Why Scout?
With the modernization and re-branding of a classic automobile many people can relate to, because of its unique design (for its time) and a forerunner in the class called Sport Utility Vehicles today. It also allowed the average person (family) to own one because of its price point and appeal to a non-segmented individual group of people. A similar relationship and correlation to what some may compare to the original philosophy of Volkswagen (People’s Car.) (Originally conceived by Germany which would allow for the average citizen to own one, including the Autobahns.)
It might be because you remember a friend, family member, or yourself owning one and the innovation for it’s day. I have seen many comments about the memories are in-tune with its ICE powertrain and the car enthusiasts of that day.
There are many *strategic reasons for and reasoning a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) (over ICE (Internal Combusting Engine)) was chosen and IMO is the correct decision for many reasons. It’s not to say there will be talented aftermarket groups who will perform this, but it’s essentially a completely different vehicle. In, fact the differences (and challenges) are heavily outweighed for the average (even Advanced) enthusiast to accomplish. To keep in the scope and context of this document, The more technical specifics are for another time, as mentioned.
So, with some generalized background and basic conceptual ideas presented, back to the original question. There are many reasons why this question may arise and what would you say/think.?
Scout (official name? “X1” (sounds cool) ?) has advantages over both in several major areas. IMO, these will separate the Scout Brand (name) from these and other start-up competitors (I’m discounting larger OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) who are basically electrifying existing platforms.)
- Scout has a parent company in Volkswagen. Very important. Support and Investment concerns (lack of) is a platform for strategic focus on the product. Very important in this race, you can see how Rivian, Lucid, Fisker, Bollinger, Re-Car (mainly finding their Nitch)(Nitch: Place in the EV industry where their car would fit and have the best chance for success) needed to have that element of investor fulfillment and rush to achieve that.
- Scout has an established Brand already with a primarily targeted consumer base. That will evolve, but already having an established (at least conceptually) target consumer segment is another strategic hurdle addressed with increases time focused in other areas such as engineering, sales, manufacturing to name a few.
- Also, hiring team members who have worked at other start-ups and how they operate is also added experience. Especially, those who have been in those environments, and developed processes,
- Tactical usage of organized departmental traceability SW (Smartsheets, JIRA, Confluence, DOORS, etc.) (These are industry SW tool to track and document a programs progress)
- For access across departments as a centralized point of where to start (EE (Electrical &Electronics) lab WO system, vehicle testing schedules and checkout criteria, ICD (Interface Control Document: Used for engineering purposes related documentation used by engineers as a reference for Embedded controls variables and functions they control)EE integration for example),
- Suppliers bases who are proven and experienced in their respective areas that have worked with EV companies in covering source able items like Wiring Harness Prototyping, component sourcing, all relevant industry connections who are proven successful and have the resources needed for a faster and easier path.
- All these are proven out to an extent where a solid mechanism is in place to help new-hires navigate the new mixed world, but can also be tweaked to match specific Scout needs.
- Result: Better product quality (initial) delivered and the Scout portfolio is now realistically open for expansion, just like every other OEM)
If I was a potential customer debating on slapping down a deposit for a Scout and saw how Rivian, Fisker, and other EVs are approaching their Vehicle Lifecycle Development (from the point where Customer requests are taken, through component, system and vehicle development up to Manufacturing) and Aftermarket service. I would feel much more confident not only in the initial product quality, but what was behind the scenes.
So Why Scout?
What is your response?
** I do not work for Scout, but, IMO is setup for success in areas others are not. **
What is your response?
** I do not work for Scout, but, IMO is setup for success in areas others are not. **
* A separate document (posting) will cover this topic in more specific detail to why EVs can and will be profitable and what needs to be done as Scout evolves as a company and expand off the initial success of this first Scout into the few remaining sectors untapped with a lot potential.
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