Scout on CBS Saturday morning today! [Watch the video segment]

[drwing]

I agree, people bailing when we're still two years out and an unstable political climate, which sadly could impact production of these vehicles. We can't continue to bury our heads in the sand that this company is up against some serious uphill battles but I'm completely pulling for Scout!

Exactly. Keogh deserve a lot of credit for his messaging given the circumstances.

 

[E90400K]

I feel for Scott Keough having to tapdance around the political and economic situation here. If tariffs end up increases the price of new vehicles by $12k as some predict (and EV tax credits disappear) Scout might find itself in some peril. I'm sure many others feel differently but if/when the price increases twenty grand, I'm out. Being backed by a large European company could help, or hurt. Who knows? Also not great is Scouts competition being marketed on the front lawn of the Whitehouse by POTUS. What a mess!

[A business perspective - not political commentary]

If the the build plan holds true, built in S. Carolina with 85% US content, then I doubt tariffs, even if they are in effect in 3 years, would impact the Scout pricing. In fact I'd say, if the tariffs are still in place, it will be to the Scout's favor. One of Scout's main themes is to re-onshore production of American vehicles, which aligns with the stated White House goals. Perhaps the company will get incentives from the Feds to up the part content above 85%.

The good news is Scout has a lot of headroom in time to change its plans to take advantage of tariffs (if the tariffs will still be in place in 3 years.)

 

[Mousehunter]

Not really worry about tariffs. With more than 2 years before the first sales, it is impossible to predict where policy will be. But that said, Scout is already focused on domestic content - they are likely to be less effected than most of the automotive industry.

While the administration has not been pro EV, they have not suggested much past leveling the playing field. There are a LOT of potential EV sales that have been lost because of the hate against credits. That said, it is hard to guess how long the existing hate will simmer before it stops being an issue for those people.
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I think the main thing is they need to make a quality product that their market niche wants. That might not guaranty success, but not doing it might all but guarantee failure.

Personally, the failure of many companies to produce a quality EV worries me more. But starting with a proven software architecture is good. Then it is up to Scout to make the hardware. Vehicles are complicated. I know they have the background to pull it off, hopefully they have the time and the drive to do it. The last thing they can afford is teething trouble like Ford had. But starting with a clean slate - I want to be optimistic.