Modern technology, regardless of application, contributes to the possibility of the rapid progress of humanity, but what is of essence: time or speed? In time you could end up being fast at something, performing some operation or process at higher speeds than another person, but being fast, in general, will save you time.
Cars and their technology have had a dramatic and positive effect on our society, bringing forth major changes that help us get faster from point A to point B, not to mention serious thrills and excitement all around. Today, cars are very common everywhere – and you should be thankful for that – but it was the effort and innovation of thousands of car companies and probably millions of people working in the automotive industry that made it all possible.
People find the strangest and most unusual reasons or explanations for their behavior or preferences – although they shouldn’t have to. To each is own. Some may be scared to get out of the house because it’s Friday, the 13th, others won’t go near an umbrella opened inside the house. Some car enthusiasts just prefer a brand whose name start with the letter E. Who knew?
Everyone has his or her own criteria before acquiring a car, whether it’s a sports car or an exclusive limousine, and the first letter of the car brand’s name seems like a subjective of a criteria as any other. How many car manufacturers starting with E have you ever heard of?
Elemental Motor
Move over Tesla, this British sports car company successfully developed an electric-powered supercar that could easily compete with the Tesla Roadster. They’ve started working on this project in 2012, with most people taking note of their activity the second the Elemental RP1 sports car was introduced.
The Elemental RP1 EV is packed full of innovative features, and was built around an ultralight supercar architecture. It benefits from optimized aerodynamics and delivers incredible levels of performance.
Meanwhile, the company continued its research and development process, which is how the new RP2 model came to be. Who could say no to a technologically advanced sports car?
Eagle Automotive
Auburn Hills, Michigan. This is where, in 1987, the Eagle Company was established. Owned by Chrysler, Eagle seems to have been an intermediate step towards the iconic corporation’s purchase of American Motors Corporation.
The new resulting company – Jeep-Eagle Division – also collaborated with a “little” Japanese company called Mitsubishi. All of this was done with a single purpose: to attract attention and increase sales numbers.
In 1999, the production line was closed, and by that time the last of the vehicles designed entirely by American Motors have been sold. The Eagle Vision sedan and the Eagle Talon sports car is probably what most people remember about this brand.
EDAG
On February 1st 1969, Horst Eckard founded Eckard Design in Germany, a company that eventually became part of the EDAG Group. Based now in Arbon, Switzerland, the brand became known for its 3D Printed concept vehicle: the EDAG Light Cocoon. Unveiled in 2015, this innovative concept showed off just what this automaker is capable of.
The automotive engineering company is focused on research and development, and optimization of automobiles in general. This is why they developed and introduced various concept cars, such as EDAG Biwak, EDAG Pontiac Solstice Hardtop and more.
Elfin Sports Cars
Australian racing driver Harry Cooper wanted to establish his very own sports car company and in 1957 he did just that, starting Elfin Sports Cars in Melbourne. The oldest and most successful Australian sports car manufacturer, Elfin also got involved in various racing events by developing numerous high-performance race cars.
Following the death of the company’s founder in 1993, a financial transaction resulted in new ownership and a new name: Elfin Sports Cars Pty Ltd. Having won multiple championships and Grand Prix titles, the sports car brand received quite a lot attention for their road-legal models as well, like the turbocharged four-cylinder T5 Clubman.
Some of the noteworthy vehicles also include the Elfin MS8 Streamliner and the Elfin MS8 Clubman. During its existence, the company managed to design 248 racing and sports cars – as well as two F1 cars during the 1980s.
Eterniti Motors
The short-lived Eterniti Motors began working its magic sometime in 2010. Based in London, this car manufacturer was never meant to hold out for a long time, it would seem. The company’s aim was to design and develop luxury passenger cars, which is why substantial funds were required – this is where Alastair McQueen and a few other financially potent people entered the scene.
The company had a good start, revealing the Hemera model at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. This might have been an important moment in automotive history, as this project was the world’s first super SUV. But this did not prevent the company to cease its operations two years later.
Elva
Yet another defunct British car brand, this company focused on sports and racing car manufacture. It was founded by Frank G. Nichols back in 1955, in an effort to deliver very capable vehicles at affordable prices.
