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The rebirth of an American off-road icon. Scout Motors revives the International Harvester Scout nameplate as an all-electric off-road SUV and pickup. Built in South Carolina. Backed by Volkswagen. Targeting 2026 production.
Editorial revenue estimates compiled from publicly available financial data. Not licensed from or endorsed by Volkswagen AG. Verify at sec.gov.
Figures are independently compiled editorial estimates based on publicly available Volkswagen AG SEC 10-K filings and analyst reports. Not financial advice. Verify at sec.gov.
Current models in production as of 2026. Pricing reflects base MSRP — actual transaction prices vary by region and dealer.
Editorial reliability reference and recall context. Lower score = fewer reported problems per 100 vehicles. These are editorial estimates — not authoritative survey data.
The Scout name originates with International Harvester's compact SUV produced from 1961–1980 — one of the first modern SUVs. Volkswagen acquired the Scout trademark and formed Scout Motors LLC in 2022, investing $2B in a new South Carolina manufacturing facility. CEO Scott Keogh, former VW of America president, leads the brand. The goal is to create an American-designed, American-built EV brand under European financial backing.
Scout Motors is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (VW Group), the German automotive conglomerate that also owns Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, and SEAT. Scout operates independently with its own brand identity and US manufacturing focus. VW's rationale was to enter the profitable American truck/SUV market with an authentic American brand rather than adapting European platforms.
Editorial comparison of key ownership metrics. Data based on publicly available specifications and independent research.
| Metric | Top Model | Segment Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | See models | — |
| BRI P/100 | 0 | 165 |
| Recall Rate | N/A/100K | 3.5/100K |
| Warranty | 3yr/36K basic | 3yr/36K |
Full coverage, 40-year-old driver, clean record. Rates vary by state, age, driving history, credit, and insurer. Figures are independently compiled editorial estimates based on publicly available actuarial benchmarks — not licensed from insurers or aggregators. Not quotes. Not insurance advice.
| Model | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual | vs. Nat’l Avg | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scout Pickup (est.) EV pickup; estimate vs F-150 Lightning |
$148 |
$1,776/yr | +$50/mo est. | |
Scout Traveler (est.) EV SUV; estimate vs comparable EVs |
$155 |
$1,860/yr | +$57/mo est. |
Frequently asked questions about Scout Motors. Independent editorial answers — not sponsored.
ⓘ Editorial recall context only. Not affiliated with Scout Motors or NHTSA. Always verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Disclaimer →
Independent editorial guide. Not affiliated with Scout Motors, dealers, or any resale platform. Not purchasing advice.
No used market exists yet — Scout Motors has not commenced production deliveries. Reservations are open. Used market data will develop post-launch.
ⓘ Editorial guide only. Not purchasing, legal, or financial advice. Always conduct independent due diligence. Disclaimer →
Independent editorial research. All financial figures are estimates from publicly available sources — not licensed data. Not financial advice.
Scout Motors is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, reviving the iconic Scout nameplate (originally by International Harvester, 1960–1980) as an all-electric American truck and SUV brand. VW invested $2+ billion to establish Scout as a separate, distinctly American brand — positioning it away from VW's German identity to appeal to US truck buyers. Scout's factory is being built in Blythewood, South Carolina. Target price: under $50,000 for base models.
Scout Motors has reported 100,000+ pre-orders as of 2025. Scout's stated target is production start in late 2026, with deliveries beginning 2027 — however, automotive production timelines frequently shift, and these dates reflect Scout's public statements as of early 2026, not confirmed commitments. The South Carolina factory is under construction. Final specifications and EPA range ratings are not yet confirmed. Pre-order deposits are refundable.
Scout is targeting the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco off-road heritage market with an EV drivetrain. Known specs: body-on-frame construction (unusual for EVs), dual-motor AWD, target range 300+ miles, available range extender (EREV option with small ICE generator). The EREV option directly addresses range anxiety for off-road/remote use — a key differentiator from pure BEV competitors like the Rivian R1T.
Scout Motors is wholly owned by Volkswagen AG — the German conglomerate that also owns Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Škoda. VW's rationale: establish a dedicated American EV brand rather than trying to sell VW-badged trucks in a market hostile to the VW brand identity. Scout CEO Cody Thacker leads the company. VW views Scout as central to its North American electrification strategy alongside ID.4 and potential Rivian JV technology.