This is the small truck Tesla should have produced...

[Slashsnake]

Shoot, where do you see a new 2025 Silverado for $27.5K? MSRP is $39,195 on Chevy's builder. The Ram has a starting price of $40,275.

Because dealerships don't sell MSRP all the time, especially on trucks they run some big deals.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?searchId=814ea291-a874-4b1f-b782-a9034091dda5&zip=56058&distance=50000&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d630&sourceContext=untrackedWithinSite_false_0&sortDir=ASC&sortType=PRICE&makeModelTrimPaths=m1/d630&makeModelTrimPaths=m1&srpVariation=NEW_CAR_SEARCH&isDeliveryEnabled=true&nonShippableBaseline=0#listing=407607237/NONE/DEFAULT

There's a Chevy even less.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?nonShippableBaseline=0&searchId=1e9231d3-b70d-42ef-9b2c-500d3f55d693&zip=56058&distance=50000&sourceContext=untrackedWithinSite_false_0&newUsed=1&sortDir=ASC&sortType=PRICE&srpVariation=NEW_CAR_SEARCH&isDeliveryEnabled=true&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=m191&makeModelTrimPaths=m191&makeModelTrimPaths=m191/d2110#listing=359157504/NONE/DEFAULT

And a Ram.

I'm curious. Do people actually just go pay MSRP and not shop today? I guess then yes, if you don't want to look for a deal, that does make a difference. Yeah I get MSRP if you want something exactly how you want it. Or if you are buying a new ZR1 or something along those lines. But for me, I always tended to shop around and see who's running the best deals first.

 

[Slashsnake]

I’m reading this thread and wondering why slashsnake is on this forum, it seems to me he is a “it’s going to fail no matter what” kind of guy

obviously not a customer and it’s evident this vehicle wouldn’t fit his needs if they gave it away

Not really, and I get it's easier to go after the person than the facts and data and if you want to do that, you have every right... But I'm curious, but I can't see the price point for what you get.

Not saying it's going to fail, but no one is really explaining that side of it how at that price it's going to work. Like sure, we can dream their PR department is fudging the numbers high, or we can play that MSRP is the only price you pay for a vehicle. But I'm more looking at the reality than that kind of game to be honest. And I'm struggling to see where it fits. $27k... $30k... that's a lot to pay for what it looks like you are getting there.

 

[Dorbiman]

Because dealerships don't sell MSRP all the time, especially on trucks they run some big deals.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?searchId=814ea291-a874-4b1f-b782-a9034091dda5&zip=56058&distance=50000&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d630&sourceContext=untrackedWithinSite_false_0&sortDir=ASC&sortType=PRICE&makeModelTrimPaths=m1/d630&makeModelTrimPaths=m1&srpVariation=NEW_CAR_SEARCH&isDeliveryEnabled=true&nonShippableBaseline=0#listing=407607237/NONE/DEFAULT

There's a Chevy even less.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?nonShippableBaseline=0&searchId=1e9231d3-b70d-42ef-9b2c-500d3f55d693&zip=56058&distance=50000&sourceContext=untrackedWithinSite_false_0&newUsed=1&sortDir=ASC&sortType=PRICE&srpVariation=NEW_CAR_SEARCH&isDeliveryEnabled=true&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=m191&makeModelTrimPaths=m191&makeModelTrimPaths=m191/d2110#listing=359157504/NONE/DEFAULT

And a Ram.

I'm curious. Do people actually just go pay MSRP and not shop today? Wow. I guess then yes, that does make a difference.

No need to be smarmy. The cheapest new Silverado within 75 miles of me is $38775. Yes I’m sure if I travel half way across the country I could fine one cheaper.

Then don’t forget to add on dealer fees, PDI fees, transportation fees, required addons to “qualify” for the list price, etc etc.