Almost immediately, Elva cars achieved success while taking part in racing competitions. In 1958, the founder pushed towards the development and production of the road-legal Courier MG. A year later, in 1959, the Elva Mk V was introduced, a car that is still considered the most successful automotive project designed by the company.
Next up, the brand aimed at widening its views of the market, by developing single-seat racing cars, with the last ever model being dubbed 160XS. Only 3 units of the latter were ever manufactured, and sadly, by 1968, the company had put a stop on production and closed its doors.
Edwards America
American racing driver Sterling Edwards had somewhat of a crush on the Cisitalia automotive company. This inspired the creation of Edwards America, a US-based automobile manufacturer headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Between 1953 and 1955 the company developed vehicles boasting with an Italian sense of style and beauty, complemented by high-quality mechanical engineering. The Edwards Special convertible immediately went into production, with the powerful and expensive car proving difficult to manufacture, due to the various technical details and features fitted upon it.
Only five units of the model were ever completed, which might have something to do with the fact that in 1955 this company put a halt on everything.
Ermini
Italian car manufacturer Ermini was established in 1946 by Pasquale “Pasquino” Ermini. The company’s run only lasted about 12 years, but that was more than enough to design and develop a few noteworthy cars in the process.
When thinking about the famous racing driver’s company and its automotive efforts, the Ermini Alfa Romeo 2500 SS immediately comes to mind – if you feel clueless, feel free to put a bit of research into it – as well as the Ermini 357 Sport 1500 model or the FIAT Ermini 1100.
The brand’s performance-oriented machines took part in various competitions and it was seemingly looking good, but the death of the company’s founder in 1958 was an unexpected and powerful blow to the firm.
Evans Automobiles
Albeit small, American-made Evans Automobiles was still a noteworthy car manufacturer. Based in Stone Mountain, Georgia, this brand is the brainchild of one John Evans.
Enthusiastic and innovative, design engineer John Evans was inspired by the Group C and GT1 racers and went on to develop his very own race cars. Since the 1980s to this day, only two models were designed and built within the company’s walls: the Evans 386 LM and the Evans 486 LM.
Imaginative as he may be, Mr. Evans ignore financial realities altogether which ended up preventing the brand from going into mass production.
Exagon Motors
French racing team Exagon Engineering is behind the creation of the Exagon Motors division. Following constant research and development of electric cars over numerous years, in 2009, Exagon Motors was chosen to package the aforementioned technologies into a production road car.
The Exagon Furtive-eGT concept car was born, a project meant to offer a glimpse at the company’s vision about what an electric grand tourer sports car should look like. Introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, this vehicle took everyone by surprise, but it wasn’t quite as successful as expected.
By 2015, the company had already developed an upgraded version of the concept revealed a few years earlier and Exagon’s innovative efforts continue to this day.
Echidna
Echidna was a series of race cars imagined by Ed Grierson, John Staver, and Bill Larson. It was back in the 1950s when these talented people managed to design and manufacture as many as three units of the aforementioned performance-oriented vehicles.
Albeit cost-effective, these racers were so well engineered that they managed to take on and win a few races against exotic automobiles of the era. As such, we stand before you amazed as to why this company’s automotive efforts didn’t continue.
Edo Competition
With an odd name, as if specifically chosen for a race driver’s nickname, Edo Competition Motorsport GmbH is actually a German tuning shop. Edo Karabegovic was the man behind the idea and the founder of this aftermarket company.
The tuner is focused on developing performance packages for Ferrari and Porsche owners and, according to customer reviews, there isn’t one single bad thing to be said about the brand’s efforts or attention to detail.
Obviously, the sky’s the limit – or in this case, it’s all about budget – which is why Edo puts no limit on imagination, If you can dream it, they can make it.
Emme
Brazilian car manufacturer Emme remains a hidden unsung hero of the field. Most people or car enthusiasts are not aware of the fact that this company collaborated with the Brits at Lotus to manufacture the Emme 422T sports car.
The 422T model was, at the time it was introduced to the world, the fastest sedan around. As such, it was a high-performance machine, featuring nothing but the most capable equipment.
Oddly enough, only 12 units were ever delivered before company employees called it quits and the brand went under.
Epsilon
This Spanish racing team does have an odd name, it’s true. Epsilon Euskadi – now EPIC Racing if you prefer – took it upon itself to put their country on the world racing map. And so they did – at least for a little while.
