Volkswagen made big news when it announced a revival of the iconic American Scout name, and the automaker promised to build electric vehicles under the brand at a facility in South Carolina beginning in 2026. Automotive News Europe recently reported that to help rebuild the brand, VW plans to outsource production to Magna Steyr, a powerhouse automotive supplier that builds the G-Class for Mercedes and the Ocean for Fisker.
The automaker’s order adds up to $492 million, or 450 million euros to develop and produce the vehicles. Though VW hasn’t detailed which models Magna will be responsible for, it has already noted a $40,000 electric SUV and a pickup as its first two models, so they seem like the most logical starting point.
Scout is also ramping up hiring as it wades through the frantic development and growth period ahead of production. The automaker has several open roles in Detroit, primarily for design and engineering positions, but there are plenty of tech and logistics roles in California and South Carolina.
Volkswagen acquired the Scout name in 2020 when it bought Navistar. The Scout name was used on a range of vehicles over nearly two decades and became a legend synonymous with hardcore, old-school off-roading. The vehicles are highly sought-after today, commanding a premium on the classic market. It’s unclear how VW will approach that legacy, but it has promised to retain the attitude and feel that people love about Scouts.
[Image: VW/Scout]
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