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Elio high-mpg trike hits 10,000 reservations

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Our math says that there must be 71 people a day signing up for the Elio Motors super-fuel-efficient three-wheeled vehicle. Michigan-based Elio says it's surpassed the 10,000-reservation threshold for its car, which is slated to start production next year. About 6,300 had signed up as of the end of last year.

Elio is promising a vehicle that will get 84 miles per gallon and will be able to travel as far as 670 miles on a tank. Additionally, the company says its vehicle, priced at $6,800, will be engineered to get a five-star crash-test rating and will include goodies such as power windows, power door locks, airbags, a radio and anti-lock brakes. The reservations start at $100 a pop, and a sliding scale goes up to $1,000 and can trigger discounts on the final vehicle purchase price.

Late last month, Elio unveiled an updated design with partially covered wheels. Earlier in January, the company said a local government agency completed its purchase of the former General Motors Shreveport Assembly and Stamping Plant in Louisiana and said it'd make about 1,500 jobs available to nearby residents. The news just keeps on coming, and you can take a look at Elio Motors' latest press release below.
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Elio Motors Inc. Hits 10,000 Reservations for Aerodynamic, Enclosed 3-Wheel Vehicle;

High Consumer Interest Shows Demand for Low-Cost, High Mileage Transportation Option

TROY, Mich. (Feb. 20, 2014) – Elio Motors announced that reservations for its aerodynamic, enclosed 3-wheel vehicle surpassed 10,000. The high level of interest is evidence that consumers are clamoring for an entirely new type of transportation option, according to Paul Elio, Founder and CEO of Elio Motors.
The vehicle, which is slated for production in 2015, will have a sticker price of $6,800.00, will achieve 84 miles per gallon fuel efficiency and is engineered to achieve a 5-star crash test safety rating. The vehicle is 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.

"We're not just creating a new vehicle," Elio said. "We're creating an entirely new industry segment that appeals to people who want a low-cost, highly efficient mode of transportation, but still want to own a unique vehicle that will turn some heads. The Elio gives people the best of both worlds. The fact that so many people have put their hands up and said 'I want one' tells me we've uncovered an underserved niche in the transportation industry."

Elio has identified a number of customer segments that are perfect for the low-price, high-mileage 3-wheel vehicle, including

• 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.

"It seems like every day we come across someone from a unique customer segment that sees how our vehicle easily fits into their lifestyle," Elio said. "We see these initial 10,000 hand raisers as a great start in our journey to change how transportation is perceived in the United States. As more people see and hear about this vehicle, we expect reservations to continue to grow exponentially."

Reservations can be made at Eliomotors.com and range from $100 to $1,000. 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). Although refundable deposits can be made, more than 80 percent of customers have opted for the non-refundable reservation, again reinforcing how strongly consumers feel about this vehicle.

The Elio will come with standard features such as power windows, power door lock, tempered glass, three airbags, and an AM/FM radio. The vehicle will feature an eight gallon tank, which enables drivers to travel more than 670 miles without filling up and a Safety Management System comprised of reinforced roll-cage, Anti-Lock Braking System and 50 percent larger crush zones than a similar vehicle.

Elio Motors' supplier partners include Altair, IAV, Comau, NEWTECH 3, Cooper Tires, Irvin, Henkel, Admiral Tool, Technosports Creative, Cooper Standard, Dakkota Lighting Technologies, LLC, Detroit Thermal Systems, Eastern Catalytic, Guardian, Mando Corporation, Kiekert, Lear Corporation, Peterson Spring, Plastics Research Corporation, Superior Roll Forming and Takata.
About Elio Motors: Founded by car enthusiast Paul Elio in 2008, Elio Motors Inc. represents a revolutionary approach to manufacturing an ultra-high-mileage vehicle. The 3-wheeled Elio will attain a highway mileage rating of more than 80 mpg while providing the comfort of power windows and air conditioning, accompanied by the safety of multiple air bags and an aerodynamic, 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 or www.facebook.com/ElioMotors.

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