The original Scout was an off-road vehicle produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. The model was built in two different generations and was offered as a two-door truck with a removable hardtop. It was aimed at models from Jeep. Many considered the Scout as one of the most influential vehicles ever made and the world’s first modern SUV.

These days it is actually very difficult to find a Scout in good condition, but don't worry, Volkswagen has you covered.

The German company plans to bring back the Scout name, not as a model, but as an electric U.S.-brand. The first two models to be launched will be an electric rugged SUV - R-SUV as Volkswagen calls it - and an electric pick-up truck. The first prototypes will be unveiled next year, with the production scheduled to start in 2026 if everything goes according to plans. Everything from designing, to engineering, and to manufacturing will be based in the States, but the location is unknown at the moment.

Volkswagen plans to invest more than $100 million in the new Scout brand and wants to make sure it will end up being successful. The company has big plans for its electric future, as it hopes that by 2040, 100-percent of its new vehicles will be zero-emission.

The two electric off-road vehicles will be built on a “new technical platform concept which brings new pickup and RUV credibility beyond the existing Volkswagen Group portfolio.” This means the two Scout electric cars will not be based on the current EV-dedicated MEB or PPE architectures. Most likely the new platform will be used for a few other electric models, including the long-rumored Audi electric truck.

While we have no other details on these two, we do know Volkswagen needs to do its homework right if it wants the cars to be successful. If the original Scout is aimed at models like the classic Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, the electric versions will have to face a lot more competition.

Rivian, for example, is covering both segments, with the R1S SUV and the R1T truck - both of which are already enjoying a big success on the market. But, Volkswagen promises that while the R1S starts at a little over $70k, its electric R-SUV will be priced at under $40k. Ford is offering the F-150 Lightning at a starting price of $39,974, and we're pretty sure that by 2026, Tesla, Jeep, and GM will also finally bring their promised electric trucks. So, competition will be tough.

Herbert Diess, CEO Volkswagen AG: “After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the U.S., we are now taking the opportunity to further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs. Electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the U.S. market.”