VW is investing in Rivian

[J Alynn]

I thought we have been very outspoken that we don’t want BLACK, white or silver. Seems like Scout isn’t listening very well

Or is that Scout’s version of Anti-matter blue

 

[OleScout]

I thought we have been very outspoken that we don’t want BLACK, white or silver. Seems like Scout isn’t listening very well

The held onto the boxy design we've been asking for.

 

[J Alynn]

The held onto the boxy design we've been asking for.

LMAO

 

[JohnnyScout]

I had to work really hard to get this out of our design team....

I had to work really hard to get this out of our design team....

View attachment 2620

Cow eating grass at night.

 

[Jl737]

If this is all about in-car software it is a big mistake!

Rivian’s user experience is not as bad as some of the other’s but it’s still not great and the owners I hear just keep hoping future updates will improve things.

Meanwhile VW’s in-car entertainment software is apparently built on kubernetes which is a terrible technology stack that basically runs apps inside an app. Then Scout hired as its CTO the guy that oversaw some universally panned in-car tech user experience at Fisker. This gives me very low confidence that Scout will deliver a great tech experience.

All I want is physical buttons for all the cars essential functions and full support for Carplay (and Android Auto) including the new Carplay’s customizable instrument clusters. Supporting the Carplay platform makes it possible for individuals and small teams to create apps that run in the car with very little work. This expands customer choice in apps and services and allows the customer to benefit from future innovation. Locking down the experience to Scouts services and service partners would be a very, very bad idea.

The vehicle’s default built-in entertainment systems should be very, very basic, offering bluetooth connectivity etc. Scout should put zero work into bespoke integration of third party services from Spotify, Apple Music, Google Maps etc. Just leave all that to CarPlay and Android Auto where there are already hundreds of apps. There should probably be one built-in mapping system that would obviously have to be free like it is on phones.

Scout should probably make some CarPlay and Android Auto apps themselves. For example, an AM/FM radio is very useful for emergencies and venturing off grid. There should be a Scout CarPlay App that controls the vehicles radio that sits alongside all the other in-car entertainment apps that the users has installed on their phone.

The in-car software should not be very hard. Just keep it simple and take advantage of all the work Apple, Google and hundreds of developers for their platforms have already done. Rivian are going in the wrong direction when it comes to in-car software, shunning CarPlay entirely and building high cost bespoke systems that have high maintenance, high technical debt and high security burden.

I own a Tesla Y and an R1T. My biggest gripe is the lack of physical buttons. Frankly it can be dangerous with the amount of concentration required just to adjust the freakn’ air vents. My second biggest gripe is the lack of Apple/Android CarPlay. My wife’s car has it and I love it. Other than that, I do like the Rivian user experience when compared to the Tesla. There are a couple of features I’m waiting on (phone contacts, calendar) but overall I think the Rivian’s layout is simpler and more user friendly. All of this to say that I agree that Scout should keep it relatively simple with the in-car software. Save development $$, use CarPlay, and give me some physically adjustable air vents!

 

[lucylou]

The SUV and pickup truck market segments are the largest in this country. There is room for multiple competitors. I'd also propose that Rivian competes in a different price segment with product that is different in many ways from what we are working on. Yes, we are both making SUVs and pickup trucks (lots of companies are) and they can all travel off-road, but there are many different ways to do that, support that and package it. Plus ours will have a history and heritage that comes through in both the design and the product itself. Rugged. Capable. Multitool. Plus it looks good.

When can we see it??

 

[oldgeeksguide]

When can we see it??

2024

 

[R1TVT]

I am constantly amazed at how well Rivian did with its first ever production trucks. The SW is great and continues to improve over time with new releases. I'm not sure I've ever owned anything material that actually improved over time, but I feel like that is the case with this truck. I'm excited to see where this goes, and will reserve speculation on the VWAG $$$. One thing I don;t have is Apple Carplay anymore, but I run WAZE in the background on my phone when I'm driving, and I make calls simply by saying "Hey Siri" using the Rivian Audio. Works fine.... Not having CarPlay now does NOT mean CarPlay cannot be added with a new release in the future.

 

[lucylou]

2024

We're going into the 7th month of 2024. I was asking "when".

 

[J Alynn]

We're going into the 7th month of 2024. I was asking "when".

During the next 5 months
I suspect early fall like Sept/October when other manufacturers release their next model year designs. Just what I feel I read between the lines

 

[lucylou]

During the next 5 months
I suspect early fall like Sept/October when other manufacturers release their next model year designs. Just what I feel I read between the lines

Thanks, I was just curious because I live directly across the street where the new plant is being built in SC. Residents here are very unhappy that our state allowed and recruited Scout to this location. They ate supposed to be about the environment, but yet almost 2000 acres of trees, creeks, wetlands wildlife have been destroyed. Do you get me wrong, I don't blame Scout. I blame our government. We were told in Feb or March of this year that a prototype would soon be coming out. Our air quality here is making a lot of us sick.

