Volkswagen-backed Scout will reveal its electric 4×4 and pickup, designed to challenge the Ford Bronco and Rivian R1T, on October 24.
Scout, the revived 4×4 brand backed by Volkswagen, is set to reveal its first electric vehicles on October 24. The brand will introduce two models: an electric SUV aimed at competing with the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco, and a pickup designed to rival the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning.
Both vehicles will feature a retro-futuristic design inspired by the classic International Harvester Scout II, which was produced from 1971 to 1980 and competed with the Jeep Wrangler. Preview images suggest squared-off styling, vertically stacked tail-lights, and kinked C-pillars. These models will come equipped with chunky all-terrain tires, though more road-focused options may also be available.
The new Scouts will be produced at a factory in South Carolina, using batteries and electronics from Magna. They will be built on a new ladder-frame platform, unrelated to the MEB and PPE platforms used by Volkswagen for its electric vehicles. Audi is also exploring the possibility of using this platform for its own rugged EV.
Production of the Scout models is expected to begin in 2026, with the factory gradually ramping up to a capacity of 200,000 vehicles annually. The Volkswagen Group, under former CEO Herbert Diess, announced plans to revive the Scout brand as part of its strategy to enter the U.S. pickup and SUV market with electric vehicles.
In addition, Volkswagen has invested up to $5 billion in Scout rival Rivian, gaining valuable expertise in software-defined vehicles while supporting Rivian’s development of the upcoming R2 SUV and R3 crossover.
