Volkswagen is reviving the Scout badge for a pair of electric cars in 2026.
Volkswagen of America will launch an electric ute and an SUV under the standalone Scout sub-brand, a name it acquired in 2021.
The cars won’t be rebadged versions of other Volkswagen Group products. VW says the company will be founded later this year to “design, engineer, and manufacture pick-up and rugged” models for the US market.
The first concept versions of the ute and SUV will be revealed in 2023, with production to kick off in 2026. It’s unlikely they’ll share anything with the internal-combustion Amarok due to Australia next year.
Instead of the MEB platform being used for vehicles like the ID.3 and ID.4, the R-SUV range (as VW has dubbed it) will be built on a “new technical platform concept”.
“After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the US, we are now taking the opportunity to further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs,” said Volkswagen AG CEO Herbert Diess.
“Electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the U.S. market.”
The Scout name was applied to a Jeep rival from the International Harvester company between 1961 and 1980.
Produced in Indiana, USA, it was available with a range of hard- and soft-top body styles, and featured a pickup option.
When it launches, the Volkswagen EV ute will take on a huge pool of battery-powered off-roaders.
Rivian already has the R1T, while Ford has launched the F-150 Lightning. Chevrolet has the Silverado EV coming, and the hulking GMC Hummer is not far from customer hands.
There’s also the Tesla Cybertruck to consider, although it’s unclear when that will arrive on public roads.
