Elio Motors, Inc
Detroit, MI
Elio Motors, which has designed and tested a 3-wheel vehicle, announced today that it was adding a fourth wheel.
“Despite our PR Department’s claim, we decided to do this purely for financial reasons. It’s not much of a wheel, but it qualifies us as a car, and hence for CAFE standards,” said company founder Paul Elio. “And that could be worth $1,000 or more per car in profit.”
The fourth wheel is immediately next to the existing center-mounted rear wheel, and will somewhat improve the rear-wheel grip. It will not increase the car’s overall width and will have a minor effect on city mpg. The rear wheels will be identical in size and mounted just two inches apart.
“In essence, it’s the proven Elio trike with dualies in the rear,” added Elio.
Elio estimates the change will add 25 pounds to the vehicle’s weight and $50 to its cost. The fourth wheel will not require additional brake components. “It’s essentially dead weight,” Elio commented, “but highly desirable for financial reasons.”
The fourth wheel means that Elio drivers will not have to contend with motorcycle laws in the two states still requiring helmets for Elio drivers. It also means that Elio will avoid the safety stigma associated with the word “motorcycle” in many consumers’ minds.
Effect on the value of Elio share price is expected to be strongly positive.
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Contact: Ostempech@eliomotors.com
