History of Scout Motors in Timeline

Scout Motors Inc. is an American automotive startup established in 2022, supported by the Volkswagen Group. It operates as a member of the Volkswagen Group companies. The Scout brand was acquired by Volkswagen AG in 2021 following their purchase of American truck manufacturer International Motors. Scout Motors represents Volkswagen's endeavor to re-enter the American market with an electric SUV and pickup truck, reviving the historic Scout nameplate.

1959: International Harvester Conceptualized the Scout Brand

In 1959, International Harvester conceptualized the Scout brand, paving the way for a new line of vehicles.

December 1960: Production of First Scout Vehicles Began

In December 1960, production on the first Scout vehicles commenced, marking a significant step in the brand's history.

1961: First Scout Vehicle Sold

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

1980: Production of International Scout Vehicles Ended

In 1980, the production of International Scout vehicles, which had been ongoing since 1961, came to an end.

September 2021: Volkswagen AG May Revive the Scout Nameplate

In September 2021, a report by MotorTrend revealed that Volkswagen AG might consider reviving the Scout nameplate to compete with the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco.

2021: Volkswagen AG Acquired Scout Brand

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

May 11, 2022: Volkswagen AG Approved Plans to Form Scout Motors

On May 11, 2022, Volkswagen AG approved plans to establish a new, independent company dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of electric vehicles in the United States, naming Scott Keogh as the first CEO of Scout Motors, Inc.

2022: Scout Motors Inc. Founded

In 2022, Scout Motors Inc., an American automotive startup company, was founded with backing from the German manufacturer Volkswagen Group. It became a member of the Volkswagen Group companies.

March 3, 2023: Scout Motors Announced Plans to Build a Factory in Blythewood

On March 3, 2023, Scout Motors revealed plans to construct a $2 billion factory in Blythewood, South Carolina, with the capacity to produce 200,000 vehicles annually. The factory aims to employ over 4,000 individuals and manufacture the Scout Motor's initial models: the Scout Traveler™ SUV and Scout Terra truck.

December 2023: Scout Motors Announced First R&D Facility

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

October 24, 2024: Scout Motors Debuts New Vehicle Concepts

On October 24, 2024, Scout Motors presented the Scout® Traveler SUV and Scout® Terra truck concepts at its national reveal event near Nashville, Tennessee. The event featured International Harvester Scout vehicles, including the first and last production models.

November 12, 2024: Scout Motors Announced Utilization of New Zonal Architecture

On November 12, 2024, Scout Motors announced it would utilize a new zonal architecture built by the Volkswagen Group-Rivian joint venture (Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC) in their vehicles to complement their Scout Community UX, i.e. interface system.

2024: Scout Motors Innovation Center Fully Operational

Sometime in 2024, the Scout Motors Innovation Center became fully operational and is now home to the Product, Design, and Engineering teams, along with members of cross-functional support teams.

January 2025: Scout Motors 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: National Automobile Dealers Association filed Lawsuit

On February 3, 2025, The National Automobile Dealers Association responded to Scout Motors' intention to sell directly to customers by filing a lawsuit alleging violations of state law.