VW to reboot iconic Scout brand with electric off-roaders

Volkswagen is giving the iconic Scout brand a reboot. The iconic International Harvester Scout from the 1960s to the 80s is making a comeback as electrified off-roaders scheduled for production in 2026.

You might be wondering how the International Harvester brand found its way to the VW Group, its parent company Navistar International was acquired by VW subsidiary Traxton in 2021.

Likely looking at the success of Jeep with its Wrangler and Gladiator nameplates, and the recent Ford Bronco series; Volkswagen has decided to join the party with an iconic nameplate that it now owns.

The company officially announced that it will launch an electrified pick-up and rugged SUV model to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in the U.S. for American customers. The operation will be through an independent company that aims to bring the iconic Scout brand into the EV sphere. We will see the first prototypes next year with production set for 2026.

The electrified Scout brand will be built upon a new technical platform concept that brings new pickup and RUV credibility beyond the existing Volkswagen Group portfolio.

“After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the U.S., we are now taking the opportunity to further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs. 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,” said Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG.

Volkswagen is seeing the R-SUV and pick-up segments as a means to drive profitability in the U.S. with a significant boost to its market share. VW Group is targeting to achieve a 10% market share in the U.S.

“The company we will establish this year will be a separate unit and brand within the Volkswagen Group to be managed independently. This aligns with the new Group steering model - small units that act agilely and have access to our tech platforms to leverage synergies,” said Arno Antlitz, CFO of Volkswagen AG.