Elio Automobile Gets 84 MPG, Costs $6800

Elio Motors, a new car manufacturer, has announced details of their first model. The Elio automobile will get 84 miles per gallon, and retail for $6800.

The unusual automobile only has one door, two seats, and three wheels. Unlike most small, fuel-efficient automobiles, the Elio is made in the United States. The vehicles will be constructed at a former GM plant in Shreveport, Louisiana. The factory will employ around 1,500 workers.

The company was founded in 2008 by auto engineer Paul Elio. The company is focused on bringing highly-affordable second cars to the general public.

One stumbling block manufacturers of small cars face is safety. To face these issues, the new car is designed with a roll cage, three airbags and safety zones on all sides. Elio is striving for a five-star safety rating from the Federal government. However, the agency responsible for that is refusing to test the vehicle, saying it is not technically a car, due to a lack of a fourth wheel.

The company is facing several challenges bringing the model to market. The release date, originally scheduled for March 2015, has now been pushed back six months to September.

The delay was also caused in part by a delay in funding. Elio Motors hopes to sell up to $70 million dollars of equipment left behind in the plant by GM. The company also hopes to receive $200 million in public financing, through the Advanced Transportation Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Operators of the Elio could also face the need to have a motorcycle license in many states, in order to drive the vehicle. But, they could also be insured as motorcycles in some areas, which could save owners on their premiums.

According to the Elio Motors Web site, more than 20,000 people have reserved one of the vehicles.

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/the-new-us-automaker-s–6800–84-mpg-

elio–142815228.html

http://investorplace.com/2014/06/elio-motors-3-wheeled-car-gm-stock

http://www.ktbs.com/story/25697775/elio-motors-delays-production-almost-lost-

shreveports-gm-plant

http://theadvocate.com/news/business/9364258-123/production-start-pushed-back-for

http://www.eliomotors.com