Want a Scout. Don't want the Drama!

[tanktheram]

I think the Scout is going to be a flop. It has a group of forums to decide features and the future, it has a direct to consumer model, and it is entering into an EV market that is in decline - it spells disaster.



Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.



Provide an all-gasoline version of the Scout to compete with Bronco, Wrangler/Gladiator, Tacoma, etc. VW/Audi already has excellent gasoline powertrains that would drop in place.



Decide on 3 trim levels, good better best. Give it three powertrain options; EV, Hybrid and Gas. Make it available it at VW/Audi/International Dealers. Enough with the Forum back and forth stuff.



The best selling truck in North America is the F150. The best selling EV truck? The F150. Hybrid Truck - well F150 is also up there. Why? Its available to anyone at any Ford Dealer and servicing is a breeze.



I am rooted in the International Brand, and Scout is historically a no-nonsense vehicle that got the job done. I want one, but am not sure I want the nonsense associated with the brand so far.

 

[dreamweaver]

I think the Scout is going to be a flop. It has a group of forums to decide features and the future, it has a direct to consumer model, and it is entering into an EV market that is in decline - it spells disaster.



Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.



Provide an all-gasoline version of the Scout to compete with Bronco, Wrangler/Gladiator, Tacoma, etc. VW/Audi already has excellent gasoline powertrains that would drop in place.



Decide on 3 trim levels, good better best. Give it three powertrain options; EV, Hybrid and Gas. Make it available it at VW/Audi/International Dealers. Enough with the Forum back and forth stuff.



The best selling truck in North America is the F150. The best selling EV truck? The F150. Hybrid Truck - well F150 is also up there. Why? Its available to anyone at any Ford Dealer and servicing is a breeze.



I am rooted in the International Brand, and Scout is historically a no-nonsense vehicle that got the job done. I want one, but am not sure I want the nonsense associated with the brand so far.

All opinions welcome. Thanks for letting yours know.

Scout Motors. “People. Connections. Community. Authenticity." Welcome to the Scout community. Enjoy the ride.
Remember the built in search on the forums is a great place to start getting answers to your many questions.

 

[J Alynn]

I think the Scout is going to be a flop. It has a group of forums to decide features and the future, it has a direct to consumer model, and it is entering into an EV market that is in decline - it spells disaster.



Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.



Provide an all-gasoline version of the Scout to compete with Bronco, Wrangler/Gladiator, Tacoma, etc. VW/Audi already has excellent gasoline powertrains that would drop in place.



Decide on 3 trim levels, good better best. Give it three powertrain options; EV, Hybrid and Gas. Make it available it at VW/Audi/International Dealers. Enough with the Forum back and forth stuff.



The best selling truck in North America is the F150. The best selling EV truck? The F150. Hybrid Truck - well F150 is also up there. Why? Its available to anyone at any Ford Dealer and servicing is a breeze.



I am rooted in the International Brand, and Scout is historically a no-nonsense vehicle that got the job done. I want one, but am not sure I want the nonsense associated with the brand so far.

Well way to come in hot and potentially upset all the long term fans here on the forum, perhaps you could provide better justification as to why you feel it will flop? With over 150,000 reservations I’m curious what info you are using to determine Scouts upcoming failure? Can’t wait to see what else you have to share since you seem very passionate in ways we don’t see here on the forum. It’s a shame you didn’t join three years ago when there was time to express wants, needs and logic as to why it should be ICE,ILO Scout changing course and starting completely over this late in the game. I appreciate you taking time to join the forum and offer your thoughts. Now let’s see how many other members can chime in with their thoughts and knowledge and respond to these opinions. I will ask-why should an independent brand be sold under another brand’s name and corporate culture that is theoretically based on European culture as opposed to a unique U.S. presence where the only purchasing market will have access? Oh-and why do you feel they must go with an ICE format-while I believe that would be pointless at this time because the EV/EREV is far superior in every way but feel free to expand on this-just setting this up for the more educated members to join and offer educated points of view that I can’t offer. Thanks again for joining-will be a blast having you here!!!

