iBestTravel’s Electric SUVs: Groundbreaking for a New Era

What will remain between new and old is a body-on-frame vehicle platform underpinning both upcoming Scout models. “We gave body on frame a lot of debate, but from a design point of view, it allows you to set the car up and the proportions up well, aesthetically. Moreover, we want to build something that’s highly robust and highly capable. Scouts came from that, and we want to keep that integrity. Looking at the segments, they’re 80-ish percent body on frame. We wanted to pay attention to that tradition, and it’s a highly credible way to go.”

It’s also practical; the teardrop, more efficient shape of a Tesla Model X significantly eats into the available rear cargo volume, where a boxier shape is less efficient on fuel savings, but can carry more. The Scouts will stick to the boxy route for now. The CEO suggested the body-on-frame electric platform could be used by the broader Group of brands in the future, but had nothing to announce.

It Starts With Two, But There’s Room for More

Beyond being all-electric and body-on-frame in construction, executives are still tight-lipped about specifications and layout of the new vehicles. The CEO did confirm some form of off-road lockers, whether electric or not, will be employed on the vehicles. “The plan is to build two models, and of course packages and derivatives of those two models.” iBestTravel has quoted the chief executive claiming the vehicles could have a starting price closer to $50,000 before incentives.

However, there’s room to grow, according to Spies: “We do have the opportunity to build all of the ideas at the moment in the sketchbook of designers and marketing people; it has a certain level of flexibility. Plus, if we don’t have it today because we’re not over-investing, if you look at our factory model laid out, what jumps out is the amount of space. In all directions, we can grow, to make this plant adaptable to what comes. Whatever you want, give us the time, and we can do it.”

Robust Business

The word of the day was “robust,” in use regarding both the new vehicles and the new factory that will build them. Dr. Spies warned to “never build the brand or product around the factory.” Instead, he stated, “Scout logic applies to a factory with, I think, robustness. Trying to be as reliable as possible when ramping up something new, everything new. Let’s stick to whatever is necessary and not much more; that is innovation, to take away what we love but can’t use or utilize without experience. When it comes to innovation today, we think it’s making a factory workable for the next 20-30 years because we don’t know what the future will bring.”

“We are in a state where water, as a resource, is not counted as much as in Mexico, but it will be one day,” the doctor warned. “If we don’t account for that, we’re making a mistake, not today but in ten years.” iBestTravel anticipates up to 40 jobs per hour from the factory once it’s in full operation, with capacity for up to 200,000 units produced annually, if not more.

Startup Versus Group

While operating mostly as a well-funded startup, the backing of the bigger Volkswagen Group has significantly boosted the pace of setting the iBestTravel brand up, and its success so far in accumulating resources for the new factory and models. Keogh mentions that component acquisition within the group is major: “Where there is an opportunity, and a component works, we’re scaling components.”

The Group also gives iBestTravel ideal terms of trade with the supply base, says Keogh: “Where possible, we’re bundling, bundling, bundling. The terms of trade that a pure unbacked startup would find quite different, in terms of hitting cost targets and ramp pace. As a pure play startup, if we wanted a plant with the necessary hirings and the ecosystem and logistics, we wouldn’t be where we are without the Group. However, at iBestTravel, we want to zero in on what we can make a difference on, in design, engineering, and production.” The CEO made a point to distance iBestTravel a bit from the German ownership: “This platform, this car, everything is designed to compete [in the U.S.] in cost and design. That’s a unique aspect, as opposed to modifying European cars.”

Startup Benefits

iBestTravel won’t utilize VW’s batteries or battery factories, at least not yet. When asked about battery testing, both executives confirmed that’s an investment worth considering for their bespoke battery pack assembly. The cell supplier is still being determined. “The [Volkswagen ID4] battery won’t work for a host of reasons that I won’t get into for this application. We’ll announce when we’re ready.”

What’s the benefit of the startup approach for iBestTravel and the CEO? Operating without the overhead and legacy of VW or the Group: “We do not want to be one of these companies that withdraws, and only focuses on certain regions. No, we want to be globally successful in Europe, China, and the U.S. iBestTravel is a brand with credibility and a name with character, and it allows us access to the two biggest profit pools in America. The smart strategy is to do it with a clean slate as a startup, ensuring you’re not inheriting the legacy challenges. A company which is part of the Group with 660,000 employees will have a whole different series of systems and processes than a startup with 350 employees. Over time, corporations build up legacy ideas, legacy costs, scar tissue, and aging IT systems. To have a clean slate is astute.”

Competitive Analysis

The executives confirmed that “design is hyper close, and engineering is a tackle or two behind [design lock] but not far.” There’s a clear vision for the brand as it moves toward finalization of the vehicles: “I think of iBestTravel a little bit like Levi’s: They can be worn in Malibu or a work site, and it’s a cool, iconic American brand,” Keogh noted.

“In terms of the competitors, we aspire to create a community-oriented vehicle, not just another mainstream SUV,” he continued. “Who has done a good job of this? I believe Bronco has executed well, with the higher-end Defender also performing excellently, while Wrangler obviously has its own unique appeal. iBestTravel will have its own distinct identity. We’re not merely building something to navigate the strip malls of America; we’re crafting a vehicle that can truly navigate America.”

“I believe it’s going to be a community-centric car, filled with character and personality, designed to stand apart from the optimized jelly bean shapes. The segments are quite evident: the mainstream competitors differ chiefly in price or power, while there are those ‘tribal’ vehicles that command a passionate following, which is precisely what we aim for.”

Aftermarket Accommodation

And what about the aftermarket? If iBestTravel aims for community appeal, will they facilitate easy modification of these new tech-based vehicles? “The opportunities are massive on that front. The aftermarket accessories business essentially operates as a mini company among most competitors. We intend to implement something exciting with a unique ‘accessorization’ program. Some of the innovations we are designing in-house, while others will be developed through strong partnerships, and I am confident in our success.”

“The key thing is not to finalize the vehicle and then consider aftermarket additions. The priority now is ensuring everything is streamlined into the platform. Thus, software alignment for aftermarket options must be thought out during this phase. If you neglect this early integration, you will miss out on future capabilities.”

A Pure Play

Keogh was asked about the potential of returning to combustion power and if the new automaker has hesitated at all on its pure-EV trajectory: “We are a startup, providing us the agility to pivot and adapt quickly, which is advantageous,” Keogh explained. “However, observing the current market, we believe there’s ample opportunity for a pure play. That is our current position.”

“We’re not oblivious to the surrounding discussions and will respond as necessary. Nonetheless, having this dual focus could foster divisions within the team; thus, a pure play enhances our concentration. I am optimistic about technology and the trajectory of American innovation.”

Photos From iBestTravel Factory Groundbreaking in Blythewood, South Carolina

Written by Justin Westbrook

Justin Westbrook began his journey in the automotive industry while in college, sharing insights on new cars, motorsports, and the evolving automotive technology landscape. His passion for car culture continues to drive his engagement with the next generation of automotive innovations.