Volkswagen to Revive Scout Name With Fully-Electric Off-Roaders

Off-roading and electric vehicles are two of the more popular trends in the automotive industry at the moment. The COVID-19 pandemic got car owners to look into the idea of enjoying the great outdoors from the comfort of their vehicles, while tightening emissions and fuel economy regulations are requiring automakers to invest into electric cars heavily. Knowing this, Volkswagen thinks now is the best time to revive the iconic Scout name as a place for new all-electric off-roaders. 

Scout Name Returns

The last International Harvester Scout disappeared approximately 42 years ago. It was one of the first SUVs on sale when it appeared in 1961 and was billed as the do-it-all rugged SUV for the entire family. Now, Volkswagen is looking to bring the Scout name back under its own separate brand for electric off-roading vehicles. The German automaker confirmed the return of the Scout name and stated that two vehicles would come out. 

As of right now, Volkswagen has confirmed that the Scout name will return for an all-electric SUV and an electric pickup truck. The two vehicles will be engineered, designed, and manufactured in the U.S. VW claims that it will create an independent company under the Volkswagen Group for the Scout vehicles to live under for the U.S. market. 

When The New EVs Will Arrive

Production of the rugged EVs is set to begin in 2026. The electrified Scouts will utilize a new technical platform concept, but details on the platform are scarce. From the sketch that VW put out at the same time of the announcement, it looks like the SUV and pickup truck will share a few similar design elements as the Scouts form the ‘60s and ‘70s. The boxy design, window line, short overhangs, and angled windshield look like they've been plucked from the original Scout's design. 

Rumors of the return of the Scout name have been around for a year now. A report from the Wall Street Journal claims that VW is aiming to produce 250,000 Scout-branded electric cars in America annually. The German brand is getting ready to pour $1 billion into the new brand to get the two off-roading EVs to market. Volkswagen gained the rights to the Scout name when its Traton truck division took control of Navistar International in 2020. Navistar International was created in 1985 when International Harvester shut its doors. 

The new electric Scouts will help Volkswagen achieve its electrification goals and become a leader in the EV scene.