Volkswagen Group has confirmed plans to launch an all-electric pick-up and rugged SUV in the United States under the Scout brand. 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 U.S. this year as Volkswagen moves the iconic US-brand Scout into the electric vehicle space.
The first prototypes are to be unveiled in 2023, 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.
Herbert Diess, CEO Volkswagen AG, says: “After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the U.S., 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 pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the U.S. market.”
Arno Antlitz, CFO Volkswagen AG, adds: “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.”
In the US, VW’s share of the BEV market was around eight percent last year, roughly double its market share for combustion engines. More than two thirds of the 17,000 ID.4 buyers were new customers. in 2022, it will already be offering eight BEV models in the US.
