Scout, the Volkswagen-Backed Brand, to Unveil Electric 4×4 Rivals to Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco
Early sketches released by Scout show what its 4×4 and pick-up will look like
Scout, the revived 4×4 brand backed by Volkswagen, is set to reveal its first cars on October 24th. The brand will introduce an electric competitor to the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco, as well as a closely related pick-up truck to take on the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning.
Retro-Futuristic Design Inspired by International Harvester Scout II
The upcoming high-riding 4×4 and pick-up from Scout will feature retro-futuristic designs heavily influenced by the International Harvester Scout II, a popular rival to the Jeep Wrangler during the 1970s and 1980s. Preview images released by the company showcase the models’ squared-off designs, vertically stacked tail-lights, and kinked C-pillars. Additionally, the vehicles will be equipped with chunky all-terrain tires, although there may be options for more road-focused setups.
Built in South Carolina with Magna’s Batteries and Electronics
The Scouts will be manufactured at a new facility in South Carolina, USA, utilizing batteries and electronics supplied by Magna. These vehicles will be based on a new ladder-frame platform that is distinct from the MEB and PPE architectures used for electric cars by Volkswagen Group, Scout’s parent company. Audi is also considering the possibility of using the Scout platform and factory for its own rugged electric 4×4.
Production and VW Group’s Ambitions
The first Scouts are expected to roll off the production line in South Carolina in 2026. Volkswagen Group plans to gradually increase the factory’s output to 200,000 cars annually. The decision to revive the Scout brand was announced by VW Group two years ago, under the leadership of former CEO Herbert Diess. Diess expressed the company’s ambition to become a significant player in the US market by entering the highly attractive pick-up and recreational SUV segment through electrification.
VW Group’s Investment in Rivian
It is worth noting that Volkswagen Group has recently invested up to $5 billion (£3.8bn) in Rivian, a direct competitor to Scout. Rivian produces the R1T pick-up and R1S SUV, which share similarities with Scout’s upcoming models. This investment provides critical funding for Rivian’s development of the upcoming R2 SUV and R3 crossover, while also leveraging Rivian’s expertise in software-defined vehicles.
