At last: A New Vehicle Featuring Crotch Vents

      REO Industries

      REO is a soon-to-launch car brand that aims to provide something that many enthusiasts are eagerly asking for: an affordable, straightforward gasoline-powered pickup truck. The proposal is appealing: a starting price of $21,500, free from spyware, and centered on affordability and simple maintenance. Additionally, the company has hinted at an intriguing luxury feature—a crotch vent.

      Crotch vents, sometimes referred to more crudely as “ball chillers,” used to be quite common. Many older vehicles featured air conditioning vents located beneath the steering column, directing cool air towards the driver's lower torso and between their thighs. In hot climates like the American South or summer in New York, having a cooling vent can significantly enhance the comfort of car rides.

      While I remain somewhat doubtful about REO's long-term viability as a business, they are certainly saying the right things to excite low-cost truck fans. This point is definitely one of those attractions.

      Zach De Bernardi, the Founder and CEO of REO Industries, is a real estate professional from Texas aiming to address the market gap largely filled by used last-generation Ford Rangers. The tagline summarizes it simply: “The affordable American truck—gas, mechanical, body-on-frame. Designed to last 500,000 miles. Manufactured in Texas, sold direct.”

      The vehicle, set to be named the Runabout, has already accumulated thousands of early reservations. However, it seems REO still has quite a journey ahead before achieving anything close to mass marketing. Creating a vehicle that meets modern safety regulations while also being as affordable and uncomplicated as something from the ’90s will be challenging—but it’s encouraging to see at least one company believe it might be feasible.

      Another appealing aspect, in addition to the low price and the cooling vent, is its open-source approach—REO is currently positioning itself as very supportive of the right to repair, almost encouraging modifications and repairs by nearly anyone.

      I wish them well. While I am skeptical about their chances of success, on paper, REO appears to be offering what many people I know would deem the ideal truck. We will be closely monitoring their development with great interest.

      Do you have any insights or thoughts about REO? Feel free to reach out at andrew.collins@thedrive.com.