CarEdge Live: Customers Refuse to Purchase

[AZFox]

The Blank Slate is entering an affordable vehicle market that's shrinking.

Despite that, these automotive-industry creators don't think Slate is going to be a massive success. They think it will appeal to an older, well-heeled customer rather than people who need affordable transportation.

And and the the the people that really need inexpensive transportation are going to look at [the Slate] and go, "It doesn't have enough for me to want to buy it."​

I think they underestimate the value of simplicity. It's hard to know how many people want a simple vehicle because, in recent times, one hasn't been offered until now.

 

[Trace26]

I mean, at first sure, that kind of customer can't risk money on an unknown. But a year or two down the road after a successful launch that should change.

 

[The Weatherman]

Not sure I qualify as ‘well healed’, but I am older and I am going to add the Slate as a third vehicle, because it is cheaper and I can do what I want with it.

 

[AZFox]

I mean, at first sure, that kind of customer can't risk money on an unknown. But a year or two down the road after a successful launch that should change.

Slate Employee #1 Rod Copes thinks so.

That, and with full awareness that my preferences aren't everyone's, I think simplicity has more appeal than "industry experts" realize.

 

[Trace26]

Slate Employee #1 Rod Copes thinks so.

That, and with full awareness that my preferences aren't everyone's, I think simplicity has more appeal than "industry experts" realize.

Actually watched the video now, I think people aren't realizing is people are really starting to feel the squeeze.
And those cars they were able to buy 6-7 years ago are going to need to be replaced soon and those people will realize the car market left them behind.

 

[adele]

the people that really need inexpensive transportation are going to look at [the Slate] and go, "It doesn't have enough for me to want to buy it."

This sounds like someone who has never had a conversation with an actual low-income adult.

 

[AZFox]

This sounds like someone who has never had a conversation with an actual low-income individual.

Either that or as industry pundits they don't want to admit that people don't really desire a Rolling Computer (with lots of doors! ) as their mode of daily transportation.

IMHO the industry is gaslighting the public in a big way.

Edit: It doesn't need to be either. It could be both.

 

[FosterBananas]

Actually watched the video now, I think people aren't realizing is people are really starting to feel the squeeze.
And those cars they were able to buy 6-7 years ago are going to need to be replaced soon and those people will realize the car market left them behind.

 

[FosterBananas]

I am one of those people. 🙋‍♂️

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

These types of videos are a waste of time, because I’m not going to be told how to think. If I’m interested in the vehicle I will monitor if. If it fits my needs and values I will get it. I actually started my search for a new car looking at the Telo, then seriously considered the Ford UEV truck, but ultimately align with Slate’s design ethos and value proposition most.

 

[EVfun]

I can see 2 reasons that inexpensive new cars don't sell...
1. The manufacturers don't want to make inexpensive cars because they are less profitable.
2. Potential customers are not interested in inexpensive basic cars.

With the current talk about affordability I'm more inclined to believe the loss of this market is mostly due to #1. I know I bought my base model 2004 Tacoma when I did (Feb. 2004) because I learned that it was being replaced by a larger and more featured Tacoma in 2005.

 

[kotaKat]

This sounds like someone who has never had a conversation with an actual low-income adult.

Literally anyone making under $100k in this economy. Every single vehicle I've bought has been a used car up to now in my early 30s. Haven't been able to pick new, and the pricing has bloated out so far in the last few years that affordability went out the window.

Every time I've looked over at Carvana or a used car lot it looks like a buffet menu of gross unappetizing food, every day, but you're forced to pick something to eat.

Give me my Blank Slate. It's the hamburger of tomorrow that I can add toppings on later to make it even tastier.

 

[dmon4u]

Ownership is heading to 13 years now. People may wonder about battery Life ! Of course with the low cost of this, just buy another Slate Truck !

 

[danielt1263]

I used to sell cars at a Mazda dealership. People would come in and want a Mazda 3, but complain that the price was too high and want to negotiate. I would straight up tell them that if cheap is their goal, there is a Chevy dealership across the street and they have Aveo's on the lot for $5,000 less... They would buy the Mazda. I understand where this guy is coming from. He sold cars back in the day just like I did.

I honestly don't think Slate will ever touch the market that Rod Copes says they are targeting with the truck they are currently selling. Those people will continue to buy used. Slate makes a great second vehicle, it makes a great graduation present.

 

[DinoLord]

Literally anyone making under $100k in this economy. Every single vehicle I've bought has been a used car up to now in my early 30s. Haven't been able to pick new, and the pricing has bloated out so far in the last few years that affordability went out the window.

Every time I've looked over at Carvana or a used car lot it looks like a buffet menu of gross unappetizing food, every day, but you're forced to pick something to eat.

Give me my Blank Slate. It's the hamburger of tomorrow that I can add toppings on later to make it even tastier.

Depends largely on location. 100k in Seattle is nearly poverty. 100k in some random farm town in Arkansas is living like royalty.