Studebaker

Overview of SIX STEP ‘The Big Studebaker Plan’

First, I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of the thousands of Studebaker enthusiasts, fans and faithful who have taken the time and interest to write letters and send E-mails that provide encouragement and ideas (since 2002). Thank you friends. Because of you, Studebaker Motor Company shall prevail. NOTE: Studebaker is planning to offer gas combustion, diesel, and series hybrid gas-electric drivetrains.

Tough go, these past few years. The economy has forced everyone to rethink strategy, and not just at Studebaker. Many industries have suffered. The good news is that at Studebaker we've held together, and have continued the route by having met with forward thinking people who believe in what we have to offer and have in turn donated time and energy. Even our staff, which has grown steadily in size, has voluntarily made the decision to donate freely many hours of its time and effort toward achieving our objectives. It's no secret that we seek funding, as to aid us in accelerating our pace; and we truly appreciate everything that has and will come our way.

I am often asked why I endeavor bringing back the Studebaker name brand? Why do I want to make new cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor scooters and so forth? My answer is this: I want to do things that make a difference, and not just in design or ergonomics. It is clear to many and myself that the market demands of today are not being met by current vehicle manufacturers on many levels. First: Although we will produce gas combustion engines too, our main focus will be "green energy" correct. Our planet has been sufficiently polluted, and cleaning our environment is the responsible direction to take. Second: Although some of our vehicles will compete with higher-end luxury and sports models, many of our vehicle models need to be primarily, “budget friendly.” Motor vehicles have been part of the modern world for more than a century, having replaced the horse, oxen, camels and other beasts of burden for transportation. Fueling them shouldn't cost more than feeding animals. Third: Simple and infrequent maintenance requirements; Technology is available today to produce durable parts from modern metals and plastics that resist the forces of nature much better and make their expected life span twice as long as before. Engineering exists to produce products which require simple, little or no replacement. Lastly: Sticker cost, accessible by even the most modest incomes. Our pricing and credit opportunities will make every customer recognize that we are prepared to aid them acquire a Studebaker.

Studebaker isn't an ordinary company. It is a company that recognizes it isn't removed from the "big picture" but part of it. Creating jobs, paying fair wages, offering incentives, benefit and retirement benefits are no longer sufficient anymore.  We must also protect and nurture the future of a society that we are part of. A modern company (which Studebaker has pledged to be) will shoulder its fair share of responsibility towards the needs of the sea of humanity it floats in. After we become a profitable company, Studebaker will tender charity, focusing on helping children (health and welfare, education, housing, foster-care programs, adoption programs, social service needs, food, clothing, medical needs, safety needs and more). 

Where is America headed? I see our nation moving in the direction of a "café society," whereas modes of transportation for commuting to-and-from work shall be with smaller cars (gas, electric and hybrid), moped's (50cc scooters) and larger displacement motor scooters and motorcycles with side-cars. I call this new America the "café society" because as an increasingly growing population employs these modes of transportation, infrastructure will have to adapt in order to keep people safe and traffic flowing smoothly. It's clear to me that the demand for larger five to eight passenger vehicles will still be made, but their usage will see a declining role on our roadways, (with the exception of crossovers and pickup trucks).

Not unlike our neighbors in Europe, Asia and Africa who already use the smaller forms of transportation and have developed and populated zones of this nature as I have described, we Americans will study, improve and better develop these "café routes".  Undoubtedly, there will be harmonious blends of dwelling and commercial structures, planned opened spaces for social and cultural activities and finally neighborhoods whose synergy and enlightenment are drawn from the centers for higher learning that have been spawned nearby. This is the America of the 21st and 22^nd centuries, and it is happening now as smaller cars and scooters become more commonplace throughout our nations metropolitan districts.  

STEP ONE, Introduction of the Scooter: A plan has been drafted and reworked. For transparency purposes, Studebaker is disclosing that no manufacturing has yet occurred as insufficient funding is the prohibitive issue. Studebaker is working diligently to remedy this barrier. We have formulated a simplified version of our six-step plan for viewing and as follows:  

We will either manufacture, or cause to be manufactured (then assemble in USA) gas and electric scooters. The plan is to begin with the 50cc scooter, then later add the larger, more high-powered scooters, then electric scooters, then higher powered motorcycle, as the market dictates. Eventually, we'd like to see American companies manufacture scooter parts. However, in the beginning, most of the parts will most likely come from China, Taiwan and/or India. Once parts are made, the scooters will be shipped partially assembled to assembly plants in the USA, for final assembly. After which they will flow through a distribution system into a Dealer network throughout North America. We welcome Dealers in North America to sign with us.

Not unlike “other” vehicle manufacturing companies who started with scooters (Honda, Suzuki, BMW, Yamaha, Kawasaki), Studebaker will follow a recipe that works. Start with scooters and motorcycles, and then make cars, SUV’s, pick-ups and Crossover vehicles. Then there’s the name brand that we bring to the table (Studebaker). If funding permits, we will proceed with getting at least one vehicle prototype made during Step One. If not here, then during Step Two.
 
STEP TWO, Introduction of our first vehicle: Step One above blazes the trail, raises a bit of capital, and sets the pace for the re-introduction of the Studebaker Lark (or Hawk, or Champ, or another vehicle). The right concept design have has yet to make its way to my desk. …hint, hint to you vehicle designers. The Lark must be a ‘green’ high gas mileage, low or zero emissions gas or diesel-electric series hybrid sedan, and should be made (or final assembly) in North America. During the past few years I’ve met with industry professionals who have impressed me with their knowledge of what to do to solve problems relative to current gas mileage issues of today. One such group is a newly formed company in Detroit, whose ambition is to utilize a series hybrid ‘platform’ program, and Studebaker is invited to participate as a customer. The idea is to share expenses of the tooling, engineering, testing, and certification of the chassis and drivetrain with other specialty or niche manufacturers. During this phase we will travel around the U.S.A. meeting with various dealers, and showing our prototype concept car at auto shows.

Studebaker has met with various vehicle platform companies and we seem to like the series-electric platform that ALTe LLC is offering (see www.altellc.com). Prior to, or while in Step Two, Studebaker may relocate headquarters to a suitable assembly location (for logistical reasons). As of this point, the Detroit and South Bend areas are high on our radar. Let's see what the next few months reveal.  

STEP THREE, Full Production Vehicle: Administrative, logistical and financial requirements for a volume of up to 20,000 units are proportionately greater than in Step Two. Simultaneously while the scooter, Lark (and/or another vehicle) are in full production during Step Three, Studebaker design and engineering teams will endeavor to work on the Hawk, Avonaco, President and Champ projects. 

STEP FOUR, Introduction of the Avonaco, and Re-Introduction of the Hawk, President and Champ: Studebaker Hawk, President and Champ re-enter the market as concept and prototype vehicles. 

STEP FIVE, Full Production of the Avonaco, Lark, Hawk, President & Champ: As a 21st Century automaker, Studebaker Motor Company desires to see the Avonaco, Lark, Hawk, President and Champ capture respectable market shares within the North American market, thereby making a successful 'come back.' More concept vehicles to follow...

STEP SIX, Going Public: No serious discussions about this yet. However, Studebaker may consider this option.

 STUDEBAKER MOTOR COMPANY, "A Time Honored Name, A New Company for the Future" 

Updated, FEBRUARY 11, 2012, RW Reed, President & CEO