Value Proposition for SUV options?

[GrizzlysGhost]

I'm thinking that when the time comes, we might be given check boxes;
X -- self-install in which they will either send the packaged product with the truck or ship it separately
X -- install prior to delivery

Delivery choice might have additional shipping fee, install might have installation fee. It would be nice if these fees were already in the accessory cost but my gut tells me it will be extra.

 

[metroshot]

That is exactly my question. The pricing info released on the 24th indicates there are actually four (4) consumer-level Slate SKU: pickup, Squareback SUV, Fastback SUV, and Open Air SUV. There may be just one (1) factory SKU and the three SUV variants are built off the line in a sperate assembly area. Ford does that with the Bronco for some accessories.

Yes, the wording "Get your Squareback SUV straight from the factory...." leads me to believe that if you order it when you pay for it, then it will be fully assembled and delivered to you without having to add on later or hire someone to install it....

 

[FlyHappy]

That is exactly my question. The pricing info released on the 24th indicates there are actually four (4) consumer-level Slate SKU: pickup, Squareback SUV, Fastback SUV, and Open Air SUV. There may be just one (1) factory SKU and the three SUV variants are built off the line in a sperate assembly area. Ford does that with the Bronco for some accessories.

100% guaranteed only a single configuration will be leaving the Warsaw assembly plant - the "blank Slate".

Customers who order Fastback/Squareback and pay for installation will have their vehicles converted to that variant by a third party, at a different location, prior to delivery. It could be a "regional hub" kind of thing, or at an endpoint delivery location (things which very much point to Carvana). Theysame is true of wraps and bumpers. The only thing I can possibly see as even a very long shot of being done at Warsaw, are upgraded wheels/tires, but I really don't even think that will be the case. I think they want this distribution partner to fully handle the logistics of every single possible optional accessory.

From a speed/efficiency/cost perspective, this is the winning formula.

 

[E90400K]

100% guaranteed only a single configuration will be leaving the Warsaw assembly plant - the "blank Slate".

Customers who order Fastback/Squareback and pay for installation will have their vehicles converted to that variant by a third party, at a different location, prior to delivery. It could be a "regional hub" kind of thing, or at an endpoint delivery location (things which very much point to Carvana). Theysame is true of wraps and bumpers. The only thing I can possibly see as even a very long shot of being done at Warsaw, are upgraded wheels/tires, but I really don't even think that will be the case. I think they want this distribution partner to fully handle the logistics of every single possible optional accessory.

From a speed/efficiency/cost perspective, this is the winning formula.

I think it would make more sense and be more economical to do the SUV conversion the way Ford does it with Bronco accessories that are not installed on the assembly line. Ford has a separate building on the MAP factory campus that installs the accessory parts. It makes sense for quality control purposes and logistics of shipping the SUV components to Warsaw to have a single team install the SUV kit. Having a 3rd party at different locations somewhere in the delivery chain means Slate needs to organize the shipment of the SUV kits to those locations to meet up with the single-SKU Slate Truck on its way to the end customer. Slate loses the ability to control the quality of the SUV kit installation and the timing of the delivery to the end consumer. They also then need to coordinate the inventory over multiple locations throughout the US. And they would have to negotiate the cost of 3rd-party SUV assembly at each location, which will vary depending upon the region the work takes place and volume of SUV kits installed. There is not one single logistics company that handles shipment of vehicles from factory assembly line finish-station to the end customer's pickup point and I doubt any that install hardware somewhere along their shipment system.

That method keeps Slate's factory assembly line building the single-SKU pickup product and keeps the assembly quality in-house, just in a separate assembly space.

 

[FlyHappy]

I think it would make more sense and be more economical to do the SUV conversion the way Ford does it with Bronco accessories that are not installed on the assembly line. Ford has a separate building on the MAP factory campus that installs the accessory parts. It makes sense for quality control purposes and logistics of shipping the SUV components to Warsaw to have a single team install the SUV kit. Having a 3rd party at different locations somewhere in the delivery chain means Slate needs to organize the shipment of the SUV kits to those locations to meet up with the single-SKU Slate Truck on its way to the end customer. Slate loses the ability to control the quality of the SUV kit installation and the timing of the delivery to the end consumer. They also then need to coordinate the inventory over multiple location throughout the US. And they would have to negotiate the cost of 3rd-party SUV assembly, which will vary depending upon the region the work takes place and volume of SUV kits installed. There is not one single logistics company that handles shipment of vehicles from factory assembly line finish-station to the end customer's pickup point and I doubt any that install hardware somewhere along their shipment system.

That method keeps Slate's factory assembly line building the single-SKU pickup product and keeps the assembly quality in-house, just in a separate assembly space.

I think you are overlooking the enormous difference between the ancient legacy operation of Ford, and a tiny startup being funded by VC's at this point.

not going to take the time to go down the rabbit hole of details, but "trust me bro", 3rd party, offsite installs are absolutely the max efficiency method.

QC is a different bag. mostly mitigated by trying (success or fail, yet to be determined) to design dummy/fool proof, DIY friendly components. The 3rd party labor is expected (and thus compensated) at the level you'd expect for good IKEA level assembly. Take care, don't break, don't scratch, but do it fast, and repeatedly.

