Marketing IDIOTS

[SrfnFly227]

As mentioned, the Bravada was a rebadged Blazer/Jimmy. Full time AWD rather than selectable 4wd. Pretty sweet digital dash. I was fortunate as a teenager to get my parent's when they got something newer. Ours was all maroon. As in everything. Interior, exterior, everything. It was incredibly comfortable despite the color. 10 hour drive to college and never had an ache. Unfortunately it became a little less reliable than we would have liked and I bought the Explorer. Even at 20 years old, my back would start giving me issues before 10 hours was up.

At some point, I put a 6 disk cd changer in the arm rest of the Bravada. It sent out a signal over FM. My best friend from growing up went to a different college, but also in FL and he would follow close enough to pick up the signal from my player. I'd play dj.

And for @cyure, yes ours had a tire carrier

 

[J Alynn]

As mentioned, the Bravada was a rebadged Blazer/Jimmy. Full time AWD rather than selectable 4wd. Pretty sweet digital dash. I was fortunate as a teenager to get my parent's when they got something newer. Ours was all maroon. As in everything. Interior, exterior, everything. It was incredibly comfortable despite the color. 10 hour drive to college and never had an ache. Unfortunately it became a little less reliable than we would have liked and I bought the Explorer. Even at 20 years old, my back would start giving me issues before 10 hours was up.

At some point, I put a 6 disk cd changer in the arm rest of the Bravada. It sent out a signal over FM. My best friend from growing up went to a different college, but also in FL and he would follow close enough to pick up the signal from my player. I'd play dj.


View attachment 18392View attachment 18393View attachment 18394



And for @cyure, yes ours had a tire carrier

View attachment 18395

Love it. After my first driver (the scout II traveler) we got my dads ‘79 Buick leave (with white landau roof) but everything was that same but funding color. But the seats were velour

 

[Mousehunter]

I don't think going EV is necessarily excluding 90% of the market. EV's currently have a fairly good percentage penetration into the car market - even in the USA. What they lack is penetration into the full sized truck and SUV market. But it is a bit early to say if that is because that market hates EV's, or just that that market has not been successfully marketed to. Rivian is not quite full sized, and looks like an EV. The Hummer EV is oversized. and virtually priced outside the market as well. To me, the Scout Traveler is the first serious attempt by anyone to address the full sized SUV market with an EV. How it fairs will have long term market implications.

As for electric full sized pickups - well that has been tried (and essentially failed). Ford shot themselves in the foot with their effort. The dealers did not want to sell them, then when they were forced to inventory them they put a prohibitive up charge on them for "market demand". I don't think the limited market ever got over that. Plus, it simply did not "look" like the trucks that were popular - they made it into an urban truck, and that is not really what was selling anyway. Chevy did a little better, but again its price and looks did it no favors. The secondary problem with EV trucks is people want to believe they can tow with their trucks. Sure, most don't, or at least don't often. But 100 towing range is a joke. It makes a full sized EV truck a hard sell.

 

[Scout_Lookout]

Going with an EV, means you just cut out about 90% of your potential customer base with that one decision. Anyone who has ever been really off road would NEVER take an EV off road.

Sometimes Marketing people come up with terrible, ludicrous ideas and then make horrible decisions that sink new companies very quickly.
I have seen that dozens of times before. Did you do any potential customer panels to find out what the AVERAGE SUV buyer will buy? Or fans of the old Scouts, or offroaders?

You don't have to look very hard to find the marketing failures.

Basically you are going to sell a TESLA that looks like an old Scout. Good luck because you are going to need it. I do not know anyone who would buy one.

Well welcome to the community first off, and second you couldn't be more wrong. Ever heard of Rivian? There are several of us on here that own them, use them like they're intended and I personally take mine off-road a lot. Furthermore, if you take a quick trip to Youtube and search Rivian off-road and you will find a large amount of content on purpose built overlanding rigs. Like Rivian these Scout models are going to be wildly capable, in fact, from what they have shown so far, they will be even more so than the Rivian's.

But also, did you completely miss the fact that there is a gas motor in the Harvester model? Yes, you heard that correctly, your precious favorite fossil fuel will still be needed because there will be a gas motor that will recharge the battery. It's called an EREV an extended range electric vehicle so before you go jumping off a cliff maybe invest some time in some research of the modern world and see whats really happening. I've been an EV owner for going on 6 years now and I will never own another ICE vehicle. The advantages of EV ownership are far exceed that you get with a gas vehicle.