 

[skidoofast]

Not really, I'm curious, but I can't see the price point for what you get. Not saying it's going to fail, but no one is really explaining that side of it how at that price it's going to work. Like sure, we can dream their PR department is fudging the numbers high, or we can play that MSRP is the only price you pay for a vehicle. But I'm more looking at the reality than that kind of game to be honest. And I'm struggling to see where it fits

im banking it will work because of how I and seemingly many feel

I have said for years now if a company made a stripped down vehicle or remade a say 1970 Chevy c10 with today’s engine and suspension but bare bones interior and interior technology it would be a huge sucess

similar to the slate idea

small pickup (think 1987 ford ranger)
Simplistic interior
Ability to “make it yours” and do it yourself
An intro to EV
——
Now also think fleet like parts runners, pizza delivery, ect

 

[Slashsnake]

No need to be smarmy. The cheapest new Silverado within 75 miles of me is $38775. Yes I’m sure if I travel half way across the country I could fine one cheaper.

Then don’t forget to add on dealer fees, PDI fees, transportation fees, required addons to “qualify” for the list price, etc etc.

Agree, and don't forget that Slate noted that their price did not include fees either. I'm not being smarmy, I just thought people shopped and didn't just pay MSRP and knew that dealers run deals on pickups a LOT.

 

[skidoofast]

Agree, and don't forget that Slate noted that their price did not include fees either. I'm not being smarmy, I just thought people shopped and didn't just pay MSRP and knew that dealers run deals on pickups a LOT.

Generally it’s not the dealer, it’s factory rebates, dealers spend about $6 per day per vehicle for having the car on their lot on consignment, they pay for it once it sells, called a floor plan, the manufacturer needs to sell those units to get paid so they can put more vehicles on that lot

 

[Slashsnake]

im banking it will work because of how I and seemingly many feel

I have said for years now if a company made a stripped down vehicle or remade a say 1970 Chevy c10 with today’s engine and suspension but bare bones interior and interior technology it would be a huge sucess

similar to the slate idea

small pickup (think 1987 ford ranger)
Simplistic interior
Ability to “make it yours” and do it yourself
An intro to EV
——
Now also think fleet like parts runners, pizza delivery, ect

I don't know about that. I like a lot of the idea, just not what you get for the price you pay here being heavily adopted.

I mean that's a lot of niche. I get it has some loud supporters. Niche vehicles do. But they are targeting RWD on a pickup, the least selling drivetrain. They are targeting single cab. The top 5 selling pickups all offer 2 and 4 door and the 4 door outsells 10 to 1 for all of them even with the 2 door cheaper. They are targeting 150 mile range which is on the end of the range of the EV's where sales are dying most in the US and half what the average EV range is today. It feels a bit late for that range to sell now.

It looks like an EV which doesn't compete at or near the same price point with a gas vehicle... which historically has been brutal for EV sales.

Simplistic sure. $15k for a 3rd vehicle or maybe 2nd for most people/families... sure, i'll go without a radio and paint for that maybe. But I struggle with the best case price point, much less it's likely spot in a couple years.

It sounds fun for a small group of people, but in reality, they end up not moving off lots. People say they'd pay less for a smaller engine but more mpg. Smaller tires that cost less. take out the auto headlights, the rain sensing wipers, the drivers armrest, the cost of all the sound deadening, adaptive and multizone A/C and get me something reliable and safe from A to B. And the Mirage does that and they can't move them because people will pay a bit more for a little more luxury and convenience.

And my biggest thing is this is low cost/low profit. The vehicles that need to move a LOT of units to make it. And it seems they are pushing niche, with a price point that will keep them from being a big seller that it would need.

 

[cvollers]

I don't know about that. I like a lot of the idea, just not what you get for the price you pay here being heavily adopted.

I mean that's a lot of niche. I get it has some loud supporters. Niche vehicles do. But they are targeting RWD on a pickup, the least selling drivetrain. They are targeting single cab. The top 5 selling pickups all offer 2 and 4 door and the 4 door outsells 10 to 1 for all of them even with the 2 door cheaper. They are targeting 150 mile range which is on the end of the range of the EV's where sales are dying most in the US and half what the average EV range is today. It feels a bit late for that range to sell now.

