History of Scout Motors in Timeline

Scout Motors Inc. is an American division of the Volkswagen Group, relaunched in 2022 after Volkswagen AG acquired the Scout brand through its purchase of International Motors in 2021. It operates as a member of the Volkswagen Group companies.

1959: Scout brand conceived by International Harvester

In 1959, the Scout brand was first conceived by International Harvester.

December 1960: Production on the first Scout vehicles began

Production on the first Scout vehicles began in December 1960.

1961: First Scout vehicle sold

In 1961, the first Scout vehicle, called the Scout 80, was sold as a 1961 model year.

1980: End of Scout vehicle production

Production of International Scout vehicles, which began in 1961, ended in 1980.

September 2021: Report of Volkswagen AG considering reviving Scout nameplate

In September 2021, MotorTrend reported that Volkswagen AG was considering reviving the Scout nameplate to compete with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco.

2021: Volkswagen Group acquires Scout brand

In 2021, Volkswagen AG obtained the Scout brand after acquiring American truck manufacturer International Motors (previously Navistar).

May 11, 2022: Volkswagen AG approves plans for new Scout Motors company

On May 11, 2022, Volkswagen AG approved plans to form a new, independent company, Scout Motors, Inc., dedicated to designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing electric vehicles in the United States. Scott Keogh became the first CEO.

2022: Scout brand relaunched

In 2022, the Scout brand was officially relaunched under the Volkswagen Group.

March 3, 2023: Scout Motors announces plans to build a $2 billion factory

On March 3, 2023, Scout Motors announced plans to build a $2 billion factory in Blythewood, South Carolina, with a capacity of 200,000 vehicles per year. The factory aims to employ over 4,000 people and produce the Scout Traveler™ SUV and Scout Terra truck.

December 2023: Scout Motors announces first R&D facility in Michigan

In December 2023, Scout Motors announced it would open its first R&D facility in Novi, Michigan, sometime in 2024, called the Scout Motors Innovation Center.

October 24, 2024: Scout Motors Debuts New Vehicle Concepts

On October 24, 2024, Scout Motors revealed the Scout® Traveler SUV and Scout® Terra truck concepts at a national event near Nashville, Tennessee. The event featured a display of vintage International Harvest Scout vehicles.

November 12, 2024: Scout Motors announces new zonal architecture

On November 12, 2024, Scout Motors announced they will use a new zonal architecture developed by the Volkswagen Group-Rivian joint venture (Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC) in their vehicles, paired with their Scout Community UX interface system.

January 2025: Scout Motors makes first major trade show appearance

In January 2025, Scout Motors made its first major trade show appearance at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

February 3, 2025: NADA files lawsuit against Volkswagen Group and Scout Motors

On February 3, 2025, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen Group and Scout Motors, alleging that Scout's direct sales model violates franchise laws.

May 2025: Richland County fined for pollution at Scout Motors site

In May 2025, Richland County was fined $3 million for violating state pollution rules at the Scout Motors construction site in Blythewood, South Carolina, due to excessive sediment pollution. The fine could be reduced to $1 million if issues are addressed by set deadlines.