I will absolutely be leaving Rivian for the full EV Scout Traveler and I plan to use it just like I did my Rivian, because there are few things in offroading as rewarding as reaching a peak and seeing all the looks on the Jeeper's faces and have them ask "how did you get that up here" Offroading in an EV is the best, and its really serene experience to be on the trail and here nothing but the tires going over rocks, the breaking of branches, or the best driving next to a rushing river and hearing all that wonderful sound. Dont knock it til you try it.

Side note: I love how this forum goes from one extreme to the next, but going on a topic shift talking about a Brevada was definitely not on my bingo card haha!

 

[J Alynn]

Well welcome to the community first off, and second you couldn't be more wrong. Ever heard of Rivian? There are several of us on here that own them, use them like they're intended and I personally take mine off-road a lot. Furthermore, if you take a quick trip to Youtube and search Rivian off-road and you will find a large amount of content on purpose built overlanding rigs. Like Rivian these Scout models are going to be wildly capable, in fact, from what they have shown so far, they will be even more so than the Rivian's.

But also, did you completely miss the fact that there is a gas motor in the Harvester model? Yes, you heard that correctly, your precious favorite fossil fuel will still be needed because there will be a gas motor that will recharge the battery. It's called an EREV an extended range electric vehicle so before you go jumping off a cliff maybe invest some time in some research of the modern world and see whats really happening. I've been an EV owner for going on 6 years now and I will never own another ICE vehicle. The advantages of EV ownership are far exceed that you get with a gas vehicle.

I will absolutely be leaving Rivian for the full EV Scout Traveler and I plan to use it just like I did my Rivian, because there are few things in offroading as rewarding as reaching a peak and seeing all the looks on the Jeeper's faces and have them ask "how did you get that up here" Offroading in an EV is the best, and its really serene experience to be on the trail and here nothing but the tires going over rocks, the breaking of branches, or the best driving next to a rushing river and hearing all that wonderful sound. Dont knock it til you try it.

Side note: I love how this forum goes from one extreme to the next, but going on a topic shift talking about a Brevada was definitely not on my bingo card haha!

Love this. And topic shift is a great new way to avoid 13 people bashing a hot topic. That said, you did great and we are seeing more growth (members and maturity) month over month.
I’ll be curious 5 years from now what the conversion rate will look like with long term Jeep owners seeing the light, realizing not just the BEV advantages but the daily use advantages as well as what I pray will be a considerably better built vehicle than the current SUVs built for offroad.
Honestly, if SM can just step the brand up from Jeep/Bonco/Defender then the only legitimate comparison will be the Land Cruiser so there is great opportunity ahead if quality is even more important than capability

 

[Scout_Lookout]

Love this. And topic shift is a great new way to avoid 13 people bashing a hot topic. That said, you did great and we are seeing more growth (members and maturity) month over month.
I’ll be curious 5 years from now what the conversion rate will look like with long term Jeep owners seeing the light, realizing not just the BEV advantages but the daily use advantages as well as what I pray will be a considerably better built vehicle than the current SUVs built for offroad.
Honestly, if SM can just step the brand up from Jeep/Bonco/Defender then the only legitimate comparison will be the Land Cruiser so there is great opportunity ahead if quality is even more important than capability

Appreciate it J.

See this is where I think SM has an incredible opportunity. They clearly have the luxury aspect locked in and the levels we've seen so far it could easily compete with a Defender Octa or even Range Rover now with the Mountainside concept. But you're totally right what they have to get next is the Land Cruiser level of off-roader. If SM can reel in the luxury a good bit and tone down the bling but give us a highly capable off-road beast without all the bells and whistles they will crush it!

 

[speedrye]

I'll agree with the marketing side of things a bit. This shouldn't be marketed as an EV as much of the population still views EVs with a negative connotation. Just market it as an efficient, damn good-looking, off-road SUV/truck. Those that want an EV SUV/truck will already know about it, so push the Harvester marketing more than anything. The Dr. Jekyll/Mr Hyde personalities of the street version and off-road version can be hyped, but I wouldn't bother focusing much on the drivetrain, just the efficiency. The bulk of buyers simply don't care as much as we do.