 

[Chuckles]

I always find it funny that people think it's so easy to just swap an ICE powertrain into the Scout. Unless your platform is designed that way from the beginning, it's no easy feat. If Scout were going to add an ICE vehicle, it would likely be based on a modified existing VW platform (like Bronco Sport is for Ford). And people would find some way to complain about that too.

 

[J Alynn]

I always find it funny that people think it's so easy to just swap an ICE powertrain into the Scout. Unless your platform is designed that way from the beginning, it's no easy feat. If Scout were going to add an ICE vehicle, it would likely be based on a modified existing VW platform (like Bronco Sport is for Ford). And people would find some way to complain about that too.

Yup. Adding an ICE now would require starting from scratch unless-maybe the European Touraeg platform would be hardy enough and likely not. If you want ICe and serious off-road than choose one of the vehicles he listed above-this isn’t happening with the Scout.

 

[OleScout]

I think the Scout is going to be a flop. It has a group of forums to decide features and the future, it has a direct to consumer model, and it is entering into an EV market that is in decline - it spells disaster.



Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.



Provide an all-gasoline version of the Scout to compete with Bronco, Wrangler/Gladiator, Tacoma, etc. VW/Audi already has excellent gasoline powertrains that would drop in place.



Decide on 3 trim levels, good better best. Give it three powertrain options; EV, Hybrid and Gas. Make it available it at VW/Audi/International Dealers. Enough with the Forum back and forth stuff.



The best selling truck in North America is the F150. The best selling EV truck? The F150. Hybrid Truck - well F150 is also up there. Why? Its available to anyone at any Ford Dealer and servicing is a breeze.



I am rooted in the International Brand, and Scout is historically a no-nonsense vehicle that got the job done. I want one, but am not sure I want the nonsense associated with the brand so far.

Thanks for sharing your feedback. I wanted to follow up because I didn’t see much detail behind your recommendations.

Can you expand a bit on why you’d prefer Scout Motors to be sold through a dealer model? I’m also curious how you think a move to ICE vehicles would affect facility infrastructure and production timelines.

Also, not sure if you’ve seen the recent news about Ford ending the Lightning production and being replaced with a rumored EREV?

Appreciate your passion for the vintage Scouts, it’s great to see that enthusiasm, the early Scouts has heavily influenced future Scouts. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts.

 

[dreamweaver]

I think the Scout is going to be a flop. It has a group of forums to decide features and the future, it has a direct to consumer model, and it is entering into an EV market that is in decline - it spells disaster.



Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.



Provide an all-gasoline version of the Scout to compete with Bronco, Wrangler/Gladiator, Tacoma, etc. VW/Audi already has excellent gasoline powertrains that would drop in place.



Decide on 3 trim levels, good better best. Give it three powertrain options; EV, Hybrid and Gas. Make it available it at VW/Audi/International Dealers. Enough with the Forum back and forth stuff.



The best selling truck in North America is the F150. The best selling EV truck? The F150. Hybrid Truck - well F150 is also up there. Why? Its available to anyone at any Ford Dealer and servicing is a breeze.



I am rooted in the International Brand, and Scout is historically a no-nonsense vehicle that got the job done. I want one, but am not sure I want the nonsense associated with the brand so far.

It's understandable to be skeptical about the Scout's potential for success, especially given the challenges you're highlighting. However, several aspects could indicate a different outcome:

Community Engagement: While utilizing forums for feature decisions may seem unconventional, it fosters a sense of community and ownership among consumers. Engaged customers are often more loyal and might advocate for the brand.

Direct-to-Consumer Model: This approach can enhance customer relationships and potentially lower costs. By cutting out intermediaries, Scout could offer competitive pricing and better customer service, which is crucial in a crowded EV market.

EV Market Dynamics: The notion that the EV market is in decline may need more nuance. While some segments might be facing challenges, the overall EV sector has seen significant growth and investment. Analyzing local trends could provide insight into potential regional success.

It will be interesting to see how Scout navigates these elements, and while risk is inherent in any new venture, they could also capitalize on innovative strategies to carve out their niche.

What specific features or market aspects do you think could influence its success or failure?

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I always find it funny that people think it's so easy to just swap an ICE powertrain into the Scout. Unless your platform is designed that way from the beginning, it's no easy feat. If Scout were going to add an ICE vehicle, it would likely be based on a modified existing VW platform (like Bronco Sport is for Ford). And people would find some way to complain about that too.

