Make optional equipment truly optional, and not trim level dependent.

[JSanti9]

PLEASE allow the equipment to be truly option based and not based on trim levels. Too often manufacturers gatekeep the practical equipment to more luxurious trim levels, which justify a huge price increase, but remove the vehicle from the accessibility of the consumers that could maybe justify spending/afford a $60k vehicle, but simply could not for a $90k one. If an individual who wants to use this vehicle for work or hobbies has to spend $30k more on a luxury trim level to get an option that’s only $5k, it could make the vehicle completely inaccessible to the consumer base in that price range. It is also completely redundant because that consumer base is interested in practicality. For instance, if an individual wants a simple vehicle and would opt for equipment such as power outlets, towing equipment, or particular drivetrain options, but has to spend additionally on things like leather seats, electronic lift gates or driving aids or parking brakes etc, or special suspension, all of a sudden that individual is spending so much extra money on a vehicle that completely defeats the purpose the buyer originally had, which is to have a practical vehicle with as few things to break as possible. As an automotive technician who works on a high volume of brand new luxury vehicles, I cannot express how often I repair such luxury items such as these, which often times render a particular function of the vehicle useless such as a lift gate being stuck closed, parking brakes stuck on, or constant warning chimes on the gauge cluster. I understand that the business model for gatekeeping options to higher trim levels to inflate the price is usually more profitable, and that this request will likely fall on deaf ears, but this sentiment represents the situation that I find myself in, and many other enthusiasts like me. If there is any chance this vehicle can be done differently as a ground up platform, it would become likely the most successful new EV/hybrid on the market, and definitely the most significant.

 

[dleepnw]

PLEASE allow the equipment to be truly option based and not based on trim levels. Too often manufacturers gatekeep the practical equipment to more luxurious trim levels, which justify a huge price increase, but remove the vehicle from the accessibility of the consumers that could maybe justify spending/afford a $60k vehicle, but simply could not for a $90k one. If an individual who wants to use this vehicle for work or hobbies has to spend $30k more on a luxury trim level to get an option that’s only $5k, it could make the vehicle completely inaccessible to the consumer base in that price range. It is also completely redundant because that consumer base is interested in practicality. For instance, if an individual wants a simple vehicle and would opt for equipment such as power outlets, towing equipment, or particular drivetrain options, but has to spend additionally on things like leather seats, electronic lift gates or driving aids or parking brakes etc, or special suspension, all of a sudden that individual is spending so much extra money on a vehicle that completely defeats the purpose the buyer originally had, which is to have a practical vehicle with as few things to break as possible. As an automotive technician who works on a high volume of brand new luxury vehicles, I cannot express how often I repair such luxury items such as these, which often times render a particular function of the vehicle useless such as a lift gate being stuck closed, parking brakes stuck on, or constant warning chimes on the gauge cluster. I understand that the business model for gatekeeping options to higher trim levels to inflate the price is usually more profitable, and that this request will likely fall on deaf ears, but this sentiment represents the situation that I find myself in, and many other enthusiasts like me. If there is any chance this vehicle can be done differently as a ground up platform, it would become likely the most successful new EV/hybrid on the market, and definitely the most significant.

consumer friendly but not ideal for manufacturing and production costs. if they can keep the price of the vehicle down and improve production times by simplifying builds/options then they should. consumers do not need to get everything they want their way.

 

[JSanti9]

consumer friendly but not ideal for manufacturing and production costs. if they can keep the price of the vehicle down and improve production times by simplifying builds/options then they should. consumers do not need to get everything they want their way.

You're right, it just comes down to how expensive the trim lockout is. If the consumer has to spend $2K to upgrade from the base trim level just to unlock the option for the range extender for like an additional $5k, that's understandable. I'm talking about cases like the Jeep Wrangler where a base 2 door could be under $30k, but to get lockers, they aren't on a more accessible trim level than the Rubicon and cost something like $15k which just makes no sense for someone who wants a base vehicle with that capability. You're right from a manufacturing perspective it is most profitable, especially when the vehicles are made in factories that have been in production for years already. That is why I'm saying it would be a game changer if Scout can manage to work in more practical and cost-effective trim levels from the ground up since their factories will be ground up already. Of course it comes down to the fact that the enthusiast base is rather insignificant compared to the majority of non-car enthusiasts that make up the bulk of the consumer base of every manufacturer, which is why I do believe it is unlikely that Scout will cater to the enthusiast base that want a non-luxury vehicle with as much utility as possible. That is why it would be a pretty big deal if they did manage to do it.