VW Scout Tops 50,000 EV Reservations

Scout Terra Pickup Truck and Scout Traveler SUV Concepts Receive Over 50,000 Reservations

LAS VEGAS — Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume revealed that Scout Motors has received more than 50,000 refundable reservation deposits for its first electric pickups and SUVs. The vehicles, which include the Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV, are expected to arrive in 2027.

Strong Market Response

The response to the Scout brand has been "very, very positive," Blume said during a private media event at the CES tech conference in Las Vegas. "The response was ‘This is heritage.’ … It is kind of a love story." The market reaction has exceeded expectations, with 70% of reservations for the Traveler SUV, in line with company expectations.

Scout’s Ambitions

Scout is part of Volkswagen’s plan to grow its market share in the US, which currently sits at around 4%. Blume declined to disclose a potential market share target, but said, "Our ambition is much bigger to improve our market share, and we think we have some potential with all the new cars entering the market."

Scout’s Strategy

The brand is focusing on three main missions: increasing brand recognition, continuing engineering of the vehicle, and completing a $2 billion factory in South Carolina. The company is also planning to use software and electrical architecture from a $5.8 billion joint venture deal between Rivian and VW in its vehicles.

Vehicle Features

The Scout Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV will be offered as all-electric models or extended-range electric vehicles (EERVs), with EREVs featuring more than 500 miles of range and all-electric models with up to 350 miles of range. The vehicles will also include features such as satellite connectivity for remote areas.

Production Plans

Scout is currently building a plant in South Carolina with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles. The company plans to use batteries from a VW joint venture battery cell manufacturer in Canada and will produce vehicles starting in 2027.

Conclusion

Scout’s strong market response and ambitious plans for growth demonstrate the brand’s potential to make a significant impact in the US market. With its focus on heritage, brand recognition, and innovative features, the brand is poised to shake up the industry.

FAQs

Q: How many reservations has Scout received for its electric pickups and SUVs?
A: Over 50,000 refundable reservation deposits have been received.

Q: What is the breakdown between all-electric and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models?
A: The company declined to disclose the breakdown, but 70% of reservations are for the Traveler SUV, in line with company expectations.

Q: What is the production capacity of the new factory in South Carolina?
A: The factory has an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles.

Q: When will Scout vehicles be available?
A: The vehicles are expected to arrive in 2027.