Produced from 1961 through 1980, the International Harvester Scout was an iconic range of trucks that’s experienced a major influx in popularity over the last decade or so, with prices of vintage examples continuing to surge. In response to the increase in interest surrounding the classic 4×4, in 2021 Volkswagen-owned subsidiary the Traton Group announced that it had purchased the licensing and remaining assets of International Harvester, acquiring the brand with intentions to ultimately produce a modern take on the truck — a la the new Ford Bronco — that will be kicked along by a state-of-the-art electric powertrain.
Fast forward to today and VW and Traton have now officially launched the new brand that will be building these electric SUVs and pickups. Christened Scout Motors Inc, this Virginia-based outfit has just given us our first glimpse of its revived vehicle range, showing off a silhouette that reveals some of the truck’s bodywork design, including the hood, front fenders, A-pillars, and forward roof-line. A second, side-profile image has also confirmed the fact that Scout Motor’s inaugural vehicle lineup will be produced in both SUV and pickup variants — with both presumably being available across several trim levels.
Though very little of the new Scout’s design has been shown, it is abundantly clear that the model range draws ample inspiration from its ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s-era predecessors. This includes an industrial design that sports a generally boxy visual theme with a sloping windshield, flared fenders, and squared-off front and rear ends. We also anticipate the upcoming Scout EV to be a premium model, with a well-appointed interior, advanced powertrain, and impressive performance capabilities. We also suspect that the upcoming Scout’s premium nature played a role in VW opting to sell it under a different brand.
The forthcoming Scout Motors Inc Scout EV SUV and EV Pickup models are scheduled for a release in 2026, though more information will undoubtedly trickle out over the next year or two.