 

[Scout_Lookout]

I'll agree with the marketing side of things a bit. This shouldn't be marketed as an EV as much of the population still views EVs with a negative connotation. Just market it as an efficient, damn good-looking, off-road SUV/truck. Those that want an EV SUV/truck will already know about it, so push the Harvester marketing more than anything. The Dr. Jekyll/Mr Hyde personalities of the street version and off-road version can be hyped, but I wouldn't bother focusing much on the drivetrain, just the efficiency. The bulk of buyers simply don't care as much as we do.

Which I would say is precisely what they are doing. Nearly almost everything I have seen has been marketing it as an EREV with the latest ad literally showing the driven holding a gas nozzle lol! I think we can all agree the SM marketing team is on it and the vehicles look awesome whenever we see them, whether it be in person or in ads.

 

[bwdavis7]

Going with an EV, means you just cut out about 90% of your potential customer base with that one decision. Anyone who has ever been really off road would NEVER take an EV off road.

Sometimes Marketing people come up with terrible, ludicrous ideas and then make horrible decisions that sink new companies very quickly.
I have seen that dozens of times before. Did you do any potential customer panels to find out what the AVERAGE SUV buyer will buy? Or fans of the old Scouts, or offroaders?

You don't have to look very hard to find the marketing failures.

Basically you are going to sell a TESLA that looks like an old Scout. Good luck because you are going to need it. I do not know anyone who would buy one.

Bringing back to the topic...
First of all, I am an OG Scout lover. I grew up with my dad owning a Scout 800 that could go anywhere we wanted. I enjoyed that Scout so much, my first vehicle purchase was a brand new 1979 Scout II which still runs and I still own. How many can say that? It has only been in the shop for a clutch replacement and new tires. Everything else, I have maintained on my own, including some restoration and painting.

I can say that when I first heard Scout was going EV, it was a big let down and I felt somewhat like you, feeling it was the wrong direction. All the stuff about EVs being green, blah, blah, blah just rolled off my shoulders and I just wasn't interested...until...Scout revealed the EREV with GAS. Still a bit disappointed but gradual acceptance primarily due to the design and look of the Scout concepts. I delayed my reservation for a few weeks and finally said "what the heck" and I am was in with a reservation for the EREV Traveler.

Now comes the EV education. Primarily, due to this forum and my own independent research there was a realization that there were so many myths and misinformation about EVs. I would challenge you to research actual facts rather than social media and your buddies. Yeah, this forum is social media, but verifying what you read using unbiased and reputable sources is not that difficult. Big oil and dealerships are concerned with their livelihood and have deep pockets when it comes to politics and pressuring our government no matter which party you are aligned with. "Follow the money" and you will see. My opinion is this is why the USA is so far behind in EV acceptance. Marketing a pure EV (BEV) in the states is a near impossible feat due to how deeply ingrained ICE is with the majority of folks.

As for the statement "Only the truly blind will buy an EV thinking they are saving the planet". If this were an individual's single determining factor, I would agree. However, almost anything humans do in the name of "progress" has potential downsides to the environment and humanity. These may be factors in your decision to purchase certain items. Are you willing to give up your cellphone due to environmental and humanity concerns? Hmm? Google this... "does the manufacture of cellphones cause environmental and humanitarian issues". Now likely other combined factors like fuel cost, maintenance cost, performance and technology are driving decisions to purchase EVs.

I like to think that I am independent thinker and being an engineer I prefer not to make quick decisions, but to have time to research and analyze. If an article, a post or someone has an opinion or so called "facts", it needs to be verified. It seems in today's culture that many folks find it easier to follow rather than think for themselves. What is the Scout phrase? "Scout Leads The Way." "The slogan represents capability, dependability, and the courage to venture off the beaten path rather than following the crowd."

Sadly, Scout Motors has bent to customer demand for GAS. It is what got me interested and looking. What has evolved since my initial reservation is that I now have a better understanding of the BEV and find that it is the exact "fit" for me. Along with some others on the forum, I have converted my EREV reservation to BEV. Unfortunately, I don't think a majority of the reservation holders have aligned their use cases with their reservations. It is possible that NONE of the planned Scouts are the "right fit" for some reservation holders. It just can't be a match everyone's wants and needs. I don't need to tow 15K pounds 500 miles a day. If I did, I would look elsewhere.