It looks like an EV which doesn't compete at or near the same price point with a gas vehicle... which historically has been brutal for EV sales.

Simplistic sure. $15k for a 3rd vehicle or maybe 2nd for most people/families... sure, i'll go without a radio and paint for that maybe. But I struggle with the best case price point, much less it's likely spot in a couple years.

It sounds fun for a small group of people, but in reality, they end up not moving off lots. People say they'd pay less for a smaller engine but more mpg. Smaller tires that cost less. take out the auto headlights, the rain sensing wipers, the drivers armrest, the cost of all the sound deadening, adaptive and multizone A/C and get me something reliable and safe from A to B. And the Mirage does that and they can't move them because people will pay a bit more for a little more luxury and convenience.

And my biggest thing is this is low cost/low profit. The vehicles that need to move a LOT of units to make it. And it seems they are pushing niche, with a price point that will keep them from being a big seller that it would need.

Dude, why are you on this forum? If you think Slate is going to change strategic direction based on your incredible automotive business insight, I think you will be sorely disappointed. If you think people on this forum will change their minds given the same, I think the same applies.

I think the party is over, time to head home.

 

[skidoofast]

Dude, why are you on this forum? If you think Slate is going to change strategic direction based on your incredible automotive business insight, I think you will be sorely disappointed. If you think people on this forum will change their minds given the same, I think the same applies.

I think the party is over, time to head home.

I agree, by his logic the corvette wouldn’t be a thing, an ev would’ve never been created, and life would only be about features and price

the slate for me will not be a second vehicle, or a 3rd, in fact it has nothing to do with a need at all, it has more to do with a want, it fits in with the I’ve got to have it not because of fit, form or function, it’s because it’s cool

 

[Dorbiman]

Not really, and I get it's easier to go after the person than the facts and data and if you want to do that, you have every right... But I'm curious, but I can't see the price point for what you get.

Not saying it's going to fail, but no one is really explaining that side of it how at that price it's going to work. Like sure, we can dream their PR department is fudging the numbers high, or we can play that MSRP is the only price you pay for a vehicle. But I'm more looking at the reality than that kind of game to be honest. And I'm struggling to see where it fits. $27k... $30k... that's a lot to pay for what it looks like you are getting there.

I think the thing you’re missing is that it’s a small EV pickup. Show me a SMALL pickup, single cab, EV. Let alone in this price range. That’s what I need. Slate fits the bill. A Maverick doesn’t. I have no need for a new Silverado; I already have a Silverado. I don’t need a sports car; I already have a sports car. I have use for a small EV pickup to use day to day. I can charge for free at work. My commute is short. This truck is perfectly suited for me and many others like me.

 

[cvollers]

I think the thing you’re missing is that it’s a small EV pickup. Show me a SMALL pickup, single cab, EV. Let alone in this price range. That’s what I need. Slate fits the bill. A Maverick doesn’t. I have no need for a new Silverado; I already have a Silverado. I don’t need a sports car; I already have a sports car. I have use for a small EV pickup to use day to day. I can charge for free at work. My commute is short. This truck is perfectly suited for me and many others like me.

Exactly. The Slate is a small, versatile, low cost, easy to maintain commuter/hauler that can be easily transformed both in terms of form factor and color. Name another vehicle that checks all those boxes.

 

[Luxrage]

I keep seeing the Maverick comparison again and again, and while I get it, it's the only other small truck like it for sale. It is beginning to burn me as it's nowhere near the same 'type' of pickup truck. The Slate isn't trying to BE another Maverick or they would have at least tried to offer a longer wheelbase four-door.

The Slate's direct competiton doesn't exist anymore, which sucks as here's the pickup that it should be compared against. I get why Slate's PR team probably wouldn't want to talk in this way as it probably doesn't help get the instagram-crowd they keep advertising to, but it's the closest parallel I can see.

