- New EV brand Scout launches with Terra pickup and Traveler SUV
- Third model in the works but timing uncertain
- Scout spokesman said company open to two-door SUV with removable roof
Volkswagen Group's new U.S.-based rugged EV brand Scout Motors showed its first products last week in the form of the Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV, both inspired by the International Harvester Scout models of the same name sold during the 1970s.
During the presentation, which was held in Nashville, Scout teased a third model by displaying the image of a shrouded vehicle whose silhouette resembled an SUV. Part of the vehicle's front side section was visible, showing what appeared to be a more rugged wheel design and a more pronounced fender flare, suggesting that the vehicle may be an extra-rugged off-roader.
Scout Traveler SUV concept
While Scout isn't prepared to discuss what the vehicle might be, or when it will be launched, Shaheen Karimian, Scout's head of product marketing, hinted at one possible avenue in a statement to enthusiast website The Autopian.
When asked about Scout's decision to opt for a fixed roof on the Traveler SUV, albeit with the choice of a glass panel or a sliding center section that opens for an airy feel, Karimian conceded that there's a subset of customers that want a true removable roof experience, like what you get in the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, as well as some original Scouts.
Scout Traveler concept
He said Scout wouldn't have been able to deliver a satisfactory design with a vehicle the size of the new Traveler, but added that Scout hasn't ruled out offering a true removable roof option in the future on a vehicle with fewer doors and a shorter wheelbase.
“On a two row vehicle of this size, to deliver on all the other customer needs, the removable panels would be large, heavy, and challenging to provide a high quality experience without creating a higher customer price or an impacted vehicle experience,” he told The Autopian. “Doesn’t mean we can’t do one in the future, on say a vehicle with fewer doors and a shorter wheelbase.”
Scout Traveler SUV concept
However, given the low take rates of the two-door Wranglers and Broncos, it's more than likely whatever Scout is planning for its third model will still be an SUV with four doors and a fixed roof. It's still nice to dream, though.
Reservations for the new Scouts are already being accepted and pricing has been confirmed by the company to start below $60,000 for both models. Range on electric power alone will be over 350 miles but a range extender, in this case a gas engine, will be available and will take total range up to more than 500 miles. Production will start in 2027 at a plant in South Carolina.
