Volkswagen Brings Back Scout Name with Electric Models
Volkswagen has revived the iconic Scout name, originally used by International Harvester for their pickup trucks and SUVs in the ’60s to ’80s. The new Scout models, Traveler and Terra, are all-electric and aim to capture the essence of the original vehicle. The International Scout, which inspired VW’s new venture, was one of the pioneers of modern SUVs and recreational vehicles, blending fun and ruggedness in a category that was still nascent at the time.
Scout Motors: A New Era in Electric Off-Road Vehicles
Scout Motors, an American automaker established in 2022, now owned by Volkswagen Group, is set to produce electric off-road vehicles. Building on the legacy of the original Scout off-roaders, Scout Motors will introduce an SUV and a pickup truck on a new electric box-frame chassis platform. The production will be based in Blythewood, South Carolina, promising a blend of innovation and tradition.
Top 10 Reasons the Original International Scout Stands Out
1. It Had Its Roots In Agriculture: Originating from International Harvester’s legacy in producing agricultural equipment, the Scout transitioned from a workhorse to a recreational vehicle.
2. It Helped Create The Concept Of The Modern SUV: The Scout was instrumental in shaping the shift from utilitarian vehicles to recreational SUVs.
3. It Was Supposed To Be Made Out Of Plastic: The Scout initially planned for a plastic body, later replaced by a steel body for production ease.
4. It Combined Comfort With Ruggedness: The Scout introduced passenger comfort features in an off-road vehicle.
5. It Was Available In Several Different Layouts: The Scout offered various body styles, including unique models like Campermobile and Sno-Star.
6. It Spawned A Special “Red Carpet” Edition: A limited Red Carpet Edition marked the Scout’s milestone of 100,000 units built.
7. And A Swiss Luxury Wagon: The Scout served as the base for luxury station wagons by Swiss brand Monteverdi, adding elegance to off-road capability.
8. It Had A Career In Motorsport: The Super Scout II participated in off-road races, securing victories in iconic events like the Baja 1000.
9. It’s Now A Collectible: The Scout’s historic significance has made it a sought-after collectible among vintage vehicle enthusiasts.
10. It Left A Legacy In The Modern Era: The Scout’s influence can be seen in today’s SUV market, with Volkswagen’s Scout Motors driving the spirit of innovation forward with electric models.
The revival of the Scout name by Volkswagen reflects a blend of tradition and modern innovation, capturing the essence of the original Scout while embracing the future of electric mobility. With a range-extender option promising 500 miles, the new Scout models carry forward the legacy of versatility and adventure. A fitting tribute to the iconic brand that reshaped the landscape of off-road vehicles.
Sources: CBTNews, Hagerty, Scout Motors