Scout Motors, a Volkswagen-backed electric vehicle startup, is shaking up the automotive industry by ditching traditional dealerships and adopting a direct-to-consumer sales model. This bold move follows in the footsteps of Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar, which have successfully disrupted the century-old car-buying experience.

Scout Motors' digital platform will allow customers to purchase vehicles, schedule service appointments, and access over-the-air updates, all while bypassing dealerships. The company aims to provide a transparent, fast, and easy buying experience, addressing the frustrations of car buyers who often face hidden fees, markups, and a lack of trust in dealers.

The startup plans to launch 25 brick-and-mortar "Scout Workshops" and "Scout Studios" across the US, where customers can test-drive vehicles and receive service. Additionally, Scout will offer mobile service for customers outside of a 45-minute radius of a workshop.

Scout's decision to go direct-to-consumer is not only a strategic move to control customer data and relationships but also a response to the growing demand for electric vehicles. The company's CEO, Scott Keogh, is confident that this model will work, citing the importance of building trust with customers and providing a seamless experience.

As Scout Motors challenges the traditional dealership model, it's likely to face resistance from dealerships and their trade groups. However, the startup's bold move could pave the way for a more customer-centric approach to car buying, one that prioritizes transparency, convenience, and digital innovation.