Direct to Consumer Model in States Where it is Illegal

[Nice Dawg]

Does anyone know how Scout will address the direct to consumer model in states where it is currently not allowed? I know Texas does not allow it and I assume I would need to take delivery at the factory if that’s the case.

The lobbyists for the Auto Dealers association is strong!

 

[quikster]

While I would love to travel to the factory and do a factory tour along with picking up my Scout, you really need to go over the vehicle when you pick it up:

• VIN number match
• Glass and mirror inspection
• Wheel inspection
• Interior/exterior lights
• Other electronics (Bluetooth, GPS, Charging ports, cameras...)
• Door panel alignment
• Sit in the seats

There may be issues you want resolved before you leave the pickup point, and that may mean leaving your vehicle there until resolved.

I am not sure where this leaves me on picking a delivery option since I have not seen Scout's choices yet, and I have not seen any other buyer reports on delivery day experiences.

luckily for me that wouldn't be too much of an issues as the factory is only ~1.5 hours away so I would certainly be willing to drive there to pick it up.

 

[JBScout]

NC doesn't allow direct to consumer sales. Everyone that has a Rivian picked up out of state.

Tesla figured a way around it. VW pockets are deep, they can make it happen. Here's a better question, where do Rivian owners, and where will Scout owners service their cars?

 

[blmtnc]

Tesla figured a way around it. VW pockets are deep, they can make it happen. Here's a better question, where do Rivian owners, and where will Scout owners service their cars?

I think Scout has made public statements that they're all in on a remote servicing model where parts and tech(s) are sent to you for things the average consumer can't take on.

 

[timmyhil]

Scout plans on service centers and at home/remote service. They have also said that 80% of the car will be right to repair and that the owner will be able to do it them selves.

 

[Goose]

Tesla figured a way around it. VW pockets are deep, they can make it happen. Here's a better question, where do Rivian owners, and where will Scout owners service their cars?

you say that, but those processes will take years. Don’t be surprised if there are several states without direct sales for a few years.

In NC, Rivian owners have to go back out of state for large service items (VA and GA). Smaller service tickets can be handled via mobile service.

 

[Chuckles]

you say that, but those processes will take years. Don’t be surprised if there are several states without direct sales for a few years.

In NC, Rivian owners have to go back out of state for large service items (VA and GA). Smaller service tickets can be handled via mobile service.

Rivian claims to be opening a service center in Raleigh.

 

[dleepnw]

The issue isn't just direct to consumer sales, but franchise laws and other regulations in place limiting competition. Another example is test drives. In WA you cannot test drive a Rivian or Lucid. Scout may have a similar issue unless it falls under the umbrella of VW but that could open its own can of worms.

 

[timmyhil]

My friends Grandpa is the Sales advisor of a Tesla Store and I was asking him about the D2C and he said that Tesla acquired a special license to sell in states that don’t allow D2C and they allow test drives. So that might be how Scout does it.

 

[Goose]

Rivian claims to be opening a service center in Raleigh.

I’ve seen that rumor as well, supposed to be late summer 2025. It has not been explicitly stated if that site will be able to sell vehicles though.

 

[JesseS]

A PDI is a must for any new vehicle sale, something I always do as it can preclude bringing the vehicle back for a minor repair several times in the weeks after pick up. I actually have a checklist I use, will need to be revised for the Scout I am sure. Scout, as well as Rivian and Tesla cut into the dealers bread and butter, getting buyers into the dealership so they can upsale with add-on's and mark up's.

 

[Latrant]

I believe Alabama, New Mexico, Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina(But they will probably be switching that since scout is made there or they will be given a special license), Louisiana. Connecticut doesn’t allow Leasing Direct to Consumer but they do allow Sales.

In Ohio, Tesla is a full "dealership" because they grandfathered.

Rivian is a 'Crippled' dealership because you can take delivery and get service but you can't sit in one, negotiate (can't anyway DTC only) and can't test drive.

Scout will, in Ohio, probably be more like Rivian. Could have a Service and delivery center.

Could have an Experience Center (IF SCOUT ENGINEERS IT WISELY AND SEPARATELY FROM THE DELIVERY AND SERVICE CENTER).

We have, in NE Ohio/ Greater Cleveland area an incredible 100 miles or more 'MetroParks' that connect to the 'towpath trail' and connect to the 'Buckeye Trail'. The Buckeye trail runs all over the state of Ohio.

L

 

[Mousehunter]

Tesla tried an interesting approach to test drives vie Hertz. Hertz fumbled the ball pretty bad and took a beating because of it. But I do know people who intentionally rented a Tesla for a week to see if they liked it.

In all fairness, the deal was great for Tesla - but probably was a logistical nightmare for Hertz. They simply were not equipped to deal with charging between rental turn around. Leasing vehicles without a full charge became a significant black eye.

 

[Latrant]

Tesla tried an interesting approach to test drives vie Hertz. Hertz fumbled the ball pretty bad and took a beating because of it. But I do know people who intentionally rented a Tesla for a week to see if they liked it.

In all fairness, the deal was great for Tesla - but probably was a logistical nightmare for Hertz. They simply were not equipped to deal with charging between rental turn around. Leasing vehicles without a full charge became a significant black eye.

That’s why I think States with tree covered roads in forests like Clevelands Metroparks and towpath and Buckeye trail would make great ‘Experience centers’. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Park is another great one. Gatlinburg in TN

Scout could sell coffee , snacks or other drinks.

You get a three hour ‘rental’ of a Scout on a local road or off road course that comes with your coffee purchase!

 

[Chuckles]

That’s why I think States with tree covered roads in forests like Clevelands Metroparks and towpath and Buckeye trail would make great ‘Experience centers’. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Park is another great one. Gatlinburg in TN

Scout could sell coffee , snacks or other drinks.

You get a three hour ‘rental’ of a Scout on a local road or off road course that comes with your coffee purchase!

There's no camping or off-roading in the Metroparks. It's paths for walking and running, bicycles, golf, baseball fields and picnics.. There are far better places to put a Scout facility.