 

[OleScout]

Thanks, I was just curious because I live directly across the street where the new plant is being built in SC. Residents here are very unhappy that our state allowed and recruited Scout to this location. They ate supposed to be about the environment, but yet almost 2000 acres of trees, creeks, wetlands wildlife have been destroyed. Do you get me wrong, I don't blame Scout. I blame our government. We were told in Feb or March of this year that a prototype would soon be coming out. Our air quality here is making a lot of us sick.

Thanks for the updated images on the progress of the site. SM has been pretty clear on their motives to support a green initiative, hint its direction to go EV instead of the mainstreams preferences to go ICE.

 

[J Alynn]

Thanks, I was just curious because I live directly across the street where the new plant is being built in SC. Residents here are very unhappy that our state allowed and recruited Scout to this location. They ate supposed to be about the environment, but yet almost 2000 acres of trees, creeks, wetlands wildlife have been destroyed. Do you get me wrong, I don't blame Scout. I blame our government. We were told in Feb or March of this year that a prototype would soon be coming out. Our air quality here is making a lot of us sick.

As someone involved in construction myself there are give and takes especially on a property this large. Codes and mandates require they follow the laws and environmental guidelines. Certainly can’t speak for SM as I’m not an employee but I’m sure they will be planting portions of replacement trees. Knowing there is relatively adjacent highways, railways and vehicle parts suppliers, choosing this location was an environmental positive. They could have gone remote and taken more land for additional highways, infrastructure, etc… which would have consumed more land. I live in corn country in Lancaster Co, PA and we see the same thing. The important this is following responsible growth and development which in the long run is good for the environment. With new development we never like to see it but it was a proper move by SM to be conscious. Imagine it could have been a national builder throwing up cheap apartments which just creates commuter traffic, transient residents with no long term stake in your town and still a loss of trees. SM will make it nice when done as it is their first impression. That said I understand your frustration as a homeowner.
The other advantage is the upcoming boost to your immediate local economy and growth in new businesses, probably less tax increases in the future as they’ll try to get it from SM. The schools will adjust training to help kids land long term careers and visitors to Scout will create tourist opportunities.

 

[JohnnyScout]

Thanks, I was just curious because I live directly across the street where the new plant is being built in SC. Residents here are very unhappy that our state allowed and recruited Scout to this location. They ate supposed to be about the environment, but yet almost 2000 acres of trees, creeks, wetlands wildlife have been destroyed. Do you get me wrong, I don't blame Scout. I blame our government. We were told in Feb or March of this year that a prototype would soon be coming out. Our air quality here is making a lot of us sick.

If there were existing wetlands before then there have to be wetlands after. Maybe replaced elsewhere, mitigated, if you will, but nobody, nobody can build even a parking lot without a retention area to go with it. Been that way since last century.

If South Carolina has given Scout Motors a pass on environmental stewardship then SC is in violation of a raft of federal statutes. But won't be the first time SC bucked heads with DC.

Without looking at the land purchase I would also question your 2000 acres. It doesnt even take a fourth of that to build a factory, even one capable of spitting out 150,000 vehicles per year. Toledo Assembly Complex sits on a few hundred acres and includes two actual factories with 84 acres under roof and builds more Jeeps than you can shake a stick at.

Michigan Assembly Plant has 115+ acres of factory floor. Yes you need space outside the buildings but not 2000 acres although that would provide plenty of offroad experiencing.

As far as other South Carolina car plants, BMW Spartanburg, which is largest worldwide BMW factory sits on a mere 1150 acres but spits out 1500 vehicles PER DAY.

 

[J. Sweat]

Most folks just don’t like change in their town, I’m surprised there aren’t more local gripes.

 

[lucylou]

As someone involved in construction myself there are give and takes especially on a property this large. Codes and mandates require they follow the laws and environmental guidelines. Certainly can’t speak for SM as I’m not an employee but I’m sure they will be planting portions of replacement trees. Knowing there is relatively adjacent highways, railways and vehicle parts suppliers, choosing this location was an environmental positive. They could have gone remote and taken more land for additional highways, infrastructure, etc… which would have consumed more land. I live in corn country in Lancaster Co, OA and we see the same thing. The important this is following responsible growth and development which in the long run is good for the environment. With new development we never like to see it but it was a proper move by SM to be conscious. Imagine it could have been a national builder throwing up cheap apartments which just creates commuter traffic, transient residents with no long term stake in your town and still a loss of trees. SM will make it nice when done as it is their first impression. That said I understand your frustration as a homeowner.
The other advantage is the upcoming boost to your immediate local economy and growth in new businesses, probably less tax increases in the future as they’ll try to get it from SM. The schools will adjust training to help kids land long term careers and visitors to Scout will create tourist opportunities.

We are located on a major interstate. For SM a new exit is being constructed which meant more land destroyed, peoples property and homes are being affected. We have plenty of tourists already because of where we are located. Straight shot to the coast, to the shipping hubs in Charleston SC, they are putting in a new train rail which will be at the back door of $800k homes. We didn't purchase our retired homes to be in the backyard of an EV plant. How can you consider going green when everything green has been destroyed. Posting a pic just to show how close it is to our homes. Us as life long residents here are really upset. Not all permits were

If there were existing wetlands before then there have to be wetlands after. Maybe replaced elsewhere, mitigated, if you will, but nobody, nobody can build even a parking lot without a retention area to go with it. Been that way since last century.

