Has Aptera Jumped the Shark?

[palmer_md]

It looks as if Aptera has "jumped the shark". They just released a newsletter and there is little to no traffic on this site any longer and even fewer posts. I remember logging on here and always seeing at least 20 others every time, and now I've been lucky to see 5. I think the whole disaster at the xprize and their lack of immediate response has really put them out of peoples mind.

[DanD]

Aptera jumped the shark when they ousted the visionary got the ball rolling. Is it really any wonder that the ball has stopped, and has been slowly deflating ever since?

[butter]

Well, also since it has become clear, whether implicitly or otherwise, that Aptera wasn't going to be selling any cars in the near (or even barely distant) future, interest and discussion would naturally decline.

[NmGfan]

I was just looking at my photos from the Stanford event back in Apr '09, of the "rides" around the parking lot and out onto El Camino Real. Remembering how crisply both PP6 (original) and the pregnant looking PP8 (black belly) whipped out of the parking lot driveway onto The Kings Road with tire chirping acceleration, flat as a pancake, taking charge in the traffic flow... all seems very surrealistic now after seeing the X-Prize video. Was that the same vehicle? Not even close. It almost confirms what everyone expects of a three-wheeler, unstable and difficult to control. Sad public display of... well, bad enough that few enthusiasts have shown support anywhere...

:happy0025:

[RainCaster]

There is so little traffic here that the trolls don't even bother to post anymore.

[motornature]

I remember logging on here and always seeing at least 20 others every time, and now I've been lucky to see 5.

This could be a software change. Counter was showing the people who had logged on in the past 15 minutes, or in the past 5 minutes.

[NeilBlanchard]

In general, the "traffic" and post count here is way down from the peak; before we were so badly disappointed by lackluster results.

It was exciting to log on and see/read about the latest development, and more recently, one had to brace oneself for bad news -- and now, we are totally expecting ...nothing good... so, even little successes are a relief.

[Aptera#1434]

I'll agree with everyone on this post. The thrill is gone, unfortunately, I still have my deposit for an Aptera, but I also have a deposit on the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf would fit my family's needs.

There will be so many viable EV choices before Aptera actually gets a vehicle to market. They have missed the mark and disappointed too many of us. Ultimately, I'll probably bow out and get another brand EV.

My wife and I only need a two seat vehicle. That is one of the reasons that made the Aptera so attractive to us; alone with the original design, safety, and efficiency. Our original desire for a two seater has my eyes focused on the FVT evaro.

We'll just have to wait and see what the Progressive "X" contest brings to light.

[aptera1213]

My wife and I only need a two seat vehicle.

Same here...that's why i'm getting a LEAF, but not keeping it past a couple of years...I am getting the Fiat 500 EV when it comes out...I will consider it a 2 seater with lots of room, vs a 4 seater that is tiny....I will push the front seats way back and use the small back for the dogs or groceries or just keep it empty to hold my big ass grin as I whip around in that sweet little electric go kart driving car. :)

Gavin

[hill]

After watching how it handles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuQIRoE_jcE&feature=fvw

One would be hard pressed to think well, about what's going on with these folks.

[JustWilliam]

Same here...that's why i'm getting a LEAF, but not keeping it past a couple of years...I am getting the Fiat 500 EV when it comes out...I will consider it a 2 seater with lots of room, vs a 4 seater that is tiny....I will push the front seats way back and use the small back for the dogs or groceries or just keep it empty to hold my big ass grin as I whip around in that sweet little electric go kart driving car. :)

Gavin
Bingo! That's precisely how I perceive small two door hatchbacks. Two seater with dog and cargo space.

The Smart ED might be a contender for me. My only problems with the standard Smart, (mediocre fuel efficiency and the US markets' WORST transmission), would no longer be issues.

I have a serious crush on the Fiat 500, especially in EV guise. Yum.

Aptera? I stick around for two reasons. On the one hand, the "new and improved" management and vehicle are such a train wreck that I CAN NOT look away. On the other, this is a brilliant bunch of people with which to observe such calamity.

[SEGsby]

mzJrOLEGmqs
Shark Jumping (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzJrOLEGmqs)

[Rembrant]

Aptera can't jump the shark yet.
Quote from wikipedia "Jumping the shark is an idiom used to describe the moment of downturn for a previously successful enterprise."
The key being previously successful enterprise. I think we can all agree that the definition of success for any manufacturer has to include delivering a product at a profit.

[SEGsby]

Have to disagree. I think Team A was VERY successful designing and testing a number very efficient prototypes and generating quite a lot of positive PR Buzz about a potential product...

Team B has produced a bloated, mishandling mutant out from the former, and poisoned everything it has touched, since.