THE INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER SCOUT HAS BEEN DORMANT SINCE 1980 UNTIL VOLKSWAGEN DECIDED TO RESURRECT IT UNDER THE VAG UMBRELLA
The international Harvester Company produced the Scout SUV beginning in 1960. It continued to build this rugged and dependable SUV up until 1980 when it was then named the Scout II.
Volkswagen just broke ground in South Carolina, with production expected to begin in late 2026. CEO Scott Keogh assures everyone that it will not be named the Scout III and its styling will not be a retro 1970s design.
Volkswagen itself has still not finalized what the design of the scout will be but there will be an SUV and a pickup to begin with. The photos of these vehicles seen here are prototypes but Keough says they will be uniquely styled to honor the Scout heritage while having a modern appearance and stance.
Like a lot of new vehicles being produced today, these Scouts will be fully electric built on a new body and frame architecture.
Over the years original versions of the Scout developed a cult following among hunters, off-roaders and collectors. Restoration of original Scouts is an emerging business which is growing rapid.
Keough also stated that Scout will remain committed to being an EV only brand and said there is no Plan B for the company to utilize an internal combustion engine.
Things like range, towing capacity and payload, 0-60 times and amenities are still to be determined, however in order to compete in the EV arena this writer would not expect battery range to be less the 300 miles.
The new Scout SUV is expected to start in the $45,000 range and could go up to about $70,000 with all the bells and whistles added.