If South Carolina has given Scout Motors a pass on environmental stewardship then SC is in violation of a raft of federal statutes. But won't be the first time SC bucked heads with DC.

Without looking at the land purchase I would also question your 2000 acres. It doesnt even take a fourth of that to build a factory, even one capable of spitting out 150,000 vehicles per year. Toledo Assembly Complex sits on a few hundred acres and includes two actual factories with 84 acres under roof and builds more Jeeps than you can shake a stick at.

Michigan Assembly Plant has 115+ acres of factory floor. Yes you need space outside the buildings but not 2000 acres although that would provide plenty of offroad experiencing.

As far as other South Carolina car plants, BMW Spartanburg, which is largest worldwide BMW factory sits on a mere 1150 acres but spits out 1500 vehicles PER DAY.

 

[J Alynn]

We are located on a major interstate. For SM a new exit is being constructed which meant more land destroyed, peoples property and homes are being affected. We have plenty of tourists already because of where we are located. Straight shot to the coast, to the shipping hubs in Charleston SC, they are putting in a new train rail which will be at the back door of $800k homes. We didn't purchase our retired homes to be in the backyard of an EV plant. How can you consider going green when everything green has been destroyed. Posting a pic just to show how close it is to our homes. Us as life long residents here are really upset. Not all permits were

Sorry you are unhappy. Progress is progress and ultimately progress brings debate. Best I can say. With every project comes pros and cons. I’m not here to argue with you and/or your neighbors. Most of us are here because of Scouts revival. I’ll bow out gracefully from the conversation as there appears to be no chance of you ever being happy. Ultimately I will just block your posts from my side so I can focus on the positives. When I eventually visit SM to hopefully pick up my new Scout I’ll be sure to stay in an adjacent town and eat meals there as well since you feel it’s already touristy enough in your town of Blythewood. Best of luck on finding balance or happiness in your life with this project.

 

[Albal]

I, for one, welcome lucylou's feedback on the construction and how the local community is being affected, and have found it interesting and a bit concerning. I wonder what SM's plans are as to mitigating any issues. It's good to have a candid local viewpoint (and photos!) instead of just a one-sided delivery. I wonder if there's a way of routing the railway so that it's not against the back of the houses...

Mmmm...though I wonder if this thread on construction is a better location for it:

https://scoutmotors.community.forum/threads/the-road-to-scout-production-all-the-latest-updates-in-one-place.342/

 

[J Alynn]

Perhaps I was quick to jump on some things on my second post. My wife and I travel a lot for my daughter’s archery career and we pride ourselves on engaging local culture and cuisine rather than chain restaurants so maybe it’s better I offer an olive branch and ask for the two best restaurants in Blythewood?
I did take some time to look at the siteplan drawings and site model per @lucylou comments about the railroad. Looking at the topography, areas of wetlands and the highway exits there is very limited room to go anywhere other than where the rails are indicated. Sure there are open areas on site but per SM’s news the site is designed up front to allow for future expansion and capacity. Ultimately the rail connection has to be reasonable from point A (existing rail) to point B (on site loading/unloading). Also factoring in grading (tracks need to be nearly flat) I’m sure the location was devised based on the best logistics as well as least impact. Trying to wrap railways between highways is a bad choice as an incident at one causes problems for both. Keeping simple traffic patterns keeps employees and workers safer in the long run. Site construction is VERY expensive to begin with. Add all the stormwater control and existing wetlands and the site becomes very limited to work with.
I worked in development for 20+ years for a boss who would praise a 40 acre property covered in trees. Then would design it and eliminate 75% of the trees only to turn around, plant street trees and then talk about being environmental stewards so I get where @lucylou is coming from-that infuriated me. Sometimes we land in circumstances we can’t control but everyone should take the time to learn both sides of the circumstance and see the positive side of things.
We are stronger as people when we overcome the unexpected that is thrown at us. Perhaps this is an opportunity -maybe there are volunteer opportunities that will arise and let you educate visitors, maybe there are trails being provided to provide new walking opportunities. With new projects of this size comes lots of new benefits and in a few years you’ll probably come to realize how many new opportunities you have and be grateful that they all stemmed from SM building a new plant with hundreds of new jobs and new growth in your community. Imagine seeing friends who have current businesses become more successful and be able to offer more to their own families as well as your surrounding communities.

 

[J. Sweat]

I wonder what SM's plans are as to mitigating any issues. It's good to have a candid local viewpoint (and photos!) instead of just a one-sided delivery. I wonder if there's a way of routing the railway so that it's not against the back of the houses...

You believe that this hasn’t been covered already by the appropriate people at SM and local, state, and federal governments, and that this forum is the place to fix perceived environmental issues, at this late date? That’s an incredible amount of hubris.