Volkswagen to revive Scout brand in US with electric trucks

MANILA: Volkswagen Group plans to launch an all-electric pickup and rugged SUV in the United States under the American brand Scout. 

The vehicles will be designed, engineered, and manufactured in the US for American customers. To this end, a separate, independent company will be established in the US this year as the Volkswagen Group moves the strong, iconic US brand Scout into the electric vehicle space.

The first VW/Scout prototypes are to be unveiled next year, and production is scheduled to start in 2026. The electrified Scout brand will be built upon a new technical platform concept which brings new pickup and RUV credibility beyond the existing Volkswagen Group portfolio.

CEO Volkswagen AG Herbert Diess commented: “After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the US, 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 pickup and R-SUV segment as a group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the US market.”

Success in the R-SUV and pickup segments are seen as key levers to increasing profitability in the US and achieving the targeted market share of 10%. The Volkswagen Group is thus continuing to systematically expand its presence in one of the most significant global growth markets.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen CFO Arno Antlitz explained: “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.” 

Photos from Volkswagen

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