Legacy automaker Scout Motors proudly announced Thursday the successful groundbreaking ceremony at its Production Center in Blythewood, South Carolina. This significant development paves the way for the born-again truck brand to produce innovative battery-powered trucks and rugged SUVs in the United States.
Groundbreaking ceremony highlights
Scout Motors broke ground at its upcoming domestic factory in the state of South Carolina on February 15, commemorating the brand’s iconic past while envisioning the future.
The VW-backed automaker showcased some of its classic vehicles, Scout community members, and the new factory’s 3D model. It also featured virtual content that carried the upcoming electric vehicle factory to life.
“Today is less about construction and a building and more about a calling and a community. We’re here to celebrate the revitalization of an American icon and the reshoring of American jobs. On this land – with our hands and with our technology – we will build great vehicles.”
Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh
Scout’s Blythewood Production Center
Scout Motors’ upcoming Production Center in Blythewood covers about 1,600 acres of land, with the facility occupying 1,100 acres.
The project development secured a very strategic location, which is only less than 20 miles north of Columbia. It is also close to major cities and talent hubs, including Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville, and Atlanta. It enables the automaker’s operation to benefit from major highways, Charleston and Savannah ports, and automotive engineering-focused institutions.
The upcoming Production Center is expected to hit an annual production capacity of 200,000 units at full operation. Notably, the facility will have three major areas, including the body shop, the paint shop, and the assembly shop.
“We could not be more proud to build our Production Center, workforce and vehicles here in Blythewood, South Carolina. At our peak capacity, we plan to produce 200,000 vehicles a year here – that’s 40 per hour.”
Dr. Jan Spies, Scout Motors Chief Production Officer
Scout plans to introduce two bespoke EV models this year
Scout Motor plans to equip its upcoming trucks and rugged SUVs on a newly developed all-electric platform. As Dr. Jan Spies told the media after the groundbreaking ceremony, the brand will independently operate when it comes to electric vehicle development and design.
In that sense, the first two trucks of the brand due for reveal this summer will not ride on a “twin, daughter, or brother” of any platforms from Volkswagen to produce unique models for its more intense environment. Meanwhile, production may need some time while the factory continues to expand.
Scout Motors aims to kick off electric vehicle production at the new factory by the end of 2026, immediately followed by the initial retail sales of trucks and SUVs in 2027.
The imminent launch of the Blythewood Production Center will play a significant role in the automaker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality, considering that the plant will strive to have a zero-carbon footprint through green power sources and efficient energy consumption.
