Elio Motors Releases Body Framing and Engine Cradle Design to Suppliers for E-Series Engineering Prototype Builds

DETROIT, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Elio Motors, the startup vehicle manufacturer launching a three-wheeled vehicle that will get up to 84 MPG with a targeted base price of $6,800, today announced that it has released to its suppliers the body framing and engine cradle design for its E-Series engineering prototypes. The E-Series prototypes will be used for safety, wind tunnel and manufacturability validation, prior to the start of commercial production.

"In just three short weeks, our team has taken the design of the body framing and engine cradle to the level of manufacturability," said Paul Elio, founder and CEO of Elio Motors. "This critical milestone in the product creation cycle has been achieved ahead of schedule, and this experienced team has exceeded our delivery expectations in meeting design parameters."

Elio expressed his gratitude to the key supplier companies responsible for bringing the body framing and engine cradle to its timely release. He included Schwab Industries of Shelby Township, Mich., where soft tool prototype development will occur and body framing will commence; The Genesee Group of Grand Prairie, Tex., which will provide stamping and fabrication services; and The Paslin Company of Shelby Township, which is providing welding systems and fixtures for construction of the E-Series prototypes.

Finalizing the design of the body framing and engine cradle were critical to the development of interior and exterior components for the Elio.

"In design for manufacturability, we 'tune' to the body framing and engine cradle," said Gino Raffin, Vice President of Manufacturing and Product Launch for Elio Motors. "Chassis, interior trim, electrical and all other suppliers that provide systems and modules for the vehicle design and ultimately manufacture their design, in terms of dimensions, tolerances, attachment points and fit and finish, to this critical component module."

Raffin compared the body framing and engine cradle to the foundation of a house. He said, if you look at your house, it's built on a foundation, and everything from the floor structure, walls, electrical and plumbing attaches to and is dimensionally designed around it.

Following completion of the body framing and engine cradle, the team will work to release the design of the vehicle's body panels in late February. This is in preparation for meeting the program's Materials Release Date.

Elio Motors will produce the vehicle in Shreveport, Louisiana, at a former General Motors production facility. The company estimates upwards of 1,500 will be directly employed at Elio Motors' Shreveport production facility. In addition, the goal of the Elio is to use up to 90 percent North American content and create an additional 1,500 jobs from the supply base, Elio Motors corporate, as well as sales and service once full production is underway. Plus, approximately 18,000 indirect jobs nationwide are projected to be created or sustained.

About Elio Motors

Founded by car enthusiast Paul Elio in 2009, Elio Motors Inc. represents a revolutionary approach to manufacturing an ultra-high-mileage vehicle. The three-wheeled Elio is engineered to attain a highway mileage rating of up to 84 mpg while providing the comfort of amenities such as power windows, power door lock 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, Louisiana.

Starting MSRP excludes options, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Anticipated production date is based upon timely receipt of requisite funding.

SOURCE Elio Motors