Volkswagen to Revive Scout Brand With Electric Pickup and SUV Built in the USA

Volkswagen Group said on May 11, 2022 that it will launch an all-electric pickup and rugged SUV under the Scout name, and that both will be designed, engineered and built in the USA.

The company’s supervisory board confirmed the plan that day. Volkswagen said it would set up a separate, independent company in the U.S. in 2022 to run the brand. Prototypes were to be shown in 2023, with production set to start in 2026.

Key details

• The vehicles are meant for U.S. customers and will sit on a new technical platform for pickups and rugged SUVs.
• Volkswagen owns the Scout name through its purchase of Navistar, the successor to International Harvester.
• International Harvester built the original Scout from 1961 to 1980 and sold 532,674 of them. The last one was built in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 21, 1980.
• Volkswagen did not name a factory site in the announcement.

“Electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the U.S. market.”

Herbert Diess, CEO, Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen said success in the pickup and rugged SUV segments is key to reaching its target of a 10% share of the U.S. market.

FAQ

Where will the Scout vehicles be built?

In the USA, by a new, independent Volkswagen Group company.

When will production start?

Volkswagen planned to start production in 2026.

What models are planned?

An all-electric pickup and a rugged SUV.