How much personalization/modification ability do you want to see in the new Scout?

[Lowengaard]

I agree with your thoughts, however, I’ve been in the building industry for years doing residential design. Statistically speaking 90% of buyers don’t want massive options. Most selectable items in a house are narrowed to a handful. Here’s your 3 or 4 cabinet styles and 4 or 5 finishes. Production at this scale becomes overwhelming to manage inventory/shipping/supply constraints, etc…. I would love to have the ability to choose all the options in my car but realistically it becomes cost prohibitive on most items. Scout would offer a starting model at $26K and majority of buyers would build to $60K then be pissed because it’s over budget. Don’t get me wrong-as a designer I can handle all those choices but most people can’t or get frustrated as @JohnBills stated. That ultimately turns in to lost sales. People’s nature is to accept something inferior to what they desire rather than becoming stuck by “paralysis by analysis”.
I think Audi does a great job and I posted this in an earlier thread. Great number of individual options but not too many. Then if you want “coach built” you pay them $5-8K over price and get to hand select interior and exterior. You can’t offer that at the volume Scout Motors needs to produce and make profits.
Perhaps since they are talking about a delivery experience to accept model and drive it, etc…. At the plant They should offer a coach build option (Audi does it, Bugatti and exotics do it-Acura sorta does it with the PMC editions) Maybe you pay $8K more and you pick and choose from all available items. I’d probably eat that cost to have a truly one off custom. Then they could plaque it with a SM##### interior badge and your build gets locked down and nobody else could duplicate your build. That would be truly one-off for an off-road capable vehicle. Maybe they include a weekend stay in Charleston and figure out a way to let you drive it on the beach as icing on the cak

 

[Lowengaard]

Scout should just start with a base package that has the standard four wheel drive and air suspension. The exterior needs to have all of the paint colors available, and there should be multiple removable parts and mounting points for things like new fenders, bumpers, cattle guards and winches all in the base model (make it have a ton of potential for aftermarket upgrades). Don’t make it so that if you want four wheel drive or the harvester you have to upgrade the package, just include it in the base model. In other words, make four wheel drive standard and make the harvester an option on all trim levels. For the base model interior, make it really simple and don’t include too many creature comforts (but keep ac, heat, and adjustable seats standard). If people want more of a luxury build then they can get a higher trim level. The original scouts were meant as utility vehicles, so keep that alive and the focus. At least on the base model.

 

[Brandonium]

Scout should just start with a base package that has the standard four wheel drive and air suspension. The exterior needs to have all of the paint colors available, and there should be multiple removable parts and mounting points for things like new fenders, bumpers, cattle guards and winches all in the base model (make it have a ton of potential for aftermarket upgrades). Don’t make it so that if you want four wheel drive or the harvester you have to upgrade the package, just include it in the base model. In other words, make four wheel drive standard and make the harvester an option on all trim levels. For the base model interior, make it really simple and don’t include too many creature comforts (but keep ac, heat, and adjustable seats standard). If people want more of a luxury build then they can get a higher trim level. The original scouts were meant as utility vehicles, so keep that alive and the focus. At least on the base model.

I am all for base model options, for those that want it and understand that Scouts were utilitarian.. but I am also older and like my creature comforts so I want to be surrounded in nice options also.

 

[chucchinchilla]

Scout should just start with a base package that has the standard four wheel drive and air suspension. The exterior needs to have all of the paint colors available, and there should be multiple removable parts and mounting points for things like new fenders, bumpers, cattle guards and winches all in the base model (make it have a ton of potential for aftermarket upgrades). Don’t make it so that if you want four wheel drive or the harvester you have to upgrade the package, just include it in the base model. In other words, make four wheel drive standard and make the harvester an option on all trim levels. For the base model interior, make it really simple and don’t include too many creature comforts (but keep ac, heat, and adjustable seats standard). If people want more of a luxury build then they can get a higher trim level. The original scouts were meant as utility vehicles, so keep that alive and the focus. At least on the base model.

