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Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla smart home app, Elio hires engineering VP

Vinyl wraps for Teslas range from classy to absurd.

EVAnnex shows off vinyl wraps for the Tesla Model S and Model X. EVAnnex, which specializes in aftermarket products for Tesla vehicles, showcases some aftermarket looks from Signature Custom Wraps in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Wraps give owners color options that the factory doesn't offer – including outlandish matte or chrome finishes – and protect the car's original paint. See examples in the video above, and read more at Inside EVs or at the EVAnnex blog.

Evolved Vehicle Environments (EVE) has created the EVE Connect for Tesla app, which allows users to control smart home features from their Model S or Model X. From the car's touchscreen, drivers can lock or unlock doors in their house, adjust lights or the thermostat, and have their favorite music playing when they come home. The service is $5.99 per month, and allows owners an extra measure of home security and energy savings, all conveniently controlled from their Tesla. Check out the EVE website, or read a review of the app at Teslarati.

Elio Motors has hired Jeffrey W. Johnston as its Vice President of Engineering. Johnston has worked for various automakers and parts suppliers, including General Motors, TRW Automotive, and Takata Corporation. Much of his experience comes from working with safety systems, particularly occupant restraints. "Jeff Johnston's personal values of high product quality, exceptional value and on-time delivery perfectly align with those of Elio Motors, making him a natural choice as our vice president of Engineering," says Paul Elio, CEO of Elio Motors. "His industry experience and successes with other automakers and top suppliers in the areas of product development and engineering has raised him to rock star status and has prepared him well to help make the Elio an affordable vehicle of enviable quality that's fun to drive." Read more in the press release below.

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Elio Motors Names Industry Veteran Jeffrey W. Johnston as V.P. Engineering

Experienced executive brings global automotive experience, track record of automaker and supplier successes, strong personal/product 'values' to startup

PHOENIX, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Elio Motors, Inc. (OTCQX: ELIO), has named Jeffrey W. Johnston as vice president of Engineering for its three-wheeled vehicle that will have a targeted base price of $6,800 and estimated to achieve up to 84 miles per gallon. The announcement was made by Paul Elio, founder and CEO of Elio Motors.

Johnston, 54, will be responsible for all engineering of the full Elio vehicle, validation, safety, program management and vehicle launch. He will report directly to Paul Elio.

"Jeff Johnston's personal values of high product quality, exceptional value and on-time delivery perfectly align with those of Elio Motors, making him a natural choice as our vice president of Engineering," said Elio. "His industry experience and successes with other automakers and top suppliers in the areas of product development and engineering has raised him to rock star status and has prepared him well to help make the Elio an affordable vehicle of enviable quality that's fun to drive."

Johnston has more than 30 years of experience working for Top 10 automakers and suppliers in the international automotive arena. During his career, he has held a number of key leadership positions in Engineering, Interior Launch, Purchasing, Sales, and Program Management. His strong technical abilities and natural talent for managing people has proven immeasurable to the success of his employers.

While attending Lawrence Technological University full time, Johnston began his professional career working full time with General Motors, first as a technician, and later as an engineer, a role which continued post-graduation. Following General Motors, he accepted an engineering position with TRW Automotive to work with occupant restraints, where he played a leading role in the early stages of airbag system development for the automotive industry.

After TRW, Johnston worked for Morton ASP (now Autoliv), where his valuable experience and skills in occupant restraints and airbags hit full stride, just as the U.S. began phasing in a mandate that all vehicles be airbag-equipped.

Following Autoliv and prior to Elio Motors, Johnston was with Takata Corporation, a global supplier of occupant restraints, including seat belt systems and airbag systems. While there in an engineering sales capacity, he helped the company achieve market share of 20 percent.

Johnston began his education in automotive technology by attending the Motech Automotive Education Center, a vocational school that was a subsidiary of the Chrysler Corporation, while working in a variety of prototype and job shops. He later received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He resides in Shelby Township, Mich., with his wife and children.

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