How Will Scout Keep Its Momentum Until 2027?

[eddiet1212]

Good question

How Will Scout Keep Its Momentum Until 2027?​

How Will Scout Keep Its Momentum Until 2027? - The Autopian

In October, Volkswagen’s “Scout” brand pretty much broke the internet with its Traveler and Terra off-roaders. Not only are they gorgeous machines, but they come with some truly epic features like: a range extender (!), a bench seat, a rear-mounted spare, a solid rear axle, a column shifter, and...

www.theautopian.com

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I’ve thought this myself. I threw $100 down the day of the review out of pure excitement, like a lot of us did. I joined the forum that same day, so I’m still very new to Scout (I have zero history attaching me to Scouts of the past). I like vehicles that are practical and affordable, but they need to be fun too. We had a Honda Pilot for 10 years, and it was the most practical and boring vehicle we ever owned. The Scout has potential to be affordable, practical, and fun!

The forum will keep most of us here interested, but it’s the average car buyer that Scout has to capture. Most people I talk to who are the average buyer haven’t heard of the new Scout, or think it’s another EV made by Volkswagen (look at FB comments, and that’s not unheard of).

It’s an uphill climb for Scout, but I think they can make it. Getting the vehicle in front of people is going to be huge, and expensive. Things like the Chicago Auto Show and even Barrett Jackson would be a good start. Scout is also going after Jeep and Bronco buyers, so they need to get footage of the Scout in places like Moab. They can then tackle range anxiety and have a 500 mile day trip with the Harvester showing it can be done. I honestly have a lot of ideas that could generate Scout excitement, but those are just a couple examples.

I hope for all of us that Scout succeeds. They seem to be off to a good start!

 

[J Alynn]

I don’t see it being an issue. I think at this stage with things not being nailed down it’s too early for the general buying population to be involved. I think when details are nailed down and some color options are available the time will be right. I think slow, non traditional exposure is ideal. Sportsman’s channels, food network, HGTV and let that spread as word of mouth along with more intentional FB ads/podcasts. I think sponsoring (at a smaller cost scale) nationals youth sports events like soccer, volleyball (my case I think archery has the perfect demographic) and events where families drive 300-500 miles for their kids 3-4 day event. Imagine that travel with all their crap and then seeing a scout on display and some sponsorship banners to get people’s attention?

 

[Tyler88]

Basically, just as long as they deliver on what they said so for regarding price etc. also it does come out in 2027 and not get delayed. Even though I would be ok if it did get delayed because it needed more testing to work out bugs. Since the initial models need to be tested enough, there can be some first model year issues like there is for every brand just no catastrophic issue, since that would kill any brand momentum immediately. For example, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV had issues of loss of power when driving and catching on fire when charging when it came out. Both those soured me on getting a 4xe wrangler. So, I am hoping the Scouts have zero issues like that.

 

[DBHowe]

I think if the Scout starts to lose momentum, the Harvester kicks in. Am I wrong? *grin*

 

[MaddMatt]

There needs to be a slow drip of information - press releases/articles highlighting specific features, showing up at all the things (Overland Expos, Car shows, boat shows, SEMA, Shot Show, Ski shows, etc...)

I think Ineos did a pretty good job of this, especially once they added in the reservation-holder test drive events. Years ago I was following Elio Motors (I think they've given up now) and they would show up at malls and let people look and touch. Their problem was that their vision was built on solving a transient problem (high gas prices) rather than making something they were passionate about - passion can carry you through the challenging times and Scout doesn't have that problem.

My little town held an "environmental fest" last fall, you could learn about composting, what was actually allowed in recycling, how to put solar panels on your house, etc... and a handful of BEV cars showed up, local dealers brought them in. There was a line to get inside the Rivian, nobody seemed to car about the Mustang MachE....

Years and years ago I was the sales and marketing department for a start up vehicle company, and we had really good success playing on the fringes like that. We couldn't afford Sema, but I could show up at Jeep Week, or donate a logo'd fleece as a raffle prize at Cruise Moab, etc... Showing up at horse shows would be a good idea - horse people spend money on a level most can't comprehend, $80K for a Harvester optioned Terra would seem cheap to those people.

And the main thing right now? The website. Right now its flashy but needlessly hard to navigate, and nothing ever changes. I feel like I go back once a week or so, but there's no reason to stay. But then I'm already thinking about cars, so I might go see if there's been any changes to my Rivian R2 reservation, which leads to wondering what's on Bring-A-Trailer, or maybe checking the used Ineos market, and suddenly I've spent 30 minutes on line not looking at Scouts, and mentally spending the money I'm putting aside for a Scout. That's a problem for Scout, I got on line to look at Scouts in the first place but because there was nothing to see I squirreled myself right into anything but a Scout.

Scout has two challenges right now in terms of market share - how to get new people into the funnel, and how to keep existing fans from leaking out - all the things I listed above help with both....

 

[eddiet1212]

There needs to be a slow drip of information - press releases/articles highlighting specific features, showing up at all the things (Overland Expos, Car shows, boat shows, SEMA, Shot Show, Ski shows, etc...)

