TROY, Mich., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: "PBY"), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, has been named as the official service provider for Elio Motors, Inc., the start-up transportation company revolutionizing the way Americans commute.

With a price tag of $6,800 and fuel efficiency of 84 miles per gallon, the enclosed, three-wheeled vehicle will launch in 2015.

With 800 service centers and 7,500 service bays in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys will provide Elio Motors customers with convenient service options from one of the most trusted names in the automotive aftermarket. Pep Boys is located in 90 percent of the markets where Elio Motors will operate. Elio Motors will service vehicles at its company owned stores in remaining markets.

"Pep Boys' rich history, dating back nearly 100 years, makes the company a cultural icon, and a well-known and trusted brand to our future customers," said Paul Elio, CEO of Elio Motors. "Providing a convenient and professional service experience is one of the most important elements in creating an overall positive customer ownership experience, so this is a crucial step on our development."

In addition to launching a new vehicle, Elio Motors will create more than 1,500 jobs at its manufacturing facility in Shreveport, La., help reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and provide a more environmentally friendly transportation solution for American drivers. Initial customer enthusiasm for Elio Motors is high, as more than 15,000 people have made reservations for the vehicle. The company already has nearly 120,000 Facebook fans and is averaging more than 250,000 unique visitors per month to its web site this year.

Currently, the vehicle prototype is on a 33-city nationwide tour, introducing the vehicle to potential customers.   

About Elio Motors

Founded by car enthusiast Paul Elio in 2008, Elio Motors Inc. represents a revolutionary approach to manufacturing an ultra-high-mileage vehicle. The three-wheeled Elio will attain a highway mileage rating of more than 80 mpg while providing the comfort of amenities such as power windows 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., with plans for the first production vehicle to roll off the assembly line in 2015 and significant production, sales and distribution during the next two years. For more information, visit www.eliomotors.com or  www.facebook.com/ElioMotors.

About Pep Boys

Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation's leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,500 service bays in 800 service centers in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting  www.pepboys.com.

SOURCE Elio Motors