Volkswagen will make Scout its electric SUV and pickup division

volkswagen certainly wasn’t going to sit idly by watching the parade of electric SUVs and pickup trucks without taking part. We know that the manufacturer relies heavily on IDs. when it comes to compact or midsize vehicles, but North Americans like bigger, tougher, more American. Volkswagen therefore had the genius idea to delve into the many car divisions it owns and pick one that will bring back memories: Scout.

International Harvester, a manufacturer of tractors and farm machinery, has been around for over 115 years, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that the manufacturer became interested in motor vehicles, initially with the Travelall and then, from the early 1950s 1960, with the Scout 80. The latter was in production in various forms and evolutions from 1961 to 1980. At that time, the Scout had only one mission: to compete with Jeep. Sadly, Scout’s adventure ended in the 1980s. However, off-road vehicle enthusiasts all know Scout because of his legendary abilities.

Here we are in 2022, in the full era of electrification, and Scout will become the spearhead of Volkswagen in North America when it comes to large electric vehicles. The idea is brilliant. Just look at what GM has done with the Hummer name and, even, Jeep with the Magneto concept, which suggests the Wrangler in an electric version. There are SUVs, but also, and above all, vans that appeal to Volkswagen; and Scout will be tasked with responding to the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Silverado EV, Rivian R1T and any others who join the ball rolling.

Volkswagen will probably invest more than a billion US dollars for this adventure which should begin in 2026. The manufacturer hopes for an annual production for this division of around 250,000 vehicles.

ONECARSPOT’S NOTICE

Volkswagen has owned the Scout corporate name since 2020, so it was a stroke of genius to reclaim the name and bring it back to the market in an electric configuration. Remains to be seen if the retro inspiration will also invite itself on the side of the design. We ardently wish it!