I think Ineos did a pretty good job of this, especially once they added in the reservation-holder test drive events. Years ago I was following Elio Motors (I think they've given up now) and they would show up at malls and let people look and touch. Their problem was that their vision was built on solving a transient problem (high gas prices) rather than making something they were passionate about - passion can carry you through the challenging times and Scout doesn't have that problem.

My little town held an "environmental fest" last fall, you could learn about composting, what was actually allowed in recycling, how to put solar panels on your house, etc... and a handful of BEV cars showed up, local dealers brought them in. There was a line to get inside the Rivian, nobody seemed to car about the Mustang MachE....

Years and years ago I was the sales and marketing department for a start up vehicle company, and we had really good success playing on the fringes like that. We couldn't afford Sema, but I could show up at Jeep Week, or donate a logo'd fleece as a raffle prize at Cruise Moab, etc... Showing up at horse shows would be a good idea - horse people spend money on a level most can't comprehend, $80K for a Harvester optioned Terra would seem cheap to those people.

And the main thing right now? The website. Right now its flashy but needlessly hard to navigate, and nothing ever changes. I feel like I go back once a week or so, but there's no reason to stay. But then I'm already thinking about cars, so I might go see if there's been any changes to my Rivian R2 reservation, which leads to wondering what's on Bring-A-Trailer, or maybe checking the used Ineos market, and suddenly I've spent 30 minutes on line not looking at Scouts, and mentally spending the money I'm putting aside for a Scout. That's a problem for Scout, I got on line to look at Scouts in the first place but because there was nothing to see I squirreled myself right into anything but a Scout.

Scout has two challenges right now in terms of market share - how to get new people into the funnel, and how to keep existing fans from leaking out - all the things I listed above help with both....

Great insight...maybe Scout should listen

 

[CarTechGeek]

I don't think they can. IMO, it's mostly about heavy marketing leading up to the actual launch when that's imminent.

Make the best vehicle possible, even if it takes a bit longer, you want dynamite launch reviews.

 

[Scoutsie]

My indepently-sourced answer to this question which was definitely not mined from anywhere is that in order to maintain momentum, you can: set SMART goals, track your progress regularly, celebrate small wins, focus on achievable steps, build accountability with others, manage distractions, prioritize self-care, and visualize your success; essentially, breaking down large goals into manageable tasks and consistently taking action while staying positive and motivated. That would do it.

Key strategies to maintain momentum:

• Set SMART goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to provide a clear path forward.
• Document progress: Use a journal, tracker, or app to visually see your accomplishments and stay motivated.
• Break down tasks: Divide large projects into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for reaching milestones, no matter how small.
• Find accountability partners: Share your goals with a friend, colleague, or mentor to stay on track.
• Manage distractions: Minimize interruptions and create a focused workspace to maximize productivity.
• Prioritize self-care: Maintain physical and mental well-being through healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and relaxation.
• Visualize success: Imagine yourself achieving your goals to enhance motivation and focus.
• Focus on the positive: Maintain a positive mindset and avoid dwelling on setbacks.

Those are my extremely self-generated answers which I definitely arrived at on my own.

 

[J Alynn]

My indepently-sourced answer to this question which was definitely not mined from anywhere is that in order to maintain momentum, you can: set SMART goals, track your progress regularly, celebrate small wins, focus on achievable steps, build accountability with others, manage distractions, prioritize self-care, and visualize your success; essentially, breaking down large goals into manageable tasks and consistently taking action while staying positive and motivated. That would do it.

Key strategies to maintain momentum:

• Set SMART goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to provide a clear path forward.
• Document progress: Use a journal, tracker, or app to visually see your accomplishments and stay motivated.
• Break down tasks: Divide large projects into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for reaching milestones, no matter how small.
• Find accountability partners: Share your goals with a friend, colleague, or mentor to stay on track.
• Manage distractions: Minimize interruptions and create a focused workspace to maximize productivity.
• Prioritize self-care: Maintain physical and mental well-being through healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and relaxation.
• Visualize success: Imagine yourself achieving your goals to enhance motivation and focus.
• Focus on the positive: Maintain a positive mindset and avoid dwelling on setbacks.

Those are my extremely self-generated answers which I definitely arrived at on my own.

Doesn’t sound like AI at all. I love your independent thinking on this subject

 

[eddiet1212]

Doesn’t sound like AI at all. I love your independent thinking on this subject

Like your ability to focus on the positive...lol!

 

[jlrichar]

Good question

How Will Scout Keep Its Momentum Until 2027?​

How Will Scout Keep Its Momentum Until 2027? - The Autopian

In October, Volkswagen’s “Scout” brand pretty much broke the internet with its Traveler and Terra off-roaders. Not only are they gorgeous machines, but they come with some truly epic features like: a range extender (!), a bench seat, a rear-mounted spare, a solid rear axle, a column shifter, and...

www.theautopian.com

One idea, that I’m unsure of the economics of, is to start building showrooms now. I’d totally go visit a local scout showroom and buy shirts, and gawk at the pre-prod vehicles. Get a showroom up and running on shoestring at first near population centers and likely markets—SoCal for sure, NorCal for sure. Maybe central Californian? Boston, Detroit…. Places with lots of space inside to have both a store counter, and Peterson museum like displays of tech and vehicles.

