Texas Real Estate Enthusiast Aims to Build a $21,500 Truck. He Secured 5,500 Reservations in Just Six Days.

      **REO Trucks**

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      An affordable gas-powered truck for the general public. Texas startup REO aims to introduce a $21,500 vehicle called the Runabout, focusing on straightforwardness and dependability.

      Strong demand in a short period. REO secured 5,500 reservations within just six days, indicating considerable interest in a cost-effective, non-electric truck.

      Challenges and uncertainties lie ahead. Success hinges on government regulations, supplier contracts, and possible changes in fuel economy standards.

      A community-focused and repair-friendly philosophy. The company plans to establish an open-source forum and emphasize the right to repair, which resonates with potential customers.

      **In summary**: REO's ambitious vision for an economical, gas-powered truck addresses a strong market demand but encounters significant execution and policy challenges.

      *AI assisted, editor reviewed*

      If you were to sit down with the typical American and ask for their ideal truck, here's what they might say: It should be straightforward, easy to fix, and, importantly, affordable. “That's how every pickup used to be,” they might remark. “Why can't trucks be like that anymore?” It's a reasonable question, albeit a difficult one to address. A new startup from Texas named REO believes it can tackle this challenge by offering a small, gas-powered single cab starting at $21,500.

      Naturally, many people might roll their eyes at yet another startup making bold claims. In today's market, there are countless ventures where founders secure funding without a concrete plan for delivering a product. However, when the proposal speaks to a financially-strapped nation, it warrants consideration. This was sufficient for The Drive to engage with REO Industries Founder and CEO Zach De Bernardi for an hour-long discussion about how the company plans to create a basic utility vehicle that notably does not rely on electricity.

      The vehicle is termed the Runabout, and REO's pitch encapsulates essential elements: “The affordable American truck—gas, mechanical, body-on-frame. Designed to last for 500,000 miles. Assembled in Texas, sold directly.” The focus on combustion engines distinguishes REO from companies like Slate, which claims to be nearing the launch of a $24,950 electric truck.

      “Every new automotive startup in America is electric, while 90% of American buyers are not,” De Bernardi stated in a public letter. “Those companies have raised unprecedented funds pursuing a small portion of the market, and every American EV manufacturer except Tesla is in significant debt. We exist because of those failures, and we cater to the everyday American seeking a vehicle that simply functions.”

      The T4X represents “truck, four-wheel drive, bare bones.” In contrast, the T4C and S4C refer to a crew cab truck and an SUV, respectively.

      As De Bernardi explained on the phone, his inspiration comes from classic Toyotas. “I’m a big fan of Toyota,” he noted. “I think I've mentioned that in every interview so far.”

      “People love simplicity, and it seems to be fading away,” he added. “I don’t blame Toyota; their size requires them to navigate the political landscape. That old spirit from the ’90s persisted until the fifth-generation 4Runner and second-generation Tundra were discontinued. We aim to revive that essence, focusing on what we refer to as 'reliability by design' in our design process.”

      De Bernardi elaborated that this principle will guide every decision in constructing the Runabout. For instance, he believes that replacing a fuel pump shouldn’t necessitate removing the interior. Additionally, for owners desiring a snorkel on their simple 4x4, it would be advantageous if the intake were positioned conveniently near the fender. Spoken like a true auto enthusiast.

      By all accounts, De Bernardi embodies this passion. “I've worked on numerous vintage Toyotas and assorted trucks, which I do for fun,” he shared. He has no prior experience in the automotive industry; instead, he developed a real estate business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The intention is to assemble the Runabout locally, and perhaps REO can collaborate with his preferred automaker, whose North American headquarters is just about 30 minutes north in Frisco, Texas.

      However, those specifics are not finalized. When asked about potential suppliers for the engine and chassis, De Bernardi stated, “All I can confirm is that we aim to source as much domestically as possible. This is currently influenced by policies from the Trump administration.”

      Indeed, a significant portion of REO's goals is contingent on government policy. The current federal stance on mini trucks has been positive ever since the president visited Japan last December, prompting him to instruct Transportation Secretary Sean D