Scout Launch Delayed to 2028: Report [ADMIN WARNING: NO POLITICS]

[VandalSibs]

And it can't be that hard for Rivian to incorporate ICE management software. In 2000 I watched two college grads, who never went to school for automotive engineering, modify VW ECU software and make custom tuner chips for the VR6, right from a store-bought desktop PC... and built a whole business out of it.

I think the problem has been that it isn't that Rivian can't incorporate ICEV bits in, but that they don't want to. They were brought on to fix/re-do VW's EV software, and then VW wanted it expanded to ICEV as well... at least that was some earlier speculation.

Sponsored

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I think the problem has been that it isn't that Rivian can't incorporate ICEV bits in, but that they don't want to. They were brought on to fix/re-do VW's EV software, and then VW wanted it expanded to ICEV as well... at least that was some earlier speculation.

And Rivian likely said, "our JV agreement doesn't include providing software for gasoline burning engines, such an expectation is out-of-scope". And VW PR spun that into "Rivian can't deliver". Rivian's own plans do not include ICE. For them to deliver, they would have to hire people with ICE expertise. So, why on earth would they make that investment on VW's behalf without additional funding from VW? I certainly wouldn't.

 

[COdogman]

 

[NY_Rob]

I think the problem has been that it isn't that Rivian can't incorporate ICEV bits in, but that they don't want to. They were brought on to fix/re-do VW's EV software, and then VW wanted it expanded to ICEV as well... at least that was some earlier speculation.

Simple solution.. have Rivian write the software for VW's pure EV's and let Cariad write the ICE/EV combo vehicle SW. We know which one of the teams will deliver, and we know Cariad isn't up for that kind of challenge, but at least when they fail, they can't blame Rivian.

 

[DuoRivian]

" The reason for the impending delay: In addition to the development of the hybrid drive with a so-called range-extender (REEV), the software is also taking longer than usual, as is so often the case within the Volkswagen Group. Because the software alliance with the US start-up Rivian has not yet delivered what Scout needs, Volkswagen's own, itself crisis-ridden, development unit Cariad has to step in."

Could you imagine the turmoil VW has now caused by having their own dysfunctional/failed SW team "step in" Rivian's project? "Hey, here's a Division that's failed miserably at SW development so far.. let them help out the Rivian team!"

2028 now? Well, TBH I wouldn't be completely shocked if VW just unilaterally decided to shelf the whole Scout project since they are under "new strict cost cutting mandates by the CEO." The new plant where the Scout vehicles were to be assembled is projected to cost three billion dollars. Not exactly pocket change!

The factory can be used by another VW brand and avoid tariffs.

 

[NY_Rob]

I'm honestly surprised they didn't just cancel it.

They might still... they bought themselves some time. Now's time for the bean-counters to run a full audit after which they could just determine it's not something wish to pursue any longer.

 

[Supratachophobia]

I hope SLATE is not next with the bad news, although their vehicle is super simple by design. It's like the Galactica.. no network computers on board.

That's it, im configuring my slate with side pylons now ....

 

[NY_Rob]

The factory can be used by another VW brand and avoid tariffs.

They still have to spend three billion to build it first. Sounds like a gigantic factory, probably way oversized for Audi.

 

[NY_Rob]

That's it, im configuring my slate with side pylons now ....

Lol, I'm ordering one with wheels!

At least SLATE is low cost and practical, would 100% not be surprised if Aptera folded next, talk about a vehicle with no use case at all.

 

[Davethadog]

This is an article based on unconfirmed information. It wouldn’t surprise me if true but it’s not anything other than a rumor so far.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

At least SLATE is low cost and practical, would 100% not be surprised if Aptera folded next.

Yup. Aptera reminds me of Vanderhall. Very niche. Very small audience. A car that looks like a sperm isn't everyone's cup of tea. Never mind Rivian's "goofy" front end.

 

[NY_Rob]

Yup. Aptera reminds me of Vanderhall. Very niche. Very small audience. A car that looks like a sperm isn't everyone's cup of tea. Never mind Rivian's "goofy" front end.

The only reason to buy an Aptera would be if you already didn't get enough attention driving your Cybertruck around!

 

[jambaman84]

I'm okay with this, as long as they don't change pricing. But I think they will.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I hope SLATE is not next with the bad news, although their vehicle is super simple by design. It's like the Galactica.. no network computers on board.

There is a market for the Slate, not so much for the Scout. The market for expensive, off-road-focused EVs is a tiny slice of the auto marketplace. Why would you introduce a new model with less wide appeal than a model that already exists? Suppose Rivian lost every Off-Road buyer to Scout; that's a minority of Rivian's business.

Rivian also attracts luxury- and performance-focused buyers, yet even then R1 sold 40K vehicles last year, and there isn't much headroom. I wouldn't invest in a new 3B factory given that small market. R1 is not going to be Rivian's bread and butter either. The R2 and R3 are the vehicles meant to carry that load. VW already has divisions making THOSE cars, why do they need another division that loses money?

In contrast, the Slate's market is in a similar position to that of many potential R3 buyers. There are a lot more people looking for a 25K dollar car right now than there are good 25K dollar cars to buy. That's a money maker.

 

[captainjp]

Like I said. Dead in the water. They can make whatever excuses that want. Cutting their losses soon enough

Sponsored