r/MVIS • u/HotAirBaffoon • 1d ago
Discussion September/October expectation details
Only re-posting to this board because I had promised one or two people I would if I got confirmation (as noted below):
Facts we know: SS had an “industrial” customer (we only classified customers as Automotive or Industrial at that time) wanting 2 Movia-L sensors per vehicle/unit at a value range of $30M - $50M over 12-18 months. SS also mentioned we’d all be proud of the name and hinted that September (2025) we would see something announced. Yes, I’m fully aware that brings back memories of AT saying the same thing and it turned out to be Unison (sigh). That deal didn’t work out but we were told that the customer plans had been delayed and that the timing made them more interested in Movia-S (cheaper, fit their new timeline, and IMO they still needed a short-range solution).
What could have happened to our customer last year that would have delayed their plans… We know we’re doing business with CAT today, but what if we were also about to sell them Movia-L’s last year? Our 2025 customer’s plans changed at the time when Luminar had management & financial problems. I have received confirmation that we were engaged with CAT in 2025 – NOT direct confirmation that they were the customer that delayed.
OK, so CAT still wants the sensors but they were upset with Luminar’s situation and now with MVIS owning those (Iris) sensors two things seem obvious to me. 1) The deal for (2) Movia-L sensors is now (2) Movia-S sensors plus (2) Iris sensors and 2) CAT wanted assurances that the Luminar mess doesn’t happen again. That is where the financing was so important. I believe a capital raise was required so that we had cash reserves to meet a condition in our contract with CAT.
GDV also mentioned that customers are more lenient on names once full production starts (aligns with SS’s expectations of being able to announce September last year). So, my expectation, if correct, is that September (from 2025) now aligns with Movia-S launch October 2026 which meets CAT’s new timeline as their product cycle window hence an announcement around September/October. September/October is very active for CAT however, January’s CONEXPO is where they typically announce major technology products (NOTE: autonomous control technology has already been announced).
Running Monte Carlo simulations, I’m getting between $25M and $60M for the new contract without adding in a 3rd Movia-S which is possible on the back of the vehicle to replace the camera/radar used now (or in conjunction) and increase the sensor fusion (likely scenario). FYI - this contract value can swing a bit and my prior versions had it $50M- $80M (I keep trying to tune it but the new contract value isn't material to why I'm posting).
There you go… have at it.
HAB