VW cash flow issues affect Scout?

  • From all of us at Scout Motors, welcome to the Scout Community! We created this community to provide Scout vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and curiosity seekers with a place to engage in discussion, suggestions, stories, and connections. Supportive communities are sometimes hard to find, but we're determined to turn this into one.

    Additionally, Scout Motors wants to hear your feedback and speak directly to the rabid community of owners as unique as America. We'll use the Scout Community to deliver news and information on events and launch updates directly to the group. Although the start of production is anticipated in 2026, many new developments and milestones will occur in the interim. We plan to share them with you on this site and look for your feedback and suggestions.

    How will the Scout Community be run? Think of it this way: this place is your favorite local hangout. We want you to enjoy the atmosphere, talk to people who share similar interests, request and receive advice, and generally have an enjoyable time. The Scout Community should be a highlight of your day. We want you to tell stories, share photos, spread your knowledge, and tell us how Scout can deliver great products and experiences. Along the way, Scout Motors will share our journey to production with you.

    Scout is all about respect. We respect our heritage. We respect the land and outdoors. We respect each other. Every person should feel safe, included, and welcomed in the Scout Community. Being kind and courteous to the other forum members is non-negotiable. Friendly debates are welcomed and often produce great outcomes, but we don't want things to get too rowdy. Please take a moment to consider what you post, especially if you think it may insult others. We'll do our best to encourage friendly discourse and to keep the discussions flowing.

    So, welcome to the Scout Community! We encourage you to check back regularly as we plan to engage our members, share teasers, and participate in discussions. The world needs Scouts™. Let's get going.


    We are Scout Motors.

2+2

Member
  • Mar 17, 2024
    8
    12
    PA
    Wondering if the recent news about VW closing at least 3 plants and laying off 10s of thousands of employees will have any affect on Scout or the development of Scout. I know it's a separate company, but it is still bank rolled by VW.

     
    • Like
    Reactions: Logan
    Hopefully it doesn't, really looking forward to owning an EV Traveler.
    I would have thought that if VW was second guessing this that they would not have done the launch, or spent the money they did on said launch as this news came out soon enough for VW to postpone if that's what they wanted to do.
     
    To the contrary, I think Scout is the direction VW will be going in the future. Smaller brands, more in control of their product instead of everything being run by mega-corporate out of Germany.
    It was near end of reveal event when one of the Germans I was speaking with said something very enlightening.
    Paraphrasing-
    We (Germany) have finally realized we can’t tell Americans what they want/need in a car intended for Americans.
    The reference was simply cup holders. So Germans do very little-makes sense-driving autobahn at 100mph + you don’t want any more distractions than necessary. In America, if you can hold 10 Yeti 48 ounce mega jugs you win for best US family hauler. Just interesting that they maybe are realizing, as you suggested that smaller companies under their umbrella are better successes. Look at Audi and Porsche.
     
    To the contrary, I think Scout is the direction VW will be going in the future. Smaller brands, more in control of their product instead of everything being run by mega-corporate out of Germany.

    Jim Farley at Ford has woken up to the market ahead as well pivoting to more niche / enthusiast vehicles. . Autonomous Taxis from Waymo and Tesla will make normal driving / commuting exponentially cheaper and more convenient than owning a normal car ( Golf, Camry , RAV4, etc) . VW will not survive on volume sales of Golf and Tiguans 5 years from now
     
    @Jamie@ScoutMotors sorry for tagging you for like the 1,000th time lol.

    But in all seriousness if VW doesn’t reach an agreement and shit hits the fan, what happens to Scout Motors? Is Going Publicly Traded? Or Private Investors? On the Drawing board?
     
    The global market implications surrounding EV and PHEV sales are so dynamic right now. Maybe VW getting lean helps Scout. I think I would much prefer to be in Scout's shoes in this current market & economy than to be 1 of the big 3. Maybe Scout being a new domestic company and having time to build-out their factory (just taking reservations before needing to deliver a single unit, or being on the hook to hit revenue targets) is a good thing in this macro climate.

    Look at the Stellantis and GM global news and you will see why... Short sighted moves prioritizing QTRLY profits over long term viability and shareholder value, zero awareness of where this market is headed, blinders on int'l EV growth and consumer demand.

    Add to that equation getting crushed by China:

    In total, EVs accounted for 51.4% of all new-car sales in China during July. BEVs alone accounted for 27% of the country’s overall total, and 53% of plug-in sales. This fell below the average of 58% recorded in the first seven months of the year.

    And who is making all those EV's that sell like hotcakes in China now? Not GM, not FORD, not STELLANTIS... BYD MAKES THEM!

    Out of the eight EVs in the overall top 10, six belonged to BYD. The carmaker has cut prices on its electric models to challenge the ICE market and bring buyers to the brand. This, however, is not only putting pressure on petrol and diesel powertrains, but also over EV models.

    Screen Shot 2024-12-17 at 8.51.04 AM.png


    -Source:


    1734442802762.png
     
    The only Hope is that Chinese EVs can be sold in America. So that does give a major advantage for Scout. So they probably are safe for all this.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: J Alynn
    The only Hope is that Chinese EVs can be sold in America. So that does give a major advantage for Scout. So they probably are safe for all this.
    I understand that there may be a desire for lower cost EV's, but my hope is for American EV's to succeed. For me, part of the allure with Scout is being American-made.
     
    I understand that there may be a desire for lower cost EV's, but my hope is for American EV's to succeed. For me, part of the allure with Scout is being American-made.
    I totally agree and that comes with a price. But the Economy will hopefully be in a better position than now.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: R1TVT
    I totally agree and that comes with a price. But the Economy will hopefully be in a better position than now.
    I agree on both points bi refuse to give money to Musk so I hope SM and maybe some others like Rivian and smaller start ups continue to grow and be successful.
    “The world needs more Scouts!”
     
    I agree on both points bi refuse to give money to Musk so I hope SM and maybe some others like Rivian and smaller start ups continue to grow and be successful.
    “The world needs more Scouts!”
    Im a small business type of guy. That my reason for not buying and tesla and that fact that it’s a huge scam for AI learning. I support Elons work but i wont give money to a company that scams.
     
    I understand that there may be a desire for lower cost EV's, but my hope is for American EV's to succeed. For me, part of the allure with Scout is being American-made.

    VW would also be more inclined to close some German factories first for economic reasons. Their German factories have the highest labor rate of any major car company in the world.
     
    VW would also be more inclined to close some German factories first for economic reasons. Their German factories have the highest labor rate of any major car company in the world.
    Yeah, i have to agree with this.

    What does VW need 10 factories in Germany alone for, plenty of large companies make multiple vehicles in the same factory.

    BMW has 8

    Mercedes has 8

    Mind you their wage rates are lower than VW. So close 3 factories should be a no brainer if IG METALL was smart instead of being a greedy Union.