CNBC Video: Slate has struck a nerve with the industry and consumers, says Former Ford CEO Mark Fields

[AZFox]

This one's just a five-minute interview with Mark Fields, former Ford CEO, where the topic is Slate.

Incidentally, the well-produced 15-minute CNBC video from two weeks ago has 717K views now.

 

[KevinRS]

I think if Slate successfully produces the truck at even close to 25k, on time, and no other issues come up, it may be very successful, maybe even wildly popular. Then it becomes can they meet demand, because they could probably sell more than they plan on producing, and may have a wait list for a while. Ford and others may be making announcements as Slate starts selling, but I don't think any of them are going to be selling vehicles until a year after Slate, and they won't be beating Slate on price.
As mentioned in the video, people were buying small trucks as daily drivers and commuters, even if they didn't need a "truck" and those days may return once people are seeing them on the road and hear the price.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

Remember that Slate is saying that volume production is CY 2027. When an OEM says "late 2026", that usually (not always) means they're going to build 100 trucks in December and sell them all to employees for PR reasons.

And for the record, I hope I'm terribly wrong. And that all of us on this site get our Slate next fall.

 

[OldGoat]

Scoff away since this comment likely deserves it. I can't help but think building a de-contented EV is a bit like when I used to rebuild and take apart slot cars. Once the motor and chassis were picked out, any number of other parts could be chosen to achieve either a faster or more stable slot car. The question is, ARE there enough supplier options readily available for what Slate will need for assembly. Things like door hinges or seat frames. If they already exist out there for other vehicles and can be adapted for the Slate...they just might surprise the market. But if there are a lot of proprietary parts...here comes the delays. The story about the dearth of crank up window suppliers is hopefully just singular.

 

[cadblu]

No harm, no foul if Slate can snag off-the-shelf parts from other suppliers including OEMs. Happens all the time. Classic example, Tesla blatantly outfitted 2022 Model 3’s with a gear shift lever sourced from Mercedes.

The only known components that Slate will manufacture in house are the seats. Everything is appears to be build to print using outsourced materials. There will undoubtedly be customized parts like wiring harnesses, lighting, glass and hardware from approved automotive suppliers. I also wouldn’t rule out, to keep costs down, they are looking to other automakers/ manufacturers for generic ‘surplus’ parts and materials.

 

[AZFox]

On the bright side the Truck has a Reductive Design that minimizes the parts count to ~1/5 that of an ordinary pickup.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

Scoff away since this comment likely deserves it. I can't help but think building a de-contented EV is a bit like when I used to rebuild and take apart slot cars. Once the motor and chassis were picked out, any number of other parts could be chosen to achieve either a faster or more stable slot car. The question is, ARE there enough supplier options readily available for what Slate will need for assembly. Things like door hinges or seat frames. If they already exist out there for other vehicles and can be adapted for the Slate...they just might surprise the market. But if there are a lot of proprietary parts...here comes the delays. The story about the dearth of crank up window suppliers is hopefully just singular.

"Off the shelf" doesn't always mean in current production. In the auto world it is refining the manufacturing process, tooling, testing for safety compliance, and basic engineering. All of which is the expensive part of part development. If that is already done, than you just need to pound out the parts. This allows them to have a real world idea of the cost per unit. I hope they succeed.

 

[E90400K]

No harm, no foul if Slate can snag off-the-shelf parts from other suppliers including OEMs. Happens all the time. Classic example, Tesla blatantly outfitted 2022 Model 3’s with a gear shift lever sourced from Mercedes.

The only known components that Slate will manufacture in house are the seats. Everything is appears to be build to print using outsourced materials. There will undoubtedly be customized parts like wiring harnesses, lighting, glass and hardware from approved automotive suppliers. I also wouldn’t rule out, to keep costs down, they are looking to other automakers/ manufacturers for generic ‘surplus’ parts and materials.

I do not know about "blatantly". The original Model S had Mercedes switchgear because Mercedes AG was an early industry investor in Tesla and in trade for that investment, Mercedes agreed to supply expensive-to-develop switchgear. IIRC the same went for some the switchgear for the original Model 3 as well.

 

[Luxrage]

I do not know about "blatantly". The original Model S had Mercedes switchgear because Mercedes AG was an early industry investor in Tesla and in trade for that investment, Mercedes agreed to supply expensive-to-develop switchgear.

Exactly, nothing wrong with doing this, especially headlights and taillights. Costs a lot of money to not only design, but also DOT certify lighting, so all sorts of autobody builders, RV makers, and super-car companies simply design in off-the-shelf parts. Car radios, HVAC controls, and stuff like switches is something I'd much rather Slate source from proven OEMS than make themselves. They've had decades of real-world product testing on what doesn't break so easily.

Rover 45 / Pagoni Zonda

UPS's new vans for years used Oldsmobile Alero headlights after Oldsmobile was shut down.