Volkswagen Group’s revived truck brand Scout Motors has just announced plans to debut two flagship electric vehicles this summer.
Scout Motors joins the EV space
According to an update to the Scout Motors website, Scout Motor will formally introduce an all-electric pickup and SUV sometime in summer 2024.
The VW sub-brand has apparently been working on these two new models since its recent comeback.
The Scout Motors nameplate is based on the iconic off-road vehicles produced by International Harvester during the 1960s and 1970s. During its 20-year production run, the automaker has only produced roughly 530,000 Scout trucks. Nevertheless, it still holds a loyal fanbase, which enabled it to compete with the early Jeep models.
In hindsight, VW announced it would leverage Scout Motors’ heritage and bring the namesake back to offer contemporary electric vehicle models in 2022. Despite the electrification, it promises to maintain its iconic models’ rugged design and off-road performance.
EV foray
Scout Motors is currently developing two new electric vehicle models with the help of contract manufacturer Magna International.
It plans to produce these two flagship models in South Carolina, US. However, the company has only released some broad renderings.
Scout is working through vehicle design and development in Novi, Michigan. It is also building a new Innovation Center nearby. In addition, the VW sub-brand is developing a production facility in South Carolina.
The new Scout EV is expected to break cover in late summer 2024. However, specific details like the timeline or debut place remain unclear.
According to CEO Scott Keogh, the two upcoming flagship EVs are both “badass” and “robust.”
Clean slate design
CEO Scott Keogh asserted that Scout Motors’ strategy to employ a “clean slate” design will deliver a great advantage for its electrification push, according to Electrek. It also gains access to Volkswagen Group’s purchasing and manufacturing expertise.
Simply put, Scout Motors aims to follow its own techniques and strategies when it comes to electric vehicle development and design.
Chief Production Officer Dr. Jan Spies also reportedly said that the planned first two electric vehicles’ architecture is “not a twin, daughter, or brother” to any of the existing platforms of the VW Group.
Unnamed sources further claimed that the bespoke EV platform will give Scout Motors’ upcoming EVs an advantage in development speed. It will also enable the company to develop a distinctive car for its environment.
While the two flagship EVs will break their covers in late summer 2024, their production may require some tempo while Scout’s South Carolina factory continues to scale.
