Cooper tyre supplier for fuel-efficient Elio

It may look like a Morgan three-wheeler from the future, but the Elio is one American company’s vision of fuel-efficient, safe motoring. The American-made car (or, as defined by US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, motorcycle) is expected to be market ready late next year and deliver 84 mpg on the highway and 49 mpg in the city (2.8 litres per 100km and 4.8 litres per 100km), plus an anticipated 5-star safety rating. Original equipment tyres will be supplied by Cooper Tire & Rubber, a relationship that has just been sealed by the signing of a letter of intent between the tyre maker and Elio Motors.

“We are delighted to have Cooper as our tyre supplier,” stated Paul Elio, CEO of Elio Motors. “This letter of intent signifies a step forward in American manufacturing and assembly. We are proud that the Cooper tyres supplied for the Elio will be manufactured in a US plant and our vehicle will be manufactured in Shreveport, creating American jobs. Elio Motors is determined to use only quality suppliers while pioneering this affordable new road in the automotive industry. We cannot underestimate the importance of a quality tyre in making a vehicle both enjoyable and safe to drive.”

“Continued innovation is critical in the automotive business, and Cooper is excited to be working with Elio to develop an innovative tyre design to be manufactured in one of our US plants,” said Chris Ostrander, president, North America Tire Division. “Cooper shares Elio’s commitment to this vehicle promoting a sustainable environment. By supplying tyres with Cooper’s low rolling resistance technology, Cooper will make a significant contribution toward helping Elio achieve its goal of 84 miles per gallon.”

Weighing about 1,200 pounds (544kg), the Elio runs on a three-cylinder, 55-horsepower, fuel-injected engine. The vehicle is expected to retail for in the US approximately $6,800. Elio intends to ultimately sell the car in international markets following its US rollout. The company says it hasn’t yet decided which countries it will first target, however it comments that Canada is near the top of the list.