Scout Motors

Scout Motors Inc. is an American company operating as an independent subsidiary of multinational automotive manufacturer Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen AG obtained the Scout brand after acquiring American truck manufacturer International Motors (previously Navistar) in 2021, and the Scout brand was relaunched in 2022.

Scout Motors was established to manufacture and market off-road electric vehicles.[1] It is a U.S.-based operation and independent company, managed separately from Volkswagen AG with its own executive team and board members.[2][3] On November 12, 2025, Scout Motors and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that Scout's global headquarters will be located in Charlotte, North Carolina.[4] The company currently has operations located in South Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, and California.

History

The Scout brand was conceived in 1959 by International Harvester. Production on the first Scout vehicles began in December 1960, with the first Scout vehicle sold as a 1961 model year called the Scout 80. The off-road, "8-day-a-week": International Scout vehicles, were produced from 1961 to 1980.

In September 2021, a report by MotorTrend announced that Volkswagen AG may look to revive the Scout nameplate as a potential competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and then newly revived Ford Bronco.[5] On May 11, 2022, Volkswagen AG approved plans to form a new, independent company dedicated to designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing electric vehicles in the United States.[6][7] Scott Keogh, previously President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Inc. became the first CEO of Scout Motors, Inc.[8]

On October 24, 2024, Scout Motors debuted two vehicle concepts: the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup truck, during its national reveal event just outside Nashville, Tennessee.[9] The event brought together Scout enthusiasts, automotive historians, and industry and media professionals. Attendees were greeted by a display of International Harvester Scout vehicles, including the first and last production Scout vehicles.

During the event, Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh presented the company’s vision for the brand’s future, focusing on its legacy of exploration and community. The event included the unveiling of the new Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck concepts and the announcement of a “Harvester” range extended concept that uses a small gasoline engine for generating usable electricity in the vehicle.[10]

On November 12, 2024, Scout Motors announced it would utilize a new zonal architecture,built by the Volkswagen Group-Rivian joint venture (Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC) in their vehicles to complement their Scout Community UX, i.e. interface system.[11]

In January 2025, Scout Motors made its first major trade show appearance at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.[12]

Dealership disputes

Scout Motors plans to sell vehicles directly to consumers and service its vehicles itself, following the direct sales model used by competitors like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and Polestar, rather than sell through franchised dealers. The National Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen Group and Scout Motors on February 3, 2025, alleging that as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen, Scout's direct sales violate laws that prohibit automakers from competing with their franchised dealers.[13][14][15] Volkswagen and Audi dealers in California and Florida similarly filed lawsuits, alleging Scout's direct sales model violates state franchise laws.[16][17]

Facilities

Models

Scout Motors debuted two concepts on October 24, 2024: They are expected to release in late 2027 as a 2028 model.[25] Reservations are currently available in the United States and Canada.[26]

• Scout Terra, a full-size pickup truck
• Scout Traveler, a full-size SUV

External links