While I wait for the new BEV Scout Traveler, I purchased a small BEV SUV for my daily driver. I kept my 12 MPG Toyota gas burning V8 4x4 to do my heavy work, but if I could combine these 2 vehicles, it would be the perfect match. This is what my new Scout Traveler will do. To put that in perspective, my new car gets near to the equivalent of over 80 MPG at today's cost of gas, no stopping for gas (that time adds up), roughly once every other month having to charge at a public charger (usually less than 15 minutes), no oil changes (consider cost and time)...it may not be for everyone, but this works well for me.

I am not planning on rock crawling my new Scout. Back in the day most "offroading" was considered "four wheeling", getting muddy, fording rivers, trail riding, exploring and occasionally getting stuck. I have done all of these with my dad's Scout 800, my Scout II and likely will do it with my new Scout. I will not be doing any hardcore and extreme offroading.

Now for the love of my gas Scout II, there may be another restoration in the future. For other gas-loving Scout-loving folks, go buy you an OG Scout. For you EV-haters that can't handle the truth and can't think for themselves, this is not your forum...you will find that your Facebook community is more aligned and you can follow them over the flat edges of earth.

OR... take this forum on and challenge that many on here are FACTUALLY wrong and provide RELIABLE sources.

OR... just do you. I mean, we all have opinions and the only one that really matters to me is my own... well except for my wife's

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

I'm not going to dive into trying to correct misinformation as that could be a fulltime job these days.

Regarding child labor, no reputable manufacturer sources minerals or utilizes suppliers that operate that way - including Scout Motors.

I grew up around Scouts and own a 1979 Scout II with a four-speed manual that my kids have learned to drive stick on. If you don't want a fully electric vehicle, we also offer a series-hybrid range extender with a gasoline engine to ease range anxiety.

 

[speedrye]

I'm not going to dive into trying to correct misinformation as that could be a fulltime job these days.

Regarding child labor, no reputable manufacturer sources minerals or utilizes suppliers that operate that way - including Scout Motors.

I grew up around Scouts and own a 1979 Scout II with a four-speed manual that my kids have learned to drive stick on. If you don't want a fully electric vehicle, we also offer a series-hybrid range extender with a gasoline engine to ease range anxiety.

I think most kids nowadays would equate learning to drive a stick with the frowned-upon child labor!

 

[robothero]

Thanks Glenn. Welcome!

 

[J Alynn]

Bringing back to the topic...
First of all, I am an OG Scout lover. I grew up with my dad owning a Scout 800 that could go anywhere we wanted. I enjoyed that Scout so much, my first vehicle purchase was a brand new 1979 Scout II which still runs and I still own. How many can say that? It has only been in the shop for a clutch replacement and new tires. Everything else, I have maintained on my own, including some restoration and painting.

I can say that when I first heard Scout was going EV, it was a big let down and I felt somewhat like you, feeling it was the wrong direction. All the stuff about EVs being green, blah, blah, blah just rolled off my shoulders and I just wasn't interested...until...Scout revealed the EREV with GAS. Still a bit disappointed but gradual acceptance primarily due to the design and look of the Scout concepts. I delayed my reservation for a few weeks and finally said "what the heck" and I am was in with a reservation for the EREV Traveler.

Now comes the EV education. Primarily, due to this forum and my own independent research there was a realization that there were so many myths and misinformation about EVs. I would challenge you to research actual facts rather than social media and your buddies. Yeah, this forum is social media, but verifying what you read using unbiased and reputable sources is not that difficult. Big oil and dealerships are concerned with their livelihood and have deep pockets when it comes to politics and pressuring our government no matter which party you are aligned with. "Follow the money" and you will see. My opinion is this is why the USA is so far behind in EV acceptance. Marketing a pure EV (BEV) in the states is a near impossible feat due to how deeply ingrained ICE is with the majority of folks.

As for the statement "Only the truly blind will buy an EV thinking they are saving the planet". If this were an individual's single determining factor, I would agree. However, almost anything humans do in the name of "progress" has potential downsides to the environment and humanity. These may be factors in your decision to purchase certain items. Are you willing to give up your cellphone due to environmental and humanity concerns? Hmm? Google this... "does the manufacture of cellphones cause environmental and humanitarian issues". Now likely other combined factors like fuel cost, maintenance cost, performance and technology are driving decisions to purchase EVs.