There are national organizations that have these capabilities in place. Not many, but they exist, and the negotation aspect is easiest, and will be consistent. Repair Pal based installs a bit trickier, but in some ways would be similar to Medicare payment to heath care providers - opt in or out, etc.

 

[sodamo]

Yah, I agree with you.
I need the extra seats rather than a bed since I don't haul or tow.

Cross shopping the upcoming Ford UEV 4 door truck/SUV that has the same cabin size as a RAV4.

Will see if the test drive determines if I will let Slate keep the $300......

Maybe Ford will credit you the $300 for ll your pro ford posts?

 

[E90400K]

I think you are overlooking the enormous difference between the ancient legacy operation of Ford, and a tiny startup being funded by VC's at this point.

not going to take the time to go down the rabbit hole of details, but "trust me bro", 3rd party, offsite installs are absolutely the max efficiency method.

QC is a different bag. mostly mitigated by trying (success or fail, yet to be determined) to design dummy/fool proof, DIY friendly components. The 3rd party labor is expected (and thus compensated) at the level you'd expect for good IKEA level assembly. Take care, don't break, don't scratch, but do it fast, and repeatedly.

There are national organizations that have these capabilities in place. Not many, but they exist, and the negotation aspect is easiest, and will be consistent. Repair Pal based installs a bit trickier, but in some ways would be similar to Medicare payment to heath care providers - opt in or out, etc.

None of what you said convinces me otherwise. I don't see where the cost savings are.

 

[FlyHappy]

None of what you presented convinces me otherwise.

I did not expect to.
Modern scale industrial manufacturing and finance isn't common sense.
There's a good reason why the Program and Engineering heads Chris Barman and Eric Keipper not only have advanced engineering degrees, but also MBA's.

They have different ideas about how to minimize costs.

 

[E90400K]

I did not expect to.
Modern scale industrial manufacturing and finance isn't common sense.
There's a good reason why the Program and Engineering heads Chris Barman and Eric Keipper not only have advanced engineering degrees, but also MBA's.

They have different ideas about how to minimize costs.

There you go, that explains it.

 

[E90400K]

So, @FlyHappy please review the Electric Duo's video in the link below. At 23:23 Mr. Keipper clearly states, "...we can ship the SUV from the assembly plant...". Maybe one of Keipper's advanced degrees, along with his MBA, is in logistics.

Because, you know, "Modern scale industrial manufacturing and finance isn't common sense."

LFOL

https://www.slateforums.com/walkthr...er-info-including-state-of-the-assembly-line/

 

[cadblu]

Does anyone believe the lack of a rear wiper on the square back SUV will cause visibility issues in heavy rain and snow? Probably not much of an issue with the fastback version.

I understand the rear wiper adds complexity and cost, but virtually ever other SUV in this class has the wiper. And I haven’t seen any mention of a rear glass defroster. No heating elements visible in any of the media. Am I the only one concerned about this?

 

[SailorDan]

A lot of people (like Beatle) assume that everyone who wants an SUV wants four doors.
If that were true, there would not be so many 2-door Wranglers and Bronco's running around.
That's like assuming that just because 4-door trucks now out-sell 2-door trucks, that no one wants 2-door trucks anymore. Why are you looking at any Slate then?

True, 4-door SUV's and trucks outsell 2-doors at the moment, but the whole point of having different vehicles is so you have a choice, not just whatever the majority wants!

It wasn't that long ago that just the opposite was true: plenty of 2-door trucks in every size, and just being AWD did not qualify every minivan or compact car as an SUV.

 

[Shrink36s]

Yes, the wording "Get your Squareback SUV straight from the factory...." leads me to believe that if you order it when you pay for it, then it will be fully assembled and delivered to you without having to add on later or hire someone to install it....

I agree. That's how I took that as well. To me `straight from the factory` sounds pretty pointed with clear intent and meaning.

 

[E90400K]

A lot of people (like Beatle) assume that everyone who wants an SUV wants four doors.
If that were true, there would not be so many 2-door Wranglers and Bronco's running around.
That's like assuming that just because 4-door trucks now out-sell 2-door trucks, that no one wants 2-door trucks anymore. Why are you looking at any Slate then?

True, 4-door SUV's and trucks outsell 2-doors at the moment, but the whole point of having different vehicles is so you have a choice, not just whatever the majority wants!

It wasn't that long ago that just the opposite was true: plenty of 2-door trucks in every size, and just being AWD did not qualify every minivan or compact car as an SUV.

The problem is we have let the Feds encroach so much into the (safety) design of our automobiles the regulations make it difficult to achieve profitability on a small volume of unit sales.

 

[E90400K]

Does anyone believe the lack of a rear wiper on the square back SUV will cause visibility issues in heavy rain and snow? Probably not much of an issue with the fastback version.

I understand the rear wiper adds complexity and cost, but virtually ever other SUV in this class has the wiper. And I haven’t seen any mention of a rear glass defroster. No heating elements visible in any of the media. Am I the only one concerned about this?

I think it is a legit concern. Back in the day I had a Jeep Wrangler soft top. Obviously, it had no rear wiper and defrost on the back window. Worse, after a few years of use the rear window becomes opaque and difficult to see clearly out of regardless of the weather. You just have to get used to it.