Article: Ram CEO: Slate Vehicles Won't Be So Cheap Once Buyers Get Done Optioning Them Up

[crownmountain]

When selling anything especially something new like the Slate truck going up in price is painfully hard down in price is remarkably easy. Particularly if you have a lot of margin in your vehicle. My bet is that slate has a lot of margin.

 

[Dorbiman]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but are not Slates coming off the assembly line as either small battery or large battery versions, and any additional equipment/format the DIY responsibility of the buyer? Slate may have post-production aftermarket support for add on of "options" if the buyer does not want to bother with DIY?

Some of these posts are written like Slate is building custom configurations.

I believe they've said when you configure the truck, some options will be installed post-production. They haven't stated which features they will be installing, but the rest will presumably just be shipped with your truck, flat pack style.

I could see them doing bumpers at the factory, since they're relatively large and bulky, and they can technically save money on those trucks by not installing bumpers on the line and therefore charge the buyer for the optional bumpers, but 'keeping' the standard ones for trucks on the line.

 

[cadblu]

Ram CEO:

“Slate Vehicles Won't Be So Cheap Once Buyers Get Done Optioning Them Up“

Let’s substitute the word “Slate” with “RAM”. Or any other vehicle for that matter. The logic still applies.

Folks, this is a profound statement. Definitely CEO material.

 

[cvollers]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but are not Slates coming off the assembly line as either small battery or large battery versions, and any additional equipment/format the DIY responsibility of the buyer? Slate may have post-production aftermarket support for add on of "options" if the buyer does not want to bother with DIY?

Some of these posts are written like Slate is building custom configurations.

You nailed it. What’s unclear is how Slate will handle accessory installs…either in-house or through contracted 3rd party. I’m guessing the latter so that they can focus on producing the Blank Slate in two variations plus production of accessories.

 

[HiSlate]

it doesn’t seem to occur to this Ram CEO that people can upgrade later instead of needing to pony up an additional “$15K” up front.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/tech...buyers-get-done-optioning-them-up/ar-AA1GAsw7

i’m saving up already hoping to pay cash and add on later if/when I want to.

I have a 1985 Chevy C10, 2004 Silverado RCLB 4x4 V6 5 speed and a 2006 Nissan Frontier an none of them have been modified, not everybody modifies their trucks.

 

[Effonefiddy Lightning]

It’s hard to believe a fully loaded Silverado costs more than a base model

a topper added to an F150 costs $3k???

a ram with running boards gets an upcharge??

who would’ve thought options cost extra

Exactly, this whole story is a "no duh" moment.

'

 

[sodamo]

I think the vast majority of new cars purchased are those bought on spec by the dealer that are sitting on the lot. Dealers never buy base trim cars/trucks because that's not where the margin is for the auto maker. Because so few base trim models are purchased by dealers, so few base models are purchased by consumers. Now if people could buy base models direct from the auto makers (like a Slate for instance), that could change things up significantly. Call it much needed disruption of the status quo.

I think the majority of folks talk themselves into buying what is on the lot, readily available rather than wait for something more basic, less profitable for dealer. These days the decision isn’t based on $xxxx price difference, but $xx/month and dealers have gotten very adept at that approach.

 

[AZFox]

I could see them doing bumpers at the factory, since they're relatively large and bulky, and they can technically save money on those trucks by not installing bumpers on the line and therefore charge the buyer for the optional bumpers, but 'keeping' the standard ones for trucks on the line.

Upgraded bumpers and/or wheels and/or tires should be installed during initial assembly.

Imagine the moaning and squawking Slate Auto would need to endure if customers are required to buy two sets of ( wheels | tires | bumpers ) to get the ones they want.

 

[Dorbiman]

Upgraded bumpers and/or wheels and/or tires should be installed during initial assembly.

Imagine the moaning and squawking Slate Auto would need to endure if customers are required to buy two sets of ( wheels | tires | bumpers ) to get the ones they want.

Hey, I kind of hope we *do* get the other wheels as well! I'd love to have the steelies for winter tires, and the 20's for daily driving.

 

[sodamo]

I’d be perfectly happy with a blank Slate. My dogs are the problem as I never taught them to ride in an open bed and I really would be pissed if someone stole one of them when parked at HD or Walmart. If the basic SUV no seat / topper option isn’t available at very reasonable price I will explore other options including DYI.

 

[AZFox]

I’d be perfectly happy with a blank Slate. My dogs are the problem as I never taught them to ride in an open bed and I really would be pissed if someone stole one of them when parked at HD or Walmart. If the basic SUV no seat / topper option isn’t available at very reasonable price I will explore other options including DYI.

Same.

The main -- almost only -- reason I'd consider a topper is because of Dog Transport.

 

[sodamo]

Same.

The main -- almost only -- reason I'd consider a topper is because of Dog Transport.

I’m looking forward to the possibility that if needed to roof panel or whole thing could be removed and then reinstalled say if additional height is needed.

 

[slateya]

We are having a hard time, wrapping our brains around a manufacturer, making only one vehicle at the factory. I saw a statement that any customizations would be DIY or third-party partner at service centers around the country. I have not seen any statement that they would do customizations at the factory.

 

[AKrietzer]

They make it sound like every one is made exactly the same, and they send you the options separately. I don't see how this will work for some of the options. If you order a different color interior, are you going to have to reupholster it yourself? If you order upgraded bumpers, are you going to have to try to resell the basic bumpers and the basic interior? You would be paying for each set, the plain and the upgrade. I think there will be some items that are factory installed as long as you order them when you order the truck. The two sizes of main batteries would have to be installed separately at the factory.

 

[sodamo]

Don’t have a link, but I recall heating or reading where blank Slates would come off the line and then a post production area. What wasn’t addressed was how complete off the line nor how much at post production.
I can envision that yes, 100% blank Slates roll off ready to ship while others are complete except those items, larger battery, bumpers, etc are added post production, not changed.
if ordering DYI accessories, I would expect you get the blank with standard plus the accessory so you do end up with both. Will be interesting how it shakes out.