Volkswagen will introduce two rugged 4WD EVs, initially in North America, which are expected to go into production by 2026. Both models will be sold under the Scout off-road brand that VW acquired last year. 

• VW to introduce Scout EV brand by 2026
• Two models planned initially 
• Will go on sale in North America first
• Will not be based on MEB electric platform

Volkswagen Scout SUV brand: what’s new? 

Both EVs under this brand will be designed and manufactured in the US, with the first prototypes due to be revealed next year. The 'Scout' moniker has sat dormant since International Harvester, the original SUV's manufacturer, retired the model in 1980.

Volkswagen says the Scout brand will be formed later this year. It will stand alone from the main Volkswagen marque and will be “built upon a new technical platform concept” that will bring “new pickup and [rugged SUV] credibility” beyond the current Volkswagen model range. This suggests the MEB architecture currently used for Volkswagen EVs will not be adopted. The firm is targeting a 10 percent market share of the rugged SUV (R-SUV) and pickup segments in the US.

International Harvester Scout: a brief history

The Scout SUV was formerly built by International Harvester, which traditionally manufactured farm and commercial vehicles. It was produced from 1961 to 1980 as the firm’s first passenger car and was also available as a pickup. It would challenge one of the Jeep Wrangler’s ancestors, the Jeep CJ, while Ford introduced the Bronco in 1965. 

Volkswagen revealed a set of concept design images as part of the announcement, showing the silhouettes of both the pickup and large SUV, which are clearly envisioned as rivals for the Rivian R1T and R1S, respectively.  

Volkswagen’s plans for India

Volkswagen will soon launch the much-awaited Virtus sedan in India. The brand is also readying a market introduction for its ID Electric vehicle range in our market in future.