Elio Motors Strengthens Commitment to North American Content, Tires to be Manufactured by Continental Tire at Sumter, S.C. Facility

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Elio Motors today announced that it has sourced production of tires for its unique three-wheeled Elio vehicle to Continental Tire the Americas. The ProContact GX tires will be manufactured at the Continental Tire facility in Sumter, S.C.

"We're pleased to announce our supplier partnership with Continental Tire to provide tires for our Elio vehicles," said Paul Elio, President and CEO of Elio Motors. "The tires will be built in Continental's Sumter, S.C. plant, consistent with Elio Motor's goal to maintain high U.S. content in its vehicles. Continental's belief in Elio Motors and our vision to provide an affordable, highly fuel-efficient passenger vehicle that is made in America is a huge validation to us for our efforts to date."

The tires for the unique Elio Motors vehicle utilize advanced technology to provide lower rolling resistance than traditional radial passenger car tires. The ProContact GX is a touring performance, all-season tire designed for comfort and handling. The low density undertread compound ensures that impacts and road vibrations are absorbed for a smooth ride. The balanced sipe-to-block ratio makes for excellent all-weather grip and handling while the blocking rib on the shoulder block reduces noise by keeping it contained to the tread area.  The vehicles' tires will be of an evolutionary steel-belted, radial design and will conform to standard sizing metrics, with the two front tires being 135/80 R15 and the single rear tire measuring 175/65 R15.  All of the tires, will utilize existing Continental Tire tread patterns and are expected to have comparable tread life and replacement costs to conventional tires.

Replacement tires will be available at Elio Motors' official service provider, as well as broadly through most tire retailers. The tires will require no specialty or unique tools for mounting, unmounting or balancing.

Elio Motors' innovative, enclosed three-wheel vehicle will get up to 84 MPG with a targeted $6,800 base price. The company is aiming for a late 2016 production launch.  The vehicle already has a significant following, as more than 46,000 people have reserved a place in line for an Elio.

The vehicles will be produced by Elio Motors 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, Louisiana production facility. In addition, the Elio will use 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, La. At the SEMA Show, Elio Motors is located in the South Hall Upper Concourse in booth #36005.

About Continental Tire the Americas
Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Continental Tire the Americas, LLC manufactures and distributes a complete premium line of passenger, light truck and commercial tires for original equipment and replacement markets. Our ultra-high, performance tires include award-winning technologies that focus on safety, help save money, and reduce CO2 emissions. Continental's premium products are available at leading independent tire dealers, car dealers, and mass retail companies across North America. Continental Tire is a proud supporter of IMSA, Major League Soccer (MLS), West Coast Customs, World Racing, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, and Petty's Garage.

SOURCE Elio Motors