The original Scout SUVs were produced by the American company International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. They were relatively simple but rugged vehicles with interesting design features such as a folding windscreen and removable hardtop.
Volkswagen acquired the rights to the Scout brand in 2020. The German automaker filed 50 trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2023, and then announced that it would revive Scout Motors as an all-electric pickup truck and SUV brand.
The future Scout plant will be located in Blythewood, South Carolina. State officials have approved a $1.3 billion package of tax incentives for Scout Motors. At the same time, Scout said it will invest $2 billion of its own money in the project and expects to eventually create "4,000 or more permanent jobs."
As of mid-February, excavation work at the site was complete. Groundwork will begin there in the summer. Vehicle production is expected to begin in late 2026 and reach its planned production capacity in 2027.
Scout is also expected to unveil its first vehicle, an electric pickup truck, later this year, most likely at the Detroit Auto Show this summer. Another six months later, the company will show its first electric SUV. Judging by comments from Scout representatives, these vehicles will look more like classic 20th century Scouts interpreted in the 21st century than modern electric vehicles with aerodynamic designs. For example, door handles on future Scout vehicles will be conventional rather than retractable.
Source: The Verge
