I'm driving to Virginia to see TMI's U.S. Atom factory!

**DarthChicken** · January 9, 2012, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by Gage

Those big boxes contain Atom V-8's, bodies, engines, frames, etc.

no that can't be right either

**bolus** · January 9, 2012, 09:50 PM

Why would a V8 be in a box? Is it not spoken for?

**silver** · January 10, 2012, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by bolus

Why would a V8 be in a box? Is it not spoken for?

waiting to be built? :dunno:

**bolus** · January 10, 2012, 08:08 AM

I think they would want to make the quarter of a million dollar car right away instead of making a customer wait for it by putting it on the top shelf. May be someone backed out of a purchase? It would be good to advertise that one was available. Who knows, we all know how Ariel loves to micromanage. perhaps they told TMI to sit on it (Im surprised I havent got "the call" from Simon telling me to back off on my $5 light housings like they squash any attempts at an aftermarket part)

**atomaker** · January 10, 2012, 10:59 AM

It might be worth considering cutting Ariel/Simon some slack when it comes to the protection of all things Ariel Atom here in North America. As Ariel's exclusive NA licensee/rights holder we've effectively held sway in any such discussions and/or decisions, since 2008.

Valid IP rights are the basis of most good & stable businesses, including Ariel & TMI. It's incumbent upon any good business owner/operator to appropriately monitor & protect IP rights into which they've made significant investments, in whole or in part. Such protection, whether seemingly frivolous or otherwise, often runs the risk of potentially disenfranchising some parties. It's therefore always best handled within the context of overall business relevance, including customer relations.

TMI AutoTech

**Gage** · January 10, 2012, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by atomaker

It might be worth considering cutting Ariel/Simon some slack when it comes to the protection of all things Ariel Atom here in North America. As Ariel's exclusive NA licensee/rights holder we've effectively held sway in any such discussions and/or decisions, since 2008.
TMI AutoTech

Agreed.

Thanks for the good reminder TMI. I'm thrilled the Ariel Atom exists in any form. My purpose in posting this thread and the pictures here is to promote enthusiasm for the Atom and to heartily recommend TMI as an out standing and first class provider of this amazing machine.

Thanks again for the great tour of the factory! As a huge fan of the Atom and all things related to it, I found all the hardware and equipment incredible eye candy. I hope you guys do too.

**bolus** · January 10, 2012, 11:45 AM

TMI is definitely awesome. You guys have been great to work with and I am happy to send you customers. I dont think I've heard one bad thing about you guys other than you are busy making cars. Build quality, AAE, Spec cars, etc - everything great. Just spoke with someone who wanted to buy my car and I think I convinced them to buy a new one from you instead.

Ariel though, does not have to same superb reputation based on personal experience on several occasions and from what has happened to several third parties. I can understand suppressing people who make exact copies of parts who take away from Ariel's bottom line but not from the people that make improved parts that are not available from the factory. One of the many reasons Im not not on the factory forum or paying them a membership fee anymore or buying anything from the factory store. If you guys sold jackets and cups and get profit from it, I'd buy from you but not directly from them.

I honestly hope you have a buyer for the V8 in the box on the top shelf. Such a shame if it is being held up there for some reason and not being sold. If it is available for sale, you should let us know so that a buyer can be found.

**DarthChicken** · January 10, 2012, 12:10 PM

what Bolus said

**MadMaxAtom** · January 10, 2012, 12:38 PM

TMI basically saved the Ariel Atom from extinction here in the USA. brammo handed them a bucket of shit,and TMI stepped up and turned it into a vase of roses. They really are to be commended. I have had nothing but excellent service from TMI,and look foreward to touring the factory this year at some time. Bravo to all the employees at TMI.They could have easily turned their backs on the early Atoms,but chose not to take sides, and continue to support ALL Ariel Atoms. Well done!

**atomaker** · January 11, 2012, 09:34 AM

Only comment we're able to provide on this particular 'pilot' Atom V8 that's currently boxed here in part at TMI is that its contracted US owner has previously attempted to sell it prior to our final ass'y & the delivery transaction, but without success. This may be relative to asking price. It's regrettable for all that, in this case, a complete and operational factory-produced Ariel Atom V8 still doesn't yet exist to showcase here in the US, but other US Atom V8s are in the pipeline.

TMI AutoTech