This is a 1988 Chevrolet S-10 EL. Base model (which according to the '88 brochure) gave you, hubcaps, vinyl bench seat, AM-only Radio as the only option you could have if you added it, short bed, two wheel drive. Heck you didn't even get the rear bumper standard. Pure fleet-sale market truck with absolutely nothing on it. This MSRP'd at a little under $7,000. Which in today's money would put you right at Slate's current "post-EV credit' price:

I get that Slate probably doesn't want to cheapen the brand by saying "Look it's like a modern day Isuzu P'up or fleet spec Ranger!" but comparing it to the Maverick is just a completely different ball-game. The Maverick still has the design ethos that a large market of buyers are going to be using it as a 'lifestyle' pickup truck from the get-go as evident by a press photo of someone DJ'ing out the back to some skateboarders right from launch. You can see by the slow trickle of options on the customizer and the vague responses for options that Slate was a 'fleet first and add the options for everyone else later' kind of design.

The Slate is stripping every possible option down to the bare-minimum you're going to get from a US-based manufacturer. At least someone is trying to see if the market will bear it.

 

[cvollers]

I keep seeing the Maverick comparison again and again, and while I get it, it's the only other small truck like it for sale. It is beginning to burn me as it's nowhere near the same 'type' of pickup truck. The Slate isn't trying to BE another Maverick or they would have at least tried to offer a longer wheelbase four-door.

The Slate's direct competiton doesn't exist anymore, which sucks as here's the pickup that it should be compared against. I get why Slate's PR team probably wouldn't want to talk in this way as it probably doesn't help get the instagram-crowd they keep advertising to, but it's the closest parallel I can see.

This is a 1988 Chevrolet S-10 EL. Base model (which according to the '88 brochure) gave you, hubcaps, vinyl bench seat, AM-only Radio as the only option you could have if you added it, short bed, two wheel drive. Heck you didn't even get the rear bumper standard. Pure fleet-sale market truck with absolutely nothing on it. This MSRP'd at a little under $7,000. Which in today's money would put you right at Slate's current "post-EV credit' price:

I get that Slate probably doesn't want to cheapen the brand by saying "Look it's like a modern day Isuzu P'up or fleet spec Ranger!" but comparing it to the Maverick is just a completely different ball-game. The Maverick still has the design ethos that a large market of buyers are going to be using it as a 'lifestyle' pickup truck as evident by a press photo of someone DJ'ing out the back to some skateboarders. You can tell by the slow trickle of options on the customizer that Slate was a 'fleet first and add the options for everyone else later' kind of design.

The Slate is stripping every possible option down to the bare-minimum you're going to get from a US-based manufacturer. At least someone is trying to see if the market will bear it.

I love this. Slate is literally trying to single-handedly resurrect a market that died back in 1995. Did it die because people decided they didn’t want small regular cab pickups anymore? No. It died because of CAFE and the decision by Big Auto to increase truck size rather than increase fuel economy to unreasonable legal requirements. Along the way, those big trucks became family and lifestyle vehicles. You can’t compare Slate’s sales potential to other vehicles because there are no comparable vehicles available that you can buy new. Certainly none that are EVs. The Maverick is a family lifestyle ICE. The Slate is not. End of story.

 

[sodamo]

I’m reading this thread and wondering why slashsnake is on this forum, it seems to me he is a “it’s going to fail no matter what” kind of guy

obviously not a customer and it’s evident this vehicle wouldn’t fit his needs if they gave it away

Read my mind.

 

[cvollers]

The Maverick and Bronco sport are built in the same plant and Ford originally thought the BS would outsell the Mav and wound up severely underestimating the market for the pickup. A large portion of the buyers are suburbanite retirees who just want the utility and economy. Same was true for the 80's mini-trucks. I just worry a bit because that demographic is the most resistant to ev's.

And yet most likely to buy a golf cart for getting around the retirement community.