VW dealers upset they may not get to sell Scout Motors EVs

[Administrator]

VW Is Launching A New EV Truck Brand. Its Dealers Are Pissed They Might Get Cut Out

https://insideevs.com/news/716994/vw-scout-honda-afeela-dealers/

 

[Lakesinai]

Going to be interesting! From the customer POV, we're going to not want dealers overcharging or doing mark-ups on the vehicle price. The way Ford handled this with the Bronco roll-out, If I configured the vehicle on Ford's web site, and assigned a Dealer, the dealer had to agree to MSRP and honor the configuration pricing. Or, I'd find another dealer. While some Ford dealers tried initially to mark-up pre orders, most settled into honoring the pre-order, configuration price. Like with the Bronco, I would not be a buyer of a Scout if a dealer tried marking it up. Otherwise, someone has to service the vehicle! However, here in SC, I could drive to the plant!

 

[Bayou944]

I'm glad they're going the route they are with sales (ie Tesla model) with ordering direct. Dealer gouging on popular and exciting models are why they never sell well, thus affecting the industry as a whole. Manufacturers assume low sales are because people don't want the new and exciting models, not understanding it is the dealers that are the cause of the weak sales by marking them up so much. Only wonder how it will affect most Americans that usually trade into their next vehicle. I myself have an F150 Tremor I'll have to sell prior to taking delivery of my Terra I have preordered...

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Good, let em be mad.

I want no part of the dealer model.

no high pressure sales tactics, no nonsense warranties, no add on BS coatings, no oopsie we can't tell you what the rate is until you sign, no maybe this rebate, maybe that much for your trade.

Let me queue up what I want on the app, tell me how much it is, I'll put my payment down, arraign my financing, and let me know when I can pick it up.

 

[dleepnw]

This is going to be an interesting story as we get closer to production and delivery. I think its great on the sales side for Scout to want to do direct to consumer and they should stick to it. However, the service side is going to be a whole other thing.

We know Rivian has struggled with service and Tesla still sucks in many ways. Scout will have a big challenge if they have to build out their own service centers. Leveraging existing VW group service centers will be a huge competitive advantage and draw more customers into the brand.

And the truth is dealerships have much higher margins from service and parts, not from sales of vehicles, so they should get on board to provide service for Scout.

 

[NukeDukem]

This is going to be an interesting story as we get closer to production and delivery. I think its great on the sales side for Scout to want to do direct to consumer and they should stick to it. However, the service side is going to be a whole other thing.

We know Rivian has struggled with service and Tesla still sucks in many ways. Scout will have a big challenge if they have to build out their own service centers. Leveraging existing VW group service centers will be a huge competitive advantage and draw more customers into the brand.

And the truth is dealerships have much higher margins from service and parts, not from sales of vehicles, so they should get on board to provide service for Scout.

Not for me. There are no nearby VW dealers and the closest one requires a slog through a city infamous for its terrible traffic and drivers.

 

[Scout Fan]

Scouted Out: There's Little Hope for VW Dealers Wanting a Pickup Truck to Sell

The addition of the new electric Scout SUV and truck brand in North America only made it worse for Volkswagen dealers hungry for pickups.

https://www.motortrend.com/events/volkswagen-pickup-truck-vw-dealers-scout-motors/

 

[timmyhil]

too bad for VW. Scout is D2C already somewhat set in stone.