VW to launch its first electric ute, reigniting 1960s Scout name

Volkswagen will launch an all-electric off-road utility truck under its former sub-brand, Scout.

Volkswagen will build the new all-electric Scout range in the US for the US market. Scout will become a brand in its own right, sitting alongside the likes of Audi, Porsche, Seat, Škoda and Cupra.

Group CEO Herbert Diess said electrifying the brand provides a “historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group.”

This, he added, will “further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs.”

Additionally, group financial officer Arno Antlitz  said this “aligns with the new Group steering model. That is to say, “small units that act agilely and have access to our tech platforms to leverage synergies.”

Large pickups and SUVs are, as in Australia, both popular and highly profitable segments in the US. Scout’s success would see the group target a market share of 10% in the swiftly growing segment.

Above all, Scout’s presence would see Volkswagen present a serious challenge to the likes of the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford Lightning and GM Hummer EVs.

The carmaker released new images of the rugged electric ute, and an equally formidable-looking electric SUV on Wednesday (US time). Along with the Scout name, the new range of electric utes will inherit the kudos of what were the precursors to today’s SUVs.

Originally used by International Harvester for a range of open-tray and closed-top pickup trucks in the 1960s, the Scout range was a competitor to the Jeep.

Scout ute design revives boxy retro cool

Rumours that VW would reinvent the Scout name emerged in 2020 after its sub-brand Traton acquired the name Scout from Navistar in 2020, which formed after International Harvester folded in 1985.

Notably, the boxy design of the Scout range brings to mind another electric ute and SUV range. No prizes for guessing who that EV maker, which today released its latest earnings report, might be.

The new all-electric Scout range will be built on a new platform designed to off-road specifications. The carmakers says this will bring “new pickup and RUV credibility beyond the existing Volkswagen Group portfolio.”

Overall, the news is an interesting step for the German carmaker. No other details were released alongside the announcement, except that production is planned from 2026. Fingers crossed that by then, the global supply chain crisis has resolved.