This would be a huge departure from Volkswagen of America's current product planning and one I would greatly support. Just look at the ID Buzz: they're launching with only mid and top level trims (Pro S and Pro S Plus) and only the top level trim is allowed to have real colors while the mid spec is only black/white/silver which would be comical if it wasn't so sad.

 

[Thi31]

I'll be honest, aftermarket support isn't something I'm going to care for in particular, but I'm sure plenty will with this vehicle.

What I want for customization is in the initial purchase having every option a la carte. Packages on new vehicles have gotten ridiculous, ie if you want to have a heated steering wheel you have to buy the $5k leather package that includes a bunch of crap I didn't want.

 

[LastDayScout]

I take my off-road vehicles and USE them. I don't bash them, but I do use them for their intended purposes. A Scout's intended purpose is to be off-road and I will use it as such. I would love to see the ability to customize these easily. One of the main reasons why I didn't go Rivian, the ability to customize them and mod them was difficult at best and impossible at worst. Give me the ability to add different bumpers, sliders, lights. If you want to market this as an off-road vehicle (as it should be) and want the aftermarket to adopt it (which will help bolster sales) make them easy to mod!

You will be very happy.

 

[shnngns]

You will be very happy.

I’m already happy with what they’re proposing, if it will be mod friendly then you are correct I will be very happy!

 

[LastDayScout]

I’m already happy with what they’re proposing, if it will be mod friendly then you are correct I will be very happy!

From very early on they knew and understood that many people will want to mod their Scout. They have made it very easy to do so. Bolt on bumpers, easily lifted, tire sizes up to 37” by taking the fender liners out. That sort of thing and more.

 

[oldgeeksguide]

From very early on they knew and understood that many people will want to mod their Scout. They have made it very easy to do so. Bolt on bumpers, easily lifted, tire sizes up to 37” by taking the fender liners out. That sort of thing and more.

And even if you’re not modding it, to some extent moddable implies fixable, which is getting to be an issue with modern cars, esp some EVs.

 

[eightOne]

I would love to see aftermarket support through SM. 18” Method beadgrip wheels, rock sliders, high clearance front and rear bumpers that retain full use of all of the sensors, cargo loadouts, roof racks, winches, add-on flood/ditch/chase light wiring pass-throughs and routing channels, etc. All available through the app. Given the mobile maintenance mentality, a large portion of these add-ons could be installed as after sales. It would be nice to check the app to be able to see what new accessories are out that have met SMs quality standards.

Factory 35s will handle 95% of what these will be used for, but please make sure there’s space to allow 37s with no rub at full articulation as well as enough room and support for a 37 on the rear tire carrier.

 

[hozer]

Would love the option to take delivery on garbage tier rims and tires so they can be swapped without remorse, OR the ability to choose what you'd like prior to delivery.

 

[Racerecchs]

Leather. Give me a NICE baseball glove leather with no cloth panel, high level interior option. Include high-end adjustable and heatable seats so I dont have to have it done aftermarket. I'm not saying that I can't manually adjust the seat by reaching under the seat for an analog lever, but I'd happily pay you for an automated seat. Don't leave money on the table by cutting corners on the interior.

Also, the proto pictures seem to show a track for the view screen to slide towards the passenger. This is usually one of the first sacrifices on the alter of mass production, but I hope it stays. Or add the possibility of a secondary passenger view screen.

 

[J Alynn]

I would love to see aftermarket support through SM. 18” Method beadgrip wheels, rock sliders, high clearance front and rear bumpers that retain full use of all of the sensors, cargo loadouts, roof racks, winches, add-on flood/ditch/chase light wiring pass-throughs and routing channels, etc. All available through the app. Given the mobile maintenance mentality, a large portion of these add-ons could be installed as after sales. It would be nice to check the app to be able to see what new accessories are out that have met SMs quality standards.

Factory 35s will handle 95% of what these will be used for, but please make sure there’s space to allow 37s with no rub at full articulation as well as enough room and support for a 37 on the rear tire carrier.