I like to think that I am independent thinker and being an engineer I prefer not to make quick decisions, but to have time to research and analyze. If an article, a post or someone has an opinion or so called "facts", it needs to be verified. It seems in today's culture that many folks find it easier to follow rather than think for themselves. What is the Scout phrase? "Scout Leads The Way." "The slogan represents capability, dependability, and the courage to venture off the beaten path rather than following the crowd."

Sadly, Scout Motors has bent to customer demand for GAS. It is what got me interested and looking. What has evolved since my initial reservation is that I now have a better understanding of the BEV and find that it is the exact "fit" for me. Along with some others on the forum, I have converted my EREV reservation to BEV. Unfortunately, I don't think a majority of the reservation holders have aligned their use cases with their reservations. It is possible that NONE of the planned Scouts are the "right fit" for some reservation holders. It just can't be a match everyone's wants and needs. I don't need to tow 15K pounds 500 miles a day. If I did, I would look elsewhere.

While I wait for the new BEV Scout Traveler, I purchased a small BEV SUV for my daily driver. I kept my 12 MPG Toyota gas burning V8 4x4 to do my heavy work, but if I could combine these 2 vehicles, it would be the perfect match. This is what my new Scout Traveler will do. To put that in perspective, my new car gets near to the equivalent of over 80 MPG at today's cost of gas, no stopping for gas (that time adds up), roughly once every other month having to charge at a public charger (usually less than 15 minutes), no oil changes (consider cost and time)...it may not be for everyone, but this works well for me.

I am not planning on rock crawling my new Scout. Back in the day most "offroading" was considered "four wheeling", getting muddy, fording rivers, trail riding, exploring and occasionally getting stuck. I have done all of these with my dad's Scout 800, my Scout II and likely will do it with my new Scout. I will not be doing any hardcore and extreme offroading.

Now for the love of my gas Scout II, there may be another restoration in the future. For other gas-loving Scout-loving folks, go buy you an OG Scout. For you EV-haters that can't handle the truth and can't think for themselves, this is not your forum...you will find that your Facebook community is more aligned and you can follow them over the flat edges of earth.

OR... take this forum on and challenge that many on here are FACTUALLY wrong and provide RELIABLE sources.

OR... just do you. I mean, we all have opinions and the only one that really matters to me is my own... well except for my wife's

If I still had our ‘77 scout id feel the very same way. The first week or so I was on here I was crushed it was EV and like you the time on here building community has also built my knowledge bank. My wife now owns an EV, similar to your situation and while it isn’t the 3-row SUV she’s maintained for over 10years she has been enlightened. And knowing she is comfortable with has continued my outlook that BEV will work for us. There are many here that contribute but a small handful that deserve a thank you (you know who you are) for your continued efforts to educate folks here with science and experience. Again-well written ️

 

[strider]

Aaaaaaaand he's gone. Sssh. No one tell him there's a gas-powered version as well as a BEV. He might realize he's wrong but would never admit it.

I do not have any history with Scout but from what I've absorbed since I put down my deposit is that they were the "do everything" vehicle. Work on the farm, pull a trailer, and take the family into town on the weekend. I do not think that Scouts were primarily used for rock climbing until recently as people have restored (and upgraded) the originals. That "do everything" vehicle is what the modern Scout is aiming to be. More offroad capable than most but still able to haul the family in comfort.

 

[bwdavis7]

Aaaaaaaand he's gone. Sssh. No one tell him there's a gas-powered version as well as a BEV. He might realize he's wrong but would never admit it.

I do not have any history with Scout but from what I've absorbed since I put down my deposit is that they were the "do everything" vehicle. Work on the farm, pull a trailer, and take the family into town on the weekend. I do not think that Scouts were primarily used for rock climbing until recently as people have restored (and upgraded) the originals. That "do everything" vehicle is what the modern Scout is aiming to be. More offroad capable than most but still able to haul the family in comfort.

I think you nailed it. And even the OG Scouts improved over time. The jump from my Dad's 800 to my Scout II had some major improvements. So as mentioned many times before, the new Scout is what might have evolved had it stayed in production over the years.