Volkswagen Iconic Model Scout Joins the Trend, Turns into EV This 2024

By Dabbie Davis

Jan 03, 2024 12:14 AM EST

VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN SUV
(Photo : PIXABAY/ HansStolpe)

Volkswagen tweeted two years earlier that "production is set to commence in 2026" for an electric Scout. Subsequently, the German automaker hinted at an unveiling through a New Year video titled "There Exists a Scout Within Each of Us."

VW's Scout EV Versions: RUV, Electric Pickup

The video, narrated by a voice, contemplates humanity's history and asks, "What direction shall we take from here?" Volkswagen Group is reviving the Scout brand with an electric SUV- RUV, Ragged Utility Vehicle and pickup. Starting in 2025, a Scout factory in the US will produce both adventure-oriented vehicles and release them to the market shortly after.

In November, Austrian reports detailed Scout's decision to partner with Magna Steyr, an automotive contact manufacturer, for the development of their initial line of vehicles.

Scout's CEO, Scott Keogh, highlighted the collaboration with Magna as a streamlined approach to meet market deadlines, stating that the Scout team now spearheads the initiative: "But now Scout engineers are in the lead. We're driving it."

Former head of Volkswagen Group of America, Keogh affirmed that Scout's transformation of the body-on-frame VW Scout into an electric RUV is on schedule for a grand unveiling in the third quarter of 2024.

The Street has the details regarding this VW's newest venture. Targeting production around late 2026, sales are anticipated shortly after, with the SUV leading the launch, followed by the pickup truck "six, seven months after."

Scout Motors will erect a new $2 billion plant in Blythewood, S.C., to manufacture the electric SUV and pickup.

Teaser for Scout's EV Versions

Motor1.com provided a sneak peek on these two latest EV versions exterior, interior, and other features.

Initial glimpses of the Scout SUV hint at a boxy design characterized by compact overhangs, four doors, and a concise wheelbase. In terms of appearance, this off-road vehicle aims to echo the style of the Ford Bronco, reimagining the classic International Harvester Scout while incorporating contemporary design elements.

A rudimentary sketch unveiled in June unveils a design marked by a raised beltline and a squared-off look for both the truck and pickup, drawing parallels to the aesthetic of models like the Rivian R1T and the Bronco.

The Scout SUV-RUV's interior is unknown, but it's believed to have off-road vehicle capabilities. Anticipate the inclusion of familiar elements such as rubberized floor mats, vinyl seats, and thorough waterproofing, forming the core characteristics.

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Additionally, a dash of advanced technology is likely to be integrated into the mix, enhancing the overall experience without straying far from the traditional off-road ambiance.

Both the Scout SUV and pickup are set to embrace electric power. However, unlike Volkswagen's existing dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version housed within the MEB platform, Scout is opting for an entirely distinct platform purpose-built for off-road capabilities.

A dual-motor arrangement ensuring all-wheel drive appears highly likely, yet the prospect of three- and four-motor setups isn't entirely dismissed, provided Scout can maintain an affordable price point. Furthermore, there's potential for this platform to extend its application to additional models within the VW Group.

Reports stated that Volkswagen aims to maintain the competitive pricing of its electric off-road vehicle in line with existing models such as the Bronco and Wrangler. In an interview with TechCrunch, Scout CEO Scott Keogh affirmed that the SUV's price would hover around $40,000 or slightly higher.

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