Volkswagen is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market by resurrecting the beloved American brand, Scout. This revival has already generated significant buzz, with over 50,000 refundable reservation deposits placed for Scout’s initial lineup of electric pickup trucks and SUVs. According to Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume, the consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the strong heritage and emotional connection associated with the Scout name.
The revived Scout brand, originally an American staple from 1961 to 1980, unveiled production-intent versions of its Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV in October. These vehicles are slated to be offered as both all-electric models and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), catering to a broader range of consumer needs and preferences in the evolving EV landscape. While the initial reservation numbers are promising, they serve as an early indicator of market interest rather than guaranteed sales, setting the stage for Scout Vw’s entry into a competitive market.
Scout CEO Scott Keogh, in a separate interview at CES, expressed his satisfaction with the reservation figures, noting they exceeded company expectations. He mentioned that approximately 70% of reservations are for the Traveler SUV, aligning with their anticipated market demand. While Keogh didn’t specify the exact breakdown between all-electric and EREV model reservations, he acknowledged a positive reception for the EREV option. This is strategically important as EREVs, a type of plug-in hybrid, bridge the gap for consumers hesitant to fully commit to all-electric vehicles. EREVs combine electric motors and batteries with a traditional internal combustion engine that acts as a generator, extending range and mitigating range anxiety, a key concern for many potential EV buyers.
The introduction of EREVs by Scout VW is a calculated move to navigate potential market fluctuations and address concerns regarding consumer adoption rates of purely electric vehicles. Keogh emphasized the company’s current priorities, focusing on enhancing brand recognition for Scout VW, continuing the engineering development of the vehicles, and progressing with the construction of their $2 billion manufacturing facility in South Carolina.
Both the Scout Terra and Traveler are anticipated to have starting prices under $60,000, making them competitive within the EV truck and SUV segments. Scout VW is targeting a range of over 500 miles for the EREV models and up to 350 miles for the all-electric versions, addressing range concerns and positioning them as viable options for both daily driving and longer journeys. At CES, Scout highlighted the connectivity features and user experience within their upcoming vehicles, emphasizing their design as outdoorsy, recreational models aimed at competing with brands like Jeep and Rivian. This includes the availability of satellite connectivity for Scout vehicles operating in remote locations, appealing to adventure-seeking customers.
The new Scout plant in South Carolina is planned to have an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, signaling VW’s commitment to scaling up Scout VW operations. The vehicles are expected to utilize batteries sourced from a Volkswagen joint venture battery cell manufacturer in Canada, streamlining supply chains and potentially reducing costs. Furthermore, Scout VW is set to integrate software and electrical architecture from the $5.8 billion joint venture between Rivian and VW, leveraging technological synergies and accelerating development. Volkswagen’s acquisition of the Scout trademark came after its $3.7 billion purchase of Navistar in 2021, the successor to International Harvester, the original creator of the Scout brand. This strategic move underscores VW’s ambition to significantly expand its market share in the U.S. market through the revival of the iconic Scout VW brand and its new electric vehicle offerings.