The company designed and manufactured the Epsilon Euskadi LMP1, a performance-oriented machine that entered the Le Mans Prototype LMP1 class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans even – this was back in 2008. If you think that is a modest achievement, try doing the same.
Eicher Motors
Eicher Motors Limited was founded in 1948, and was initially focused on developing mechanized agricultural tools. Over the years, market demand and various collaboration enabled the company to widen its views and expand its lineup.
The Indian automobile company is based in New Delhi, and nowadays manufactures commercial vehicles – such as the Eicher Polaris Multix personal utility vehicle. Developed in collaboration with Polaris India, this vehicle started being delivered in August of 2015. Still active, it’s safe to assume that there’s more to come from this company.
Etud
At the 2004 Paris Auto Show, people saw an incredible city car prototype on display. For obvious reasons, it received quite a lot of attention, as it deserved. This was the Etud Scooto Concept car.
While obviously not designed to break any land speed records or allow your entire family to travel comfortably and in style from ‘sea to shining sea’, this vehicle was in a league of its own.
Designed and developed by French engineering and automotive company Etud Integral, this prototype was way ahead of its time, but it was good enough to get people looking towards the brand and its innovative vision of vehicle design..
Eunos
A major player on the Japanese car market, Eunos was active between 1989 and 1996, with Mazda supervising everything all along. Based in Hiroshima, this brand was responsible for designing fun and enjoyable vehicles.
All this was possible due to the fact that Mazda officials were looking for new segments on the automotive market to make an entry and potentially make a profit from. As such, in the late 1980s, the Japanese titan envisioned three new brands – including Eunos. As you can safely assume by now, it wasn’t the success Mazda was hoping for.
Elcar
Based in Elkhart, Indiana, this US-based company was founded in 1915, with no one ever imagining that it will only make it to 1931. The Elcar automobile brand was built upon the Elkhart Carriage Company, with the latter owned by William and George Pratt.
Although successful businesspersons, with a 30-year long reputation, the people behind Elkhart could not foresee what was about to come – the Great Depression.
Nonetheless, following substantial investment and efforts, only two prototypes were ever developed. The mass production line would have to wait, indefinitely, as the company will have dissolved by 1931.
Edran
Established in 1984 by André Hanjoul, this Belgian car manufacturer would only reveal its first vehicle ten years later, in 1994. The Edran Spyder MK I made a long-lasting impression and put the brand’s name on the world map.
In 2006, the Edran Enigma sports car made its debut – the name may sound mysterious, but it will become quite clear in a second why this vehicle would be a dream to drive. Powered by a 7.2-liter V8 engine, capable of developing 800 hp, this thing will do 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. How does a top speed of 210 mph sound like?
ERF Trucks
With the company’s operations based in a town called Middlewich, ERF Trucks put its employees to work starting with the year 1933. Edwin Richard Foden – ERF – was the man behind the idea and concept, the man who wanted to establish a truck manufacturing company.
Not just that, but time proved that his idea was a successful one. Diesel engines were about to show everyone they are the future of truck manufacturing, which was a good thing for ERF.
Sales went up, keeping in line with research and development efforts. The company went on to receive various and interesting orders, and manufactured modified truck for various purposes: fire departments, rescue teams, and other special missions.
By 2002, however, it was time to close down the factory – forever,.
Esemka
Indonesia, 2007. The birth place of yet another automotive brand whose name starts with E – Esemka. Based in Solo, Central Java, and founded by Eddy Wirajaya, this isn’t a high-production company, not like the ones we have been used to.
Since 2013, the company has produced about 10 SUVs and minivans each month. The manufacturing facility is found in Demangan village where Esemka has been assembling various vehicle and minivans models.
Final Thoughts
Is an automaker’s name all that important? How about a car’s name? Sure, it might make an impression, inspire or influence people into feeling a certain way. However, driving is all about the experience, the thrills, and the sounds… the vibe.
As such, we see no relevance at ever considering the name of the car before making a purchase. Check out the technical specs, take it for a test drive, check the available colors and features, compare it to others, and decide. It’s that easy.
With that being said, there were quite a few automotive companies whose name start with the letter E. Did you know any of them?
