Paul Elio, founder of Elio Motors, has stressed his soon-to-be manufactured three-wheel Elio priced at $6,800, will change how consumers think about their daily commutes.
Speaking at the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition Legislative Breakfast in Phoenix where he lives, Elio said his company will create more than 1,500 American jobs and help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil.
“Our high-mileage, low-cost vehicle is causing people to rethink how we approach transportation in the United States,” Elio said. “Many consumers buy vehicles based on the premise that they need to haul their entire family around.
“But, on a typical commute to work, look at how many big, inefficient vehicles have just one person – the driver – onboard. For those trips where you drive solo – and that’s probably the majority of trips – why not have a vehicle that is affordable and highly fuel efficient?”
The Elio is slated for production in 2015. It’s engineered for an anticipated 5-Star Crash Test Safety Rating.
“In addition to the practical message of affordability and high fuel efficiency, this is an eye-catching design that will turn heads,” Elio said. “There’s no reason drivers can’t have a practical vehicle and still have some fun, too.”
Elio Motors has taken nearly 11,000 reservations at its web site ranging from $100 to $1,000. A non-refundable reservation provides customers with an additional discount worth 50 percent of the initial depose. A $1,000 deposit would receive an additional $500 toward the price of a vehicle at the time of purchase.
The three-wheeled Elio will also feature power windows and air conditioning, accompanied by the safety of multiple air bags and an enclosed vehicle body.
Elio’s first manufacturing site will be in Shreveport, La., with plans for the first production vehicle to roll off the assembly line in 2015 and significant production, sales and distribution during the next two years.
For more information, visit www.eliomotors.com.
Article Last Updated: April 22, 2014.
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Two concerns: I imagine the price will creep up well over $10,000 and very soon. How much will the insurance cost?
Even with all the options ticked, I don’t think this car will go much past $10,000.
I’m guessing (with the data currently available) that there will be a majority (probably 80%) of people that will go with the “base” model car, as its well equipped already.
Those that get navigation, better Stereo and leather seating, different front fenders/wheels will be less common, but they will be available. I’d say if there is anything that Elio might offer that will be $1500-3000.00 would be a matching rear cargo trailer option. I really like it, and would prefer that over the said options if I were buying one right now. I really only want the car at $6,800. Add cruise control and possibly a better CD player and I’d be all grins. I don’t need or want leather, and I don’t think the design of the wheels/fenders is bad at all, and would leave those off the options list.
Since this will be classed as an “Autocycle”, I cannot expect the insurance to be as high as a car in the lowest class (subcompact), and should be inexpensive to repair and replace parts. In fact, with all the safety equipment (ABS, 5 Star safety rating, seat belts and roll cage) this “Autocycle” should set a brand new standard for low expense in addition to its stellar mileage, and decent performance on the road. You also will not be required to drive with a helmet. I’m really looking forward to getting one.