Author Topic: Aptera 2e  (Read 3579 times)

cuscus47

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Aptera 2e
« on: April 16, 2010, 08:55:53 PM »
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marcus

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Re: Aptera 2e
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2010, 10:21:32 PM »
Interesting stuff, but it's Cloud Cuckoo Land!

Don't get me wrong, I really like the look of it, but it is the length of a US Ford Focus, the width of a Maybach, but only a 2 seater, with not much cargo space, and looks that appeal to whackos like me but not to the vast majority of motorists; they may enjoy looking at the photos, but will they open their wallets? Not many of them will.
Of course a few people with enough spare cash will buy one for the looks and the fun, as would I, if I could afford it for occasional fun and pose value. But for them to be talking about 500 employees making it in a 200,000 sq ft factory just knocks it straight into a place of water vapour and large birds who lay their eggs in other birds' nests. If they get the backing they seek, and the premises, I think their car park will be filling, and their debts and overheads mounting at a rate which far outstrips their income.

Most Kit car and specialist companies tend to have a few score employees at most, not 500 rising to 2,000. I think these people have started believing their own hype, and are so fond of their design (quite rightly) that they have allowed themselves to believe there is a huge market for it (quite wrongly), in my opinion.

I will be delighted if I am proved wrong!
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cuscus47

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Re: Aptera 2e
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2010, 10:58:43 PM »
My sentiments exactly Marcus.  I like the design and concept, but I think that they are far over-extending themselves and far over-estimating their very very very specialized market.  It will be interesting to see if they do actually start production, and if they do, then that tells us that their source of funds believes in their initial figures.  Once the novelty wears off, their sales will slow and production decrease and layoffs and most likely bankruptcy and then maybe the moulds will be available for the takers for pennies on the dollar.   A future exercise in entrepreneurship.
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marcus

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Re: Aptera 2e
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2010, 08:29:17 AM »
The authorities around the Western world have very clear regulations about car designs. One-offs and kit cars can by-pass some of this, but manufacturing at any volume immediately demands compliance with regulations. One requirement is "safety" (!) for pedestrians in the event of a collision. I cannot see the Aptera's out-board front wheels and wings being permitted, so the lovely eccentric styling will have to go, thus negating a lot of the appeal. And when it coms to payment time most of their hypothetical market will go for a Lotus or Mazda sports car. There have been quite a number of plane/KR-style "cars of the future", like the Feora, and another make which I saw being made in Texas, and they have never got beyond VERY limited kit car/specialist market sales.
If I had created the Aptera I am sure I would be amazingly proud, and love it to bits, but letting that enthusiasm lead me to anticipate big production would be a one way trip to bankruptcy and shattered dreams. It is a big shame, they should keep it small-scale and sell to enthusiasts. Morgan have done well with that policy!
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face