Air Suspension, Carplay, onboard cooler, double din radio, climate control, wi-fi, hands free liftgate, self driving, waffle maker...

[Dorbiman]

I was at a Ford dealer parts dept for wipers the other day and there was a customer ahead of me that needed a side mirror assembly for his Ford truck because it got smashed at work.

When the Ford parts rep quoted $1800 for just the driver's side mirror, he became unhinged.
Started yelling and screaming!

He could not understand why it's so expensive, when the parts manager came out and explained that his newer, fully loaded Platinum trim truck has built in: advanced BLIS sensors, turn signal lights, marker lights, defrosting heated glass,, and folding motor features.....

This is when I thought I miss my old dad's F100 truck that had manual mirrors without any tech or features - just a plain mirror and steel housing - probably would cost $150 ?

Slate is going to be great because it's going back to the old manual everything days......

You bring up an interesting point about blind spot detection in mirrors. Slate has said they're going to meet all requirements for 5 star safety ratings, which includes things like backup camera, etc, but it also includes blind spot detection systems. I'm curious if this will be integrated in the mirror, or in the little screen on the steering column

 

[metroshot]

You bring up an interesting point about blind spot detection in mirrors. Slate has said they're going to meet all requirements for 5 star safety ratings, which includes things like backup camera, etc, but it also includes blind spot detection systems. I'm curious if this will be integrated in the mirror, or in the little screen on the steering column

Most BLIS is handled by either the ultrasonic sensors around modern vehicles or use of cameras like Tesla does.

My Ford EV has all those features and then some: 360 degree cameras, BLIS, cross traffic alerts, and reverse halt feature for children or pedestrians which uses camera and ultrasonic park sensors together..

Should be interesting if Slate offers BLIS as an option and the required reverse camera feature that all new cars are supposed to have....

 

[cvollers]

You bring up an interesting point about blind spot detection in mirrors. Slate has said they're going to meet all requirements for 5 star safety ratings, which includes things like backup camera, etc, but it also includes blind spot detection systems. I'm curious if this will be integrated in the mirror, or in the little screen on the steering column

I hope they put a convex mirror in the housing. I have ‘em and they work very well in eliminating blind spots.

 

[5ohbrad]

I don't know that I really agree. The promise of the Slate isn't just simplicity and basics; it's customization. Their whole platform is centralized around customization and adding the options you want, not the options you have to get as part of a package.

If customization and freedom of choice wasn't the point, why have a Maker to configure trucks with all these addons and accessories?

I think Slate’s vision is fantastic- limit option to battery size and everyone rolls off the line the same. Turn customization over to the end user. Keeps cost down and production fast. I’m all for customization options, but they should remain extremely limited on the production side.

 

[SlateX]

I have always wanted the older Ford Ranger because it’s simple and has a 5’ bed which is practical. But the problem for me was the gas efficiency, and the Slate fills this problem/gap. Also, I think the Slate will be a success based on the sales numbers of the Ford Maverick.

 

[AZFox]

I think Slate is trying to have their cake and eat it too.

Maybe I'm doing some Confirmation Bias here, but I think a lot of Slate owners will get a little gray truck and just happily drive it around.

Personally things like Wheel Decals, Charms for the Dashboard Vents, and (especially) Customizable Key Fobs(!) are of no interest whatsoever.

I hope all of the customization options don't backfire for Slate Auto. There's a book titled The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less that explains why that could happen.

AI Inquiry:

What is the main lesson of the book The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz?​

Response:

The main lesson of "The Paradox of Choice" is that having too many options can lead to anxiety, decision paralysis, and decreased satisfaction with choices, ultimately making people feel less happy. Schwartz suggests that simplifying choices can improve well-being and decision-making.​

 

[cvollers]

I think Slate is trying to have their cake and eat it too.

Maybe I'm doing some Confirmation Bias here, but I think a lot of Slate owners will get a little gray truck and just happily drive it around.

Personally things like Wheel Decals, Charms for the Dashboard Vents, and (especially) Customizable Key Fobs(!) are of no interest whatsoever.

I hope all of the customization options don't backfire for Slate Auto. There's a book titled The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less that explains why that could happen.

AI Inquiry:

What is the main lesson of the book The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz?​

Response:

The main lesson of "The Paradox of Choice" is that having too many options can lead to anxiety, decision paralysis, and decreased satisfaction with choices, ultimately making people feel less happy. Schwartz suggests that simplifying choices can improve well-being and decision-making.​

The good folks at Honda must have this book as required reading for new hires. Meanwhile Porsche has never heard of it.