REO Trucks has hired Frank Stephenson to lead the design of its revived Runabout lineup, putting the designer associated with the modern Mini, first-generation BMW X5 and McLaren P1 at the center of the Dallas startup’s relaunch. The company confirmed the partnership on September 21, 2026, and said a digital reveal is planned for later this year.

Stephenson’s studio, frankstephenson design, is already working through the detail phase for all three vehicles. The first physical vehicle is scheduled to follow in 2027, while REO is targeting initial deliveries for late 2028 or 2029.

Three trucks, one platform

The Runabout range will include the T4X work truck, T4C crew cab and S4C SUV. All three will use a shared body-on-frame platform, giving REO a common mechanical foundation across its planned lineup.

Each model will use an inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. REO says the powertrain is engineered to run for 500,000 miles, while keeping the mechanical layout deliberately simple.

Stephenson brings a four-decade design portfolio to the project. In addition to the modern Mini, BMW X5 and McLaren P1, his résumé includes the Fiat 500, Ferrari F430 and Maserati MC12. REO founder and CEO Zach De Bernardi said the designer’s experience with revived nameplates made him a strong fit for the brand’s return.

Repairability is central to the Runabout

REO is positioning the trucks around what it calls the right to repair. The company says every major control will use a physical switch or lever, while removable panels can come off in under five minutes with common tools.

The company also says no component will be software-locked to an individual vehicle through parts-pairing. Approved manufacturers will be able to sell parts directly to owners through an authorized maker program on REO’s online marketplace, with prices and fees published in advance.

REO plans to make its own parts catalog public and back it for 20 years. That approach is intended to support long-term ownership and make the trucks easier to maintain beyond a conventional vehicle lifecycle.

REO Runabout timing and reservations

Pilot builds are planned for 2027 after the digital reveal, with customer deliveries expected in late 2028 or 2029. REO says it has received more than 32,500 paid reservations so far.

Reservations remain open with refundable $25 deposits. The company’s next major public milestone will be the digital presentation of the T4X, T4C and S4C later in 2026, followed by the first physical vehicle in 2027.