Personal

Elio motors made a pit stop at the Destiny Mall in Syracuse New York, May 14 – 16 2014.  This 3-wheeled vehicle is designed for ultra mileage – somewhere around 84 MPG on the open highway, with a standard transmission and cruise control engaged.

The Elio is slated to be produced in America – they've purchased some used factory space in Louisiana, and will begin production there in 2015.  3-wheelers are nothing new.  Many are motorcycles, with open frames and engines between your legs.  Some, like the Can-Am Spyder from Bombardier also have two wheels in front.  Paul Elio designed the vehicle so that the driver and rider space was enclosed, but because of it's three-wheel design and small 3-cylinder engine, many states – including New York – consider it a type of motorcycle.

But many of the first automobiles on the road only had three wheels.  Elio is desperately trying to get the vehicle classified as a car, opening up the market base to anyone who owns a typical driver's license.  Production models will have reinforced roll cages and multiple air bags.  There's a rear seat, and a rear storage area, but no rear window.  The mirrors outside the cockpit should help you back up with no problem, but the attendants stated that a back-up camera is a highly requested option.

Not my intention to be a downer, but I can see the media scramble after the first meeting between an Elio and a Semi on the highways of America; "Tiny car no match for lane-changing big rig. 'I never even saw it' says trucker."  How many other sports cars, costing 8 to 10 times the Elio's projected retail price have experienced a similar fate?

Elio has done a tremendous amount of work to generate word-of-mouth publicity.  Their blog is meant to keep everyone up on the company's efforts in all areas.  Folks who "Like" their Facebook page get several updates each week – often more than one per day.  While the posts can sometimes be heavy handed, what I don't see are them providing calls to action!  I have yet to notice a message that says "Like and share," or "Invite your friends to come and see our car."  Maybe I've missed those.  Could be.

What they do call for is for readers to put down a non-refundable purchase deposit of $100 or more. Cash in hand is a good thing, especially when you're looking for additional financing.  But if they developed a larger fan base through invitations, getting more deposits would seem easier – you've got a bigger pool to hit up.