Electric Scout concepts debut Oct. 24

Scout Motors returns from the history books thanks to Volkswagen. The iconic brand is part of Volkswagen Group, but is said to be operated independently and is being treated as a start-up automaker. Scout is being billed as an electric SUV and truck brand.

Scout EV plant groundbreaking

The latest teaser reveals a roof-mounted compass. Previous teasers revealed brick-like silhouettes for both the electric truck and SUV. The rugged designs are said to be inspired by the classic International Harvester Scout SUV, which was produced from 1960 to 1980.

Both the electric SUV and truck will be built at a new factory near Columbia, South Carolina, which is costing VW $2 billion. Once at full capacity, the factory is set to produce 200,000 vehicles annually and create 4,000 permanent jobs. Magna is assisting VW with the rapid development of the body-on-frame chassis for the Scout EVs.

Teaser for Scout Motors electric SUV and pickup truck

The SUV is said to arrive first with a target price in the $40,000 range. The larger pickup is set to arrive in short order after the SUV and cost a bit north of its sibling.

Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh was previously the CEO of Volkswagen America. The executive has touted the SUV as a “Rugged Utility Vehicle,” or RUV.”

Volkswagen invested $5 billion in Rivian to get access to its zonal electrical architecture. The electrical architecture will be used across the Volkswagen Group’s various brands, though it’s unclear if the deal went through with enough time for integration into the two Scout EVs.