Assembly Line Logistics

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speedrye

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1st Year Member
Nov 15, 2022
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Disclaimer: I don't have any working knowledge of how the assembly line process and supply chain works in the newest, most modern factories, hence the question.

I've watched automotive assembly lines running with a truck, an SUV, etc all running down the line in random order. With most everything computer-controlled, how hard is it to have various interior, drivetrain, etc options run down the line in no particular order?

The reason I'm asking is simple-
I'm sick of only being able to order a new vehicle with only three packages, two wheel options and 4 gray colors with none of them offering the grouping of options I really want. Back in the day, you could order whatever you wanted with most any other option. At least Porsche is better than most nowadays with a lot of a la carte options. So, in this day and age of computers automating so much of the system, how hard would it be for Scout to buck the option package trend and let us pick our own options? Obviously the options would have to be reasonable, but I don't want to be forced into a sunroof if I want upgraded audio and I don't want all of the crappiest finishes if I opt for a bench seat up front. Is this doable without costing an arm and a leg from a manufacturing perspective? If you're ordering some unusual combinations, paying more of a deposit up front seems reasonable in case something happens and you're unable to take delivery.

I don't expect to be able to change much of anything on the main drivetrain, but I'd like the front sway bar disconnect and locker without a full off-road package, knowing that I'll upgrade my own suspension, wheels/tires and skid plates.
 
Disclaimer: I don't have any working knowledge of how the assembly line process and supply chain works in the newest, most modern factories, hence the question.

I've watched automotive assembly lines running with a truck, an SUV, etc all running down the line in random order. With most everything computer-controlled, how hard is it to have various interior, drivetrain, etc options run down the line in no particular order?

The reason I'm asking is simple-
I'm sick of only being able to order a new vehicle with only three packages, two wheel options and 4 gray colors with none of them offering the grouping of options I really want. Back in the day, you could order whatever you wanted with most any other option. At least Porsche is better than most nowadays with a lot of a la carte options. So, in this day and age of computers automating so much of the system, how hard would it be for Scout to buck the option package trend and let us pick our own options? Obviously the options would have to be reasonable, but I don't want to be forced into a sunroof if I want upgraded audio and I don't want all of the crappiest finishes if I opt for a bench seat up front. Is this doable without costing an arm and a leg from a manufacturing perspective? If you're ordering some unusual combinations, paying more of a deposit up front seems reasonable in case something happens and you're unable to take delivery.

I don't expect to be able to change much of anything on the main drivetrain, but I'd like the front sway bar disconnect and locker without a full off-road package, knowing that I'll upgrade my own suspension, wheels/tires and skid plates.
100% agree. There are lots of previous discussions of this topic on the forum and I to am willing to spend a bit more. That said: there’s a reason Porsche’s are so expensive. Audi offers a coach like option for their higher end vehicles and it’s like $8K BUT, you get choice of 30 colors on exterior and every interior finish they offer (or it was that way pre-pandemic). So for $8K I might bite on that if it provides enough choice. As Acouts were always unique I suggested some time ago to offer a customized option path for say-$10K and whatever you build gets logged in network and after that, nobody else can package it the exact same way. Still all kit of parts from SM but now you have a one of a kind vehicle. Someone else could do same but different wheel style but this means there’s never be a duplicate of your vehicle. This I might try to pinch Pennie’s for
 
100% agree. There are lots of previous discussions of this topic on the forum and I to am willing to spend a bit more. That said: there’s a reason Porsche’s are so expensive. Audi offers a coach like option for their higher end vehicles and it’s like $8K BUT, you get choice of 30 colors on exterior and every interior finish they offer (or it was that way pre-pandemic). So for $8K I might bite on that if it provides enough choice. As Acouts were always unique I suggested some time ago to offer a customized option path for say-$10K and whatever you build gets logged in network and after that, nobody else can package it the exact same way. Still all kit of parts from SM but now you have a one of a kind vehicle. Someone else could do same but different wheel style but this means there’s never be a duplicate of your vehicle. This I might try to pinch Pennie’s for
If SM does offer this I’m requesting to be the first one through the process 🤣
 
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100% agree. There are lots of previous discussions of this topic on the forum and I to am willing to spend a bit more. That said: there’s a reason Porsche’s are so expensive. Audi offers a coach like option for their higher end vehicles and it’s like $8K BUT, you get choice of 30 colors on exterior and every interior finish they offer (or it was that way pre-pandemic). So for $8K I might bite on that if it provides enough choice. As Acouts were always unique I suggested some time ago to offer a customized option path for say-$10K and whatever you build gets logged in network and after that, nobody else can package it the exact same way. Still all kit of parts from SM but now you have a one of a kind vehicle. Someone else could do same but different wheel style but this means there’s never be a duplicate of your vehicle. This I might try to pinch Pennie’s for

I'm not looking to go that crazy with concierge-level service, I just want options to be stand-alone options that I can check on the order sheet. If a certain combination of options isn't available, a pop-up would inform me of this and I'd make some choices. I understand the round headlight mask might not be compatible with the heated headlight option, and I'm okay with that...
 
I love where you’re going with this. A la carte style within reason would be amazing. A game-changer even.