I see three things I’d go to a showroom for right now: 1. Scout swag 2. Gawk at new pre-prod scouts or tech. 3. Gawk at old Scouts

I would return to said showroom when new swag comes out, or new tech is displayed. For example when the harvester is ready, throw one up on a stand and I’ll come gawk. Those new roof racks and starlink tech would have warranted a trip even if it was just the roof racks and new tech. A winch mounted on a front bumber would warrant a visit…. Just rotate new stuff in as it is readyish. Advertise this new stuff on the blog… and newsletter to reservation holders. Include us physically on the journey.

Probably there is a plan to get showrooms going once there are vehicles. And I get that these will need to be prime real estate locations and look like Apple stores. Those can come later. For now warehouses nears industrial areas in the burbs would work great.

An example is the Giant Bicycle North American headquarters. Newbury Park California. It’s a warehouse, but has a great showroom with the current lineup. Lots of space to be creative. Nice location.

 

[Mirinjesse]

They need to think about two customer types with their engagement models.

The forum / enthusiasts who care about the process, specs, initial and early look at concepts, packages etc.

The mainstream consumer, showing the vehicle in person at car shows, events, technology conferences etc. Getting more flushed out concepts out to YouTubers etc. If you aren’t in the market for an EV, you probably haven’t heard of the new scouts.

I will say, I feel like reservation holders are the majority of the first customer type and this forum helps with that.

The second customer type is way harder to capture without a fleet of production ready vehicles, but marketing to this customer type can happen in 2027 once things are more final IMO.

 

[chucchinchilla]

I think the 2027 or even 2028 GA date is an advantage for a few reasons

• buys time for PowerCo-QuantumScape deal to bear fruit on solid state batteries
• buys time for VW-Rivian JV to bear fruit on software stack and zonal architecture
• buys time to fully develop the pivot to Harvester
• skip CCS and go straight to NACS which will presumably have better coverage by then
• proactively adjust to new changing EV market conditions, tax incentives, and tariff threats
• fine tune packaging/options

Whether Scout keeps momentum between now and then is inconsequential, what's paramount is the quality of the product and for the reasons listed above, I think they'll have a solid start.

For the ex VWoA employees at Scout trying to maintain momentum, Don't do this 18+ months before the cars go on sale.

This is Volkswagen Bus Day in June of 2023 which was used to celebrate the "launch" of the Buzz in the US...however the cars only started hitting dealers in December/January. The event itself was great but the extremely premature timing meant it was a complete waste of marketing dollars.

 

[eddiet1212]

I think the 2027 or even 2028 GA date is an advantage for a few reasons

• buys time for PowerCo-QuantumScape deal to bear fruit on solid state batteries
• buys time for VW-Rivian JV to bear fruit on software stack and zonal architecture
• buys time to fully develop the pivot to Harvester
• skip CCS and go straight to NACS which will presumably have better coverage by then
• proactively adjust to new changing EV market conditions, tax incentives, and tariff threats
• fine tune packaging/options

Whether Scout keeps momentum between now and then is inconsequential, what's paramount is the quality of the product and for the reasons listed above, I think they'll have a solid start.

For the ex VWoA employees at Scout trying to maintain momentum, Don't do this 18+ months before the cars go on sale.
View attachment 5075
This is Volkswagen Bus Day in June of 2023 which was used to celebrate the "launch" of the Buzz in the US...however the cars only started hitting dealers in December/January. The event itself was great but the extremely premature timing meant it was a complete waste of marketing dollars.

Smart idea hiring Fluffy.... Think the first U.S. Buzz was delivered to Fluffy...

Maybe Scout will hire comedian Joel McHale

Joel McHale drops by Jay Leno's Garage with a custom Scout

Joel McHale and Jay Leno admire the latest build of Brian Corsetti and his team at Corsetti Cruisers.

www.motorauthority.com

 

[J Alynn]

Smart idea hiring Fluffy.... Think the first U.S. Buzz was delivered to Fluffy...

Maybe Scout will hire comedian Joel McHale

Joel McHale drops by Jay Leno's Garage with a custom Scout

Joel McHale and Jay Leno admire the latest build of Brian Corsetti and his team at Corsetti Cruisers.

www.motorauthority.com

They could tie it in with his current show and do a pet adoption event. That show is hysterical

 

[chucchinchilla]

Smart idea hiring Fluffy.... Think the first U.S. Buzz was delivered to Fluffy...

Maybe Scout will hire comedian Joel McHale

Joel McHale drops by Jay Leno's Garage with a custom Scout

Joel McHale and Jay Leno admire the latest build of Brian Corsetti and his team at Corsetti Cruisers.

www.motorauthority.com

Yeah the event itself was top notch and the Fluffy tie in was good, it was just WAY too early.

Joel would be a solid pick. Funny, right age bracket, neutral enough, does do advertisements, still actively doing shows so relevant.