Iconic scout reborn as electric SUV under Volkswagen and Magna Steyr

German auto giant, Volkswagen Group, is setting its sights earnestly on the revival of the iconic Scout brand. The development of the electric SUV project is being carried out under the keen supervision of Austrian company Magna Steyr, renowned for producing models such as the G class.

The reincarnated Scout brand recalls the heritage of the International Harvester Scout off-road vehicle. Volkswagen acquired the rights to the brand in 2020 through the American company, Navistar International. With competitors such as Rivian rapidly evolving, Scout is projected to make a marked comeback by the end of 2026.

The Austrian company Magna Steyr takes the helm in designing electric SUVs and pick-up trucks. This choice is hardly surprising given their proven expertise in such fields. Their facility in Graz currently manages the production of Mercedes’ G Class model, and BMW's Z4 also enriches their portfolio. Moreover, Magna contributed significantly to the Ineos Grenadier project.

A report from "Kleine Zeitung", citing sources close to the plant, estimates Volkswagen's investment for the development of Scout to edge up to 450 million euros. Such a monumental contract would be a first in the history of Magna.

The same publication also confirms that work on the project has commenced. The production base for the Scout vehicles is slated to be Blythewood in South Carolina, located roughly 348 miles away from another VAG group factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The anticipation is high with a projected yield of up to 200,000 vehicles gracing the roadways each year.