mattyj, according to their website the fixed gear allows up to 70% savings on maintenance costs, I suspect this figure is not just because of the gear alone but may include other aspects of the design.
The winglets it states were more about improving the OEI Climb Performance.
Assuming a maximum amount of carbon fibre and other weight saving features, if it actually achieves the 175kt cruise they wanted and has a reasonable amount of space for storing luggage this could infact be a pretty amazing Aircraft.
I'm always dubious of claims made before an Aircraft has even seen any flight time, but this does look promising so far.
Anyone else note the lack of Winglets in the news article on their prototype?