Comments from Scott Keogh sounded like 37

Leather. Give me a NICE baseball glove leather with no cloth panel, high level interior option. Include high-end adjustable and heatable seats so I dont have to have it done aftermarket. I'm not saying that I can't manually adjust the seat by reaching under the seat for an analog lever, but I'd happily pay you for an automated seat. Don't leave money on the table by cutting corners on the interior.

Also, the proto pictures seem to show a track for the view screen to slide towards the passenger. This is usually one of the first sacrifices on the alter of mass production, but I hope it stays. Or add the possibility of a secondary passenger view screen.

Seeing the seats in person I have to say they were/are some of the nicest car seats I’ve ever seen. I truly hope they make it to production. The leather in the traveler had a very nice, heavy leather look with character of a leather ball glove

 

[Brandonium]

Comments from Scott Keogh sounded like 37

Seeing the seats in person I have to say they were/are some of the nicest car seats I’ve ever seen. I truly hope they make it to production. The leather in the traveler had a very nice, heavy leather look with character of a leather ball glove

This! I need those seats in all that original glory as shown.

 

[ID_ENG]

Comments from Scott Keogh sounded like 37

Seeing the seats in person I have to say they were/are some of the nicest car seats I’ve ever seen. I truly hope they make it to production. The leather in the traveler had a very nice, heavy leather look with character of a leather ball glove

I know these were what did they call it, "intent" concepts or something. So should be pretty close to production. But concept vehicles are always gunna be premium and showing their best face so to speak.
But..... I did watch an interview on TFL and the SM designer mentioned the purposeful design of leather and showing the imperfections in it. So gives me hope.

 

[SPASierra]

Another vote for quality leather! Just because it is an EV, does not mean I want vinyl/vegan leather.

If you are putting together packages, make them logical. Heated/ventilated seats should be paired with heated steering wheel. 360 degree cameras, and the ability to use them as dash cams.

 

[J Alynn]

Leather was great as stated. That said @Jamie@ScoutMotors has been correcting me the past year-ish as saying “leather like”. I pushed for a commitment at the design studio they had at the reveal and the comment was.m-“ it’s a concept vehicle”. Canned answer and fairly so. So my hope is seats look just as great but they opt for vegan/synthetic to keep the same great look. My daughter’s Lexus has the faux leather and it still looks very good. Maybe leather will be a top of the line option. That said Chris Benjamin even made comment to the textures and feels and the distress on the concept traveler was so satisfying and I fear that part may either and die by production time. Keeping fingers crossed

 

[SPASierra]

Leather was great as stated. That said @Jamie@ScoutMotors has been correcting me the past year-ish as saying “leather like”. I pushed for a commitment at the design studio they had at the reveal and the comment was.m-“ it’s a concept vehicle”. Canned answer and fairly so. So my hope is seats look just as great but they opt for vegan/synthetic to keep the same great look. My daughter’s Lexus has the faux leather and it still looks very good. Maybe leather will be a top of the line option. That said Chris Benjamin even made comment to the textures and feels and the distress on the concept traveler was so satisfying and I fear that part may either and die by production time. Keeping fingers crossed

No real leather will result in a cancelled reservation on my side. If Audi and Mercedes can put leather in their EVs, then Scout should do the same.

 

[prattm1964]

I hate going into threads like this. I end up sounding like I'm a simple cave man.
My wish list is small:
Heated/ventilated seats
Heated steering wheel
Backup camera
Nice speakers

Low importance things:
Infotainment is really out of hand lately. (Give me a port to connect my phone to. I can run everything from there.)
Some way to turn off the headlights so they aren't on all the time while driving
Some way to turn off the lightshow (if there is one), that just wastes power.

 

[ID_ENG]

Not having a leather option will seem like a big miss. And should really be a premium package for those who want to pay for it. Keep the MSRP down with ventalated synthetics is fine with me.

And I second the previous comment. Manual method to turn off the daytimes. And don't over think the infotainment. If Android auto or Apple CarPlay offer a better experience. Let's just stick with that.