Summary
- Volkswagen is reviving the Scout brand to create rugged electric vehicles
- Scout Motors will reveal a concept SUV and pickup truck on October 24
- The new brand will build electric vehicles at a new factory in South Carolina
- The goal is for the SUV and truck to help Volkswagen conquer the American market
- The Scout EVs will compete with Rivian R1S and Ford F-150 Lightning and will feature a brand-new EV platform
Article
Volkswagen’s Iconic Scout Brand Revived with Rugged EVs
Scout Motors, a new brand from the Volkswagen Group, is set to reveal two concept vehicles, an SUV, and a pickup truck on October 24. These vehicles are part of Volkswagen’s plan to build rugged electric vehicles at a new factory in South Carolina. The launch of the Scout brand is significant as Volkswagen has struggled to establish a strong presence in the American market despite being one of the world’s largest automakers. The new Scout SUV and truck could potentially change Volkswagen’s fortunes in the US market by catering to American preferences for big, capable SUVs and pickup trucks.
The Scout brand is not entirely new, as it was previously used by International Harvester for a legendary SUV from 1960 to 1980. Volkswagen acquired the Scout trademark after acquiring International Harvester’s successor, Navistar, in 2020, and is now bringing it back for a line of off-road-oriented EVs. The new Scout vehicles are designed to be rugged, capable, and versatile, similar to popular models like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh emphasized that the vehicles will meet the needs of Americans on and off-road with real tactile controls and real feel.
The Scout electric pickup and SUV will compete with other electric vehicles such as the Rivian R1S and the Ford F-150 Lightning when they go into production in 2026. These vehicles will be built at a new factory in South Carolina using a dedicated EV platform, distinguishing them from existing Volkswagen models. The Scout vehicles are not simply rebranded versions of Volkswagen’s current lineup, but rather purpose-built rugged EVs. InsideEVs plans to provide in-depth coverage of the new Scouts as more details emerge in October and invites readers to share their expectations and questions about the upcoming electric vehicles.
In preparation for the October reveal event, Scout Motors released renderings of the Scout electric pickup and SUV, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of what to expect. The SUV and truck from Scout Motors are intended to pay homage to the original Scout in both style and capability, while offering the benefits of electric propulsion. The Scout vehicles are aimed at fulfilling the needs of American consumers who seek vehicles that are suitable for both work and play. By incorporating elements of the legendary Scout SUV into a modern electric vehicle design, Volkswagen hopes to appeal to a wide range of consumers in the competitive American market.
The upcoming launch of the Scout brand represents Volkswagen’s strategic shift towards catering to the growing demand for electric vehicles, especially in markets like the United States. By introducing rugged EVs under the Scout name, Volkswagen aims to tap into the popularity of off-road-oriented models while showcasing its commitment to sustainability. As the automotive industry transitions towards electrification, brands like Scout Motors play a crucial role in inspiring innovation and meeting the evolving needs of consumers. The anticipation for the Scout SUV and truck reveal in October reflects the excitement surrounding Volkswagen’s foray into the electric off-road vehicle segment.
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