How VW’s EV-Maker Scout Motors Will Take on Rivian
Reading Time: 5 minutesVW looks to the future with Scout Motors.
It has been several years since Volkswagen’s (VW) diesel emissions debacle rocked the automotive world. Since then, VW found itself a path forward by committing its future to electrification.
In an unexpected twist, the German automaker announced last year that it’s launching a new brand, Scout Motors. With a lineup that will include a rugged SUV and pick-up truck, we take you on a deep dive into what we know about the future Scouts and how they’re gearing up to compete with Rivian.
What Is Scout Motors?
Purpose-built off-roaders straight from the factory are in growing demand from automakers. VW, known for its German-engineered family cars that blend style with sport, seeks to home in on this niche market. This is where Scout Motors comes into play.
Scout Motors is VW’s upcoming truck and SUV brand. According to VW, Scout Motors will be an independent company that designs, engineers, and manufactures vehicles exclusively for the United States market. The future automaker will be focused on creating a lineup of rugged vehicles that cater to more outdoor-minded consumers and overlanding enthusiasts.
Heritage of Scout
Intrigued by the retro-looking truck above? This is the original Scout. VW’s new subsidiary is actually the revival of a nameplate that dates back to the early 1960s.
First developed by commercial truck and agricultural equipment manufacturer, International Harvester, the Scout introduced commercial-grade vehicle durability to everyday consumer households.
According to notable automotive auction company Mecum, the Scouts were ‘the original precursors of the SUVs to come.’ Built with versatility and comfort in mind, the Scout competed with other known classics such as the Chevy Blazer, Ford Bronco, and Jeep CJ-5.
After a production run of nearly two decades, International Harvester ended its Scout passenger vehicle lineup to focus on commercial operations. Around the same time, the company changed its name to Navistar International Corporation, which was ultimately acquired by VW’s parent company in 2020 (per Reuters).
Will Scout Motors Sell Gas-Powered Vehicles?
No. The Scout Motors lineup will be an electric vehicle-only brand. According to VW, electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the truck and SUV segments in the U.S.
More detailed specs about the future Scout vehicles have yet to be released but expect the SUV and truck duo to feature the latest EV powertrain and charging technology, which may include a free charging package for Electrify America thanks to VW.
The ID.4 is the only VW EV available in the U.S. currently. The German automaker already has several EV models on sale in other countries. With hype already building for the upcoming VW Bus revival, the ID Buzz (which will be sold in the U.S.), the Scout Motors lineup is entering the market at the right time.
The EV maker is positioned to bridge VW’s electrification plans with U.S. consumers’ off-road enthusiasm. Ultimately, Scout Motors’ parent company hopes its commitment to EVs and purpose-built vehicles will lead to acquiring a target market share of 10 percent in the U.S.
What Will Scout Motors’ Vehicles Look Like?
Included in the announcement of Scout Motors’ launch is a blueprint-themed preview of its future SUV and pick-up truck. Both the SUV and the truck feature prominent characteristics of traditional American vehicles: a boxy body, tall roofline, and aggressive-looking road presence.
The truck has a longer wheelbase than the SUV, but the Scout siblings share short overhangs in the front and rear. Presumably this is for better approach and departure angles in off-road situations. The upright front end and vertical taillights in the back resemble that of other outdoor-purposed trucks and SUVS (think Jeep and Hummer).
The above graphic also makes a point to showcase the Scout’s clean-cut design language. Bold wheels and thick tire treading round out the Scout’s off-the-beaten-path looks. VW says the electrified Scouts will be built on an all-new platform, meaning none of the automakers current EV platforms will be utilized.
Where Will Scout Vehicles Be Made?
VW confirmed that its new Scout Motors subsidiary will be entirely based in the United States. While VW Group of America is headquartered in Northern Virginia, the parent company’s CFO Arno Antlitz stated, ‘the company we will establish…will be a separate unit and brand with the Volkswagen Group to be managed independently.’
Neither VW nor Scout Motors have confirmed where its truck and SUV will be built. Several outlets are already speculating where the upcoming EV maker’s facilities might pop up. According to The Drive, the future Scouts could be built in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the same city where the original Scout manufacturing facilities were based previously.
Motor1.com reports the Scout brand is in talks with multiple technology groups to handle the assembly of its future vehicles. One of those groups purchased a former General Motors factory in Lordstown, Ohio last year. At this time, Scout Motors has not finalized any plans for its future production facilities and if that will include a partnership with any other companies.
When Will Scout Vehicles Go on Sale?
If you think you’re going to be buying a Scout truck or SUV this year, think again. VW says production for the upcoming EV maker is not scheduled to begin until 2026. However, the parent company did note the first prototypes for the future Scouts will be unveiled sometime in 2023.
While we wait for an official first look at the upcoming Scouts, the EV maker is already establishing a complete social presence. The automaker has a Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn page, as well as its own Scout Motors Community forum for enthusiasts to talk about their past, present, and future Scout vehicles.
Scout Motors Takes Aim at Rivian
EV market share in the U.S. was about 6% in 2022 (per Reuters), but this isn’t stopping EV startups from popping up. One of those EV makers, Rivian, beat Scout Motors to the market with its R1T and R1S. Both Rivian vehicles are adventure-oriented EVs, like the upcoming Scouts.
If Scout expects to be a worthy competitor, the future EV maker should be benchmarking some of the amazing tech features found on Rivian vehicles. For example, the R1T uses quad-motor all-wheel drive that can adjust torque output at each wheel. In addition, there’s a gear tunnel between the truck bed and cabin for added storage, an integrated air compressor, a built-in security system, and an integrated camp kitchen.
As off-road ready as Rivians seem, Scout Motors has an opportunity to distinguish itself with better charging technology and overall range. According to Motor Trend, Rivian vehicles have a range of 230, 314, or 400 miles depending on battery size. If Scout Motors can offer the same adventure-oriented capabilities as Rivian, with better powertrain specs, its future truck and SUV will certainly give rivals a run for their money.
Scout Motors Will Change the EV Off-Road Game
Production of the Scout Motors lineup is still a few years away, but the future EV maker is working hard to be a significant player in the market. Rivian has already made a name for itself as the first automaker to bring a fully electric pick-up truck to the consumer automotive market. Scout Motors needs to take what Rivian has done good to make its future truck and SUV better.
Reference: https://www.makeuseof.com/how-vws-ev-maker-scout-motors-will-take-on-rivian/
Ref: makeuseof
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