New Volkswagen Group Reconnaissance The electric vehicle brand has confirmed it will build its upcoming pickup trucks and SUVs at a plant near Columbia, South Carolina from late 2026.
This follows report from last year says that the company is in talks with Foxconn, as well as Magna-Steyr, about a manufacturing contract.
Scout Motors secured a site of approximately 1600 acres (6.47 sq km), with the plant itself taking up 1100 acres (4.45 sq km). It is located about 30 kilometers from Columbia, South Carolina.
The company is investing US$2 billion (AU$2.96 billion) to set up the production facility, with ground breaking plans scheduled for mid-2023.
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production site rendering
At full capacity, Scout expects the production facility in South Carolina to be able to produce more than 200,000 vehicles per year. It also has the potential to create more than 4000 permanent jobs.
“Scout Motors will provide thousands of South Carolinians with unprecedented opportunities and prosperity for generations to come,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.
“The state of Palmetto, with its rich history, elite people and top-notch automotive manufacturing reputation, is the perfect place to relaunch this iconic American brand.”
The Volkswagen Group’s decision to make Scout vehicles in the US appears to be related to President Joe Biden’s recently signed tax, climate and healthcare laws that regulate electric vehicles and part of their battery components. must be domestically manufactured to qualify for the subsidy.
Electric vans, SUVs and pickups valued at up to US$80,000 (AU$118,533) and other electric vehicles valued at up to US$55,000 (AU$81,491) are made in the US currently eligible for a federal tax credit of up to US$7500 (AU$11,112).
As part of this announcement, Scout Motors also released a blurry teaser image of two upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) with the caption “the world needs Scouts”.
The Scout electric pickup truck and SUV will be built on a “newly designed all-electric platform” that is said to offer reliable off-road capability.
In-house engineering is said to focus on attributes including ground clearance, approach angle, sturdy axle, load capacity, electric range and “new digital features”.
Although the production of the right handlebar has not been confirmed, Volkswagen Australia raised their hand for SUVs and electric utes for sure.
“Scout is focused on the Americans, it only drives left at this point. If they determine that they want to build a right-hand drive variant, I guarantee that I will get on a plane straight there to bring the case for Australia,” said Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Division. in Australia, said auto expert in December 2022.
“It’s a pretty interesting product. I think there is a lot of scope [for Scout].
“I have no insight or other information about [Scout models] but from what we can see, they will have good application here in Australia and if they decide to switch to right-hand driving, I think the Australian Volkswagen Group will be extremely interested.”
Volkswagen has owned scout name in 2021 when its Traton truck division acquires Navistar, the parent company of International Harvester, which built Jeep-style SUVs and SUVs between 1961 and 1980.
Made in the US state of Indiana, it is available in a variety of hardtop and softtop body styles, and with a pickup option.
THAN: Volkswagen Scout EV ute could be built by iPhone maker
THAN: Volkswagen Australia wants Scout EVs, but RHD plans are yet to be announced
THAN: 2026 Scout: Volkswagen teases electric off-road vehicle