It worked out so well for Dodge and the new Charger…

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I think the Scout is going to be a flop. It has a group of forums to decide features and the future, it has a direct to consumer model, and it is entering into an EV market that is in decline - it spells disaster.



Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.



Provide an all-gasoline version of the Scout to compete with Bronco, Wrangler/Gladiator, Tacoma, etc. VW/Audi already has excellent gasoline powertrains that would drop in place.



Decide on 3 trim levels, good better best. Give it three powertrain options; EV, Hybrid and Gas. Make it available it at VW/Audi/International Dealers. Enough with the Forum back and forth stuff.



The best selling truck in North America is the F150. The best selling EV truck? The F150. Hybrid Truck - well F150 is also up there. Why? Its available to anyone at any Ford Dealer and servicing is a breeze.



I am rooted in the International Brand, and Scout is historically a no-nonsense vehicle that got the job done. I want one, but am not sure I want the nonsense associated with the brand so far.

Admittedly I’d prefer a full on gas motor as well. Maybe something like Ford did with the EcoBoost in the Ranger/Bronco Raptor. Heck, if I was being really picky, a supercharged variant with over 700hp would be sweet.

But I digress, Scout has come out with a full on EV and a Hybrid-ish styled Harvester that is so interesting that I took then plunge and reserved a Traveler (SUV) with the Harvester package. Only time will tell if I move forward with the reservation, but I’m pretty optimistic. Especially if it looks along the lines of this.

 

[dreamweaver]

Admittedly I’d prefer a full on gas motor as well. Maybe something like Ford did with the EcoBoost in the Ranger/Bronco Raptor. Heck, if I was being really picky, a supercharged variant with over 700hp would be sweet.

But I digress, Scout has come out with a full on EV and a Hybrid-ish styled Harvester that is so interesting that I took then plunge and reserved a Traveler (SUV) with the Harvester package. Only time will tell if I move forward with the reservation, but I’m pretty optimistic. Especially if it looks along the lines of this.

View attachment 13236View attachment 13237

I think 593 people on the forum agree with your choice.

 

[RodorW]

Make the Scout available at all VW/Audi dealers - maybe even International dealer. All these dealers are all ready geared up for High Voltage Energy vehicles.

This alone would lead to massive drama, the trucks go from maybe $70k to $100k easy before leaving the assembly plant

 

[6-ScoutFamily]

All a person has to do is wait to buy a lease return. Raise that body off the frame, strip the electrics out, then add the suspension and power train of your choice. Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy.

 

[Cranky Canuck]

It worked out so well for Dodge and the new Charger…

The new Charger was an objectively terrible EV sold to a customer base that has an irrational hate of EVs. It was always destined to be a flop. People who understand that EVs are better didn't buy it because it was and overpriced, limited range, slow charging EV that made dumb combustion car noises. It was a bad EV.

The Dodge faithful didn't buy it because it was an EV and Fox News told them to hate EVs.

Crappy EV plus high price equals poor sales. It's simple math.

The Jeep Recon will see the same fate for the exact same reasons.

 

[RodorW]

The new Charger was an objectively terrible EV sold to a customer base that has an irrational hate of EVs. It was always destined to be a flop. People who understand that EVs are better didn't buy it because it was and overpriced, limited range, slow charging EV that made dumb combustion car noises. It was a bad EV.

The Dodge faithful didn't buy it because it was an EV and Fox News told them to hate EVs.

Crappy EV plus high price equals poor sales. It's simple math.

The Jeep Recon will see the same fate for the exact same reasons.

Dodge Jeep Chrysler Ram will continue to struggle with EV sales, they built a buyer base that likes loud gas guzzlers with diminishing returns in power with every update, the “Proud Redblooded American” types, it’s why the announced the Sixpack before the Charger EV launched because their buyer base has a certain taste and many people outside of that base have their own beliefs about the group, most of it bad, kids and man-children driving dangerously and tearing up cul-de-sacs (that happened at my house after they almost hit a neighbor they about tried fighting them because the messed up their tik-tok) and I say this as someone who enjoyed owning my 22 Charger and before EV trucks were really a thing I was considering a Ram (Even though I prefer a Chevrolet myself)

 

[TreeKiller]

I wonder if OP will ever make another post.

