Myers Motors, the small American manufacturer of electric cars, has recently started accepting deposits from buyers interested in their new, two-passenger model promised for the end of 2010. The machine has logically been named Duo.
The strategy retained for marketing this model is rather original. First, the $250 US deposit required to “reserve” a Duo can be refunded at any time, for any reason. In addition, if buyers are so inclined they can try to recruit other buyers. For every 200 deposits Myers receives on the Duo, the purchase price of the vehicle will be reduced by $1,000, to a maximum of $5,000!
The base price of the Duo was set at $29,995 US when this article was published and could thus be brought down to $24,995. And that’s before any government tax credits some consumers will be able to claim.
From the Sparrow to the NmG
Myers Motors is based in Ohio. The automaker became known when it took over production of the Sparrow, the electric single-seater developed by Corbin Motors and produced from 2000 to 2002. Myers renamed this unusual looking munchkin NmG for “No More Gas”. Production started in 2004.
According to the manufacturer, the three-wheel car can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h. It features an 80-100 km operating range and sells for $29,995 US, the same price as the Duo.
Like the NmG, the Duo has three wheels and uses a lithium battery that gives it the same operating range in ideal conditions. However, Myers Motors plans on offering two other higher capacity batteries. The first will bring the operating range to 130 km and the second, to 160 km. The two options are available for $2,500 and $5,000 US, respectively.
The Duo is designed to be recharged from home, and the automaker estimates the operating costs at 2 cents per kilometre.
 |
| The 2011 Myers Duo is a new two-passenger electric car designed in the US. Production will start during the last quarter of 2010. |
The strategy retained for marketing this model is rather original. First, the $250 US deposit required to “reserve” a Duo can be refunded at any time, for any reason. In addition, if buyers are so inclined they can try to recruit other buyers. For every 200 deposits Myers receives on the Duo, the purchase price of the vehicle will be reduced by $1,000, to a maximum of $5,000!
The base price of the Duo was set at $29,995 US when this article was published and could thus be brought down to $24,995. And that’s before any government tax credits some consumers will be able to claim.
From the Sparrow to the NmG
Myers Motors is based in Ohio. The automaker became known when it took over production of the Sparrow, the electric single-seater developed by Corbin Motors and produced from 2000 to 2002. Myers renamed this unusual looking munchkin NmG for “No More Gas”. Production started in 2004.
According to the manufacturer, the three-wheel car can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h. It features an 80-100 km operating range and sells for $29,995 US, the same price as the Duo.
Like the NmG, the Duo has three wheels and uses a lithium battery that gives it the same operating range in ideal conditions. However, Myers Motors plans on offering two other higher capacity batteries. The first will bring the operating range to 130 km and the second, to 160 km. The two options are available for $2,500 and $5,000 US, respectively.
The Duo is designed to be recharged from home, and the automaker estimates the operating costs at 2 cents per kilometre.
 |
| The dash boasts a modern look. |