The Volkswagen Group’s new Scout electric vehicle (EV) brand isn’t set to begin production of its vehicles until 2026, but it’s set to give us our first proper look at its vehicles this year.
Scout Motors has posted an 82-second video on YouTube which is filled with voiceover dialogue, as well as generic clips featuring people and classic Scout vehicles.
Right at the end of the video, however, the voiceover says “this is the moment; this is the call; this is the truck” before fading to black and showing the words “revealing summer 2024”.
It’s unclear what this means exactly, but it points toward Scout revealing at least one of its new retro-inspired electric off-roaders.
Given Scout Motors is based in North America it’s understood this timing also means the northern hemisphere summer, which is during the months of June, July and August.
As previously reported, Scout CEO Scott Keogh has confirmed the company’s first products will be a “full-size pickup” and accompanying SUV.
A number of teaser images have been published by the company revealing they have a blocky design that’s reminiscent of the original Jeep-style Scout utes and SUVs produced from 1961 to 1980.
The Scout electric pickup and SUV will be built on a “newly designed all-electric platform” that’s claimed to offer credible off-road prowess.
Mr Keogh didn’t confirm to Automotive News whether the new Scout will have a body-on-frame architecture, like it’s competitors, but said the brand will use a “100 per cent capable, American, robust, full platform”.
He also refuted the idea Scout would use a derivative of the MEB architecture, which underpins everything from the Cupra Born to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
When Volkswagen America announced it was reviving the Scout name in late 2022, it set a target of having its initial vehicles in production by 2026.
The company recently enlisted the services of Magna, a Canadian automotive supplier that also does design and engineering consulting, and produces cars on contract through its Magna Steyr subsidiary in Austria.
Mr Keogh said having Magna on board “was helpful at that phase to get things moving”, although claims Scout’s engineers are now “in the lead”.
According to the CEO, design is “85, 90, 95 per cent of the way there” with proportions and exterior styling “dialled in”.
Scout is set to break ground on its factory in Blythewood, South Carolina early in 2024 with production likely to begin in late 2026.
The SUV will be the first model to roll down the line, with the pickup set to follow around six months later.
Although right-hand production is still up in the air, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume didn’t rule out the opportunity to build the models for right-hand drive markets.
“Honestly, we haven’t decided yet. Currently, we are focusing on the technology profile of the product on design and then when we are further advanced with engineering premises, then we will think what worldwide footprint [such as right-hand drive] we will offer with Scout,” said Mr Blume.
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International Harvester Scout
Volkswagen Australia has also previously put up its hand for the rugged electric ute and SUV range if it becomes available in right-hand drive form.
Volkswagen came into possession of the Scout name in 2021 when its Traton truck division bought Navistar, the parent company of International Harvester, which is the company that built the original Scout utes and SUVs.
Produced in the US state of Indiana, it was available with a range of hard- and soft-top body styles, and featured a pickup option.
MORE: VW’s new electric Scout off-roaders to get their own platform
MORE: Scout: VW’s off-roader EV brand setting up camp in South Carolina
MORE: Volkswagen scouting right-hand drive for rugged electric ute, SUV