 

[tanktheram]

OP has been watching and listening.

Couple notes from statements above.

-Yes the Lightning is dead. Ford tried a Hybrid with the Powerboost. The F150 will also outsell the EREV.

-The world hated the EV Charger. Once the bugs were out/ mostly programming, it's a decent car. But the Sixpack just won car of the Year.

-The Jeep Recon, someone above is estimating will have low interest and consumer up take. Hmm weird - direct competitor for the Scout.

-Current Scout reservations are 80% for Harvester. Weird!

-Direct to Consumer keeps prices lower? Dealership model adds drama and raises prices? Look at Rivian and Tesla. They've had to build dealerships in every major city anyways to actually sell. Prices haven't come down. A dealership model allows trade in's, test drives and cross shopping. Spontaneity.

-Not easy to swap ICE powertrain into an EV? On the contrary - very easy. VW isn't dumb, they're likely planning ICE adaptation should this EV thing backfire - possibly why it keeps getting pushed out.

-150,000 reservations? Thats peanuts! There is 400 million people in North America? How many of those are speculators? Lots. Rivian almost went upside down due to speculation through reservations which got cancelled and the share offerings.

***

This forum is great. You are all very enthusiastic about this vehicle. I think it's gorgeous and ticks all the right boxes for the adventure crowd.

However, you have to remember that SO many others already tick all those boxes, in every flavor and variant. Your enthusiasm alone won't float this thing.

Rivian occupies the niche EV segment, Ineos occupies the niche ICE segment and you have every Jeep, Toyota, Ford, Chev, etc in between already on market with similar offerings for less money at dealerships, ready for their customers.

I want to see Scout win. I want a Harvester if ICE not available. I don't want a trophy piece which I I'm scared to drive because it flopped, parts are scarce, few made, fewer sold and the vehicle is dead, much like others before it - all of which had dealer support, marketing, availability and still died.

 

[RodorW]

Dealerships order their vehicles and occasionally will let the customers order their vehicles, but they also add a massive markup having a dealership does not add anything to the car buying experience if you actually want something and not just willing to buy what’s available. Trade-ins and test drives are also things that these companies are able to do without needing a dedicated “dealership”

The charger EV failed because Dodge does not appeal to the EV crowd. They appeal to the loud crowd the V8 only hemi crowd, those are not the type of people that want an electric car because they are scared of electric cars, pure hatred, and most of them unwilling to change. Also to drop an ICE into EV is not as simple as swap and go because ICE requires a transmission, which needs a Gear tunnel

The F150 lightning “failed” largely due to dealerships over pricing them and Ford trying to make too many too fast skipping their original plan for a perceived profit that wasn’t there if they had stuck to their original plan, the F150 lightning would have done a lot better, but then that still has to get past dealerships up charging people who actually wanted these trucks

 

[robothero]

However, you have to remember that SO many others already tick all those boxes, in every flavor and variant.

Who is ticking the same boxes as the Traveler?

Where are my EV adventure vehicle options!!!

 

[RodorW]

Who is ticking the same boxes as the Traveler?

Where are my EV adventure vehicle options!!!

Closest would be Rivian, but we all know it’s got it’s limitations, where scout is planning to have replaceable bumpers making it a just a little more adventurous

 

[Cranky Canuck]

The Recon will flop because it's a bad EV. Sure it competes with Scout conceptually, they're going after the same market segment, but Scout looks like it's making a better EV than the Recon. The Scout (on paper at least) will have more range, faster charging, a modern battery architecture (800V vs 400V for the Recon), so the Scout will be a better EV and vehicle all around - assuming what is promised will be delivered.

The current bias to EREV has more to do with consumer ignorance and US policy decisions than anything else. The automotive and oil industry in the US has spent decades convincing consumers that EVs are bad and that you really do want to stay dependent on oil. Meanwhile the rest of the world has moved on and EVs are capturing an ever-increasing market share worldwide. One in four new cars sold globally is electric and that number increases every year.

The US is a backwater and it's unfortunate Scout is facing such a market. I hope they pull through but they have a tough road ahead of them especially with the way things are going there.