Talent From Across Auto World Leads The Charge

The idea of building a new car brand on the foundation of a strong heritage was one that resonated with then-VW North America president Scott Keogh; he quickly transitioned to lead the new venture, one that, while funded by Volkswagen, is open to investment from outside partners in the future.

Keogh quickly built a team of heavy-hitters: Chris Benjamin, chief design officer, who served as chief of interior design at Stellantis North America; Burkhard Huhnke, chief technical officer who came from Fisker Automotive; Ryan Decker, VP of strategy and brand who previously built strategy for VW and headed EVs for Audi; and Steve Martini, VP of sales and marketing, also formerly of VW. Keogh also brought on notable production expert Dr. Jan Spies as chief production officer, who joined from VW; sadly, Spies died of cancer in February, 2025.

The Scout team has been busy building out the brand’s first prototype vehicles and a business model that, while faced with challenges typical of the industry, sets a path for the future of the brand and will lean into new business models for car sales.

A New Model For Adventure Driving

The new era of Scout is electric, with its debut models, the Terra pickup truck and the Traveler SUV featuring all wheel drive for off-road capability. Scout designed these to be powerful; they are expected to produce more than 1,000 pound-feet of torque and will feature an 800-volt architecture—found in Porsche, Audi, Hyundai and Kia EVs—popular for quick-charging capability at DC fast chargers.

They are also designed to be simplified; through VW’s partnership with Rivian, Scout will be able to take advantage of the zonal architecture for its models; this divides the vehicle’s electronics into zones and reduces components and wiring for more efficient function, easier manufacturing and better reliability.

The company also listened closely to car buyers, incorporating things that people want (or don’t) such as physical buttons and controls, a solid rear axle and details that owners of vintage Scout models value and technology that makes modern car ownership more rewarding. While the EV platform seemed the clear way to go when Scout was formed, it has since wavered in popularity though it’s still the propulsion system of the future. But to give Scout customers full confidence, the company added a ‘range extender’ option that incorporates a gas-powered system to supplement the EV powertrain, a technology that is being implemented by other carmakers including Jeep and Ford and is popular among EV buyers in China. It’s proving popular with Scout reservation holders, too; 85% of reservations are for Harvester trims.

The Harvester option on the Terra and Traveler will add more than just the confidence and added range of the gas motor; it will still deliver quiet performance and the instant torque of electric driving. Buyers can charge their Scouts for most of their driving and use the range extender, which will increase range to 500 miles from the all-electric 350 mile range, for road trips or off-roading, which is at the core of the Scout Motors ethos.

Heritage Design Lends Authenticity To The New Scout Era

International Scout, in its first era, was known as a go-anywhere SUV, able to climb hills and ford creeks thanks to its four wheel drive and ground clearance. While its interiors could be fairly sparse, capability for cargo and people was a priority.

Those ideas are at the core of the future of Scout’s models, which are defined by boxy shapes, linear lights and interiors that harken to the heritage models, offering front seat benches that seat three, an open front dashboard and vintage-style upholstery, carpets and heritage Tartan details.

Scout’s designers added a even more functionality with a novel rear gate. The gate itself is a split gate that opens from the center, the upper part lifting and the bottom portion lowering; this makes for a great workspace and provides access to the cargo area while keeping gear contained. Outside, the gate is covered by a spare tire holder that swings out of the way for lift gate access.

The interior is notable for a steering wheel that’s flat on top and bottom for a modern look and feel, a fabric cabana sunroof cover, extra AUX outlets for easy accessory connections to things like exterior lighting lighting or a winch.

Accessories are part of the formula for Scout models and the’ll have plenty of capability to accommodate them: Up to 10,000 pounds of tow capacity, three feet of water wading, tires up to 35” and to charge the Scout, a NACS charge port outfitted with additional household outlets for charging gear. The front trunk will be able to accommodate seating or large items like a stroller, and the roof can hold heavier items such as lighting, tents or luggage boxes.

A New Sales Model Rankles VW Dealers

When Scout rolled out its prototypes to the media, the company announced a novel business model with direct-to-customer sales, experience centers and accessory sales, all designed to deliver a holistic experience to Scout buyers. Scout is promising a flat, no-haggle pricing structure and pricing that starts under $60,000.

Not unlike the current culture of Scout owners, who find community in ownership, Scout hopes to build a culture of owners and to see its model line grow with their owners. Experience centers will be designed to help owners learn the capability of their new truck or SUV, and the sales center will demonstrate and sell accessories as well as deliver new vehicles and provide service.

This model has worked well for Tesla, Lucid and Rivian, but Scout, with its VW roots, has a tougher road ahead. Even though it’s an independent company that has been invested in but is not fully owned by VW, is Scout obliged to adhere to the a dealership franchise model that its other brands operate under?

That is what VW dealers believe, and they are suing to force Scout to abide by dealership franchise laws. Though, with the ability to invest in Scout, current VW dealers could potentially participate in the brand’s future. And the opportunity to be a part of the revival may prove irresistible if the enthusiasm of reservation holders and vintage Scout owners is any indication. Scout’s charm, it seems, is inescapable.