Elio Motors Reservations

The vehicle, according to the manufacturer, will achieve 84 miles per gallon fuel efficiency and is “engineered to achieve a 5-star crash test safety rating.”

Elio Motors is describing the futuristic-looking vehicle as “perfect for individual commuters looking for an inexpensive and fuel efficient mode of transportation, but who also yearn for a unique expression of their passion for driving.”

Elio has identified several driving segments of the public ideally suited for its pending vehicle:

* People who have large vehicles for family reasons, but find themselves driving to and from work without any passengers nearly every day;
* College students who need a low-cost option for getting to and from campus;
* Vacationers who want a second vehicle for running errands on weekends at the cottage;
* Environmentalists who want to reduce carbon emissions;
* People who want to see the United States reduce dependence on foreign oil;
* Owners of low-mileage “clunkers” who would realize a net gain financially by purchasing one of Elio Motors’ vehicles.

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