Volkswagen-owned Scout Motors is set to unveil its highly anticipated electric ute and SUV models on October 24, 2024 - exactly 44 years after the last International Scout II rolled off the production line.
This date holds particular significance for off-road enthusiasts, as the original Scout series once rivalled the likes of the Ford Bronco, paving the way for modern-day SUVs.
The rebirth of an icon
Originally an American brand that became synonymous with rugged off-roaders, Scout's story took a turn when VW acquired the rights in 2020 through its acquisition of Navistar, formerly International Harvester.
The latter discontinued its Scout models in 1980, following financial struggles. Now, after decades in the shadows, the Scout name is poised for a comeback under VW's electric vehicle (EV) strategy, tapping into a growing global market.
Scout Motors announced the unveiling via a teaser video on social media, featuring a roof-mounted compass and the text "revealing 10.24.2024".
Details coming soon
The upcoming EV concepts, an SUV and ute, are expected to showcase innovative designs that embody Scout’s off-road legacy while embracing electric powertrains.
Though Scout Motors has kept technical details under wraps, earlier sketches reveal an SUV with high ground clearance and minimal overhangs, alongside a pickup with a longer wheelbase - both designed to compete directly with vehicles from Ford and Chevrolet.
These vehicles will be manufactured in a US$2 billion (around NZ$3.25 billion) facility in South Carolina, which is projected to churn out up to 200,000 examples annually.
In a curious twist, VW committed to investing $5 billion into Rivian earlier this year, leading to speculation about potential shared technologies between the two automakers.
Despite this partnership, VW is adamant that it remains fully committed to the Scout brand, leaving room for the possibility of incorporating Rivian's EV technologies into future Scout models.
Scout’s return to the market signals VW’s determination to capture a slice of the lucrative EV off-road segment. With its eye on iconic competitors and Rivian’s cutting-edge technology, Scout's comeback could be one of the more exciting automotive stories of the coming decade.