The plan is expected to be approved by the company’s board today.
It’s not surprising that a company like the VW Group has huge resources and wants to profit from the off-road craze. Late 2018 reports surfaced about an electric SUV that could be rugged. Since then, we have heard rumors of other names like Ruggdzz and T-Rug. Johan De Nysschen (VW Group of America Chief Operating Officer) hinted that an all-terrain vehicle could be possible in September 2021.
Flash forward to May 2022 and The Wall Street Journal reports that VW will greenlight an electric SUV as well as a pickup truck with no combustion engine. These EVs will be the foundation of the resurrected Scout brand in America as a subsidiary. Although the plan is expected to be approved by the board of directors today, production is not expected until 2026. VW hopes to produce as many as 250,000 Scoutvehicles each year.
According to WSJ, an initial investment in the amount of $1 billion is necessary to get things moving. The VW Group holds the rights to “Scout” via Traton, its subsidiary, which combines Scania, Man and Navistar under one corporate umbrella. It was created in 1986 by the International Harvester company as a direct successor.
There is still much to be done in 2026. GMC, Rivian and Ford have electric trucks out and about. The much-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck will be available next year, when the Chevrolet Silverado EEV will also make its debut. Scout will face stiff competition, but VW’s rich pockets could allow it to earn its place in automotive.
If the board of Directors votes in favor of Scout’s return, then we might soon hear from VW.