Scout Motors has unveiled its highly anticipated electric vehicle concepts, the Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra truck. These vehicles aim to blend classic design elements with modern technology, offering a unique proposition to consumers. According to a crowdsourced reservation tracker, the vast majority of reservations are for the “Harvester” extended-range hybrid version (EREV).
Great view of all the fun bits from underneath the trucks at the Scout reveal from @davidntracy for @the_autopian. https://t.co/YX7SYVZs9z
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) October 27, 2024
The Harvester label pays homage to International Harvester, the original manufacturer of Scout off-roaders from 1961 to 1980.
Good, the sooner all cars are sold direct to consumers, the better off we will be.
https://t.co/oyhHMQs7sA— Scott Hartman (@skeletaldrawing) October 28, 2024
The reservation data shows that 81% of individuals have opted for the EREV, while 19% have chosen the fully electric version. The Scout Traveler SUV has garnered more interest, with 58% of reservations, compared to 34.5% for the Scout Terra truck.
Notably, 52.5% of the reservations come from non-EV owners.
Groups representing U.S. auto dealers said on Friday they plan to challenge a decision by Volkswagen's Scout Motors to sell directly to consumers, bypassing independent retailers: https://t.co/XYla9A1IWG
— NADA (@NADAUpdate) October 28, 2024
A Scout Motors spokesperson confirmed the popularity of the EREV models, stating, “Consumer response to the reveal of the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck is extremely positive, validating what we learned from the Scout community and several consumer product clinics at which we tested various product concepts.”
🇺🇸🔋The Volkswagen-backed classic car company is coming back as an EV-only brand, with its first models—an SUV and pickup truck—set to begin production in 2026.
One of its big selling points, besides price, is "more chunky mechanical buttons." #uspoli #EVhttps://t.co/uU412ZD6Z1
— Clean Energy Canada (@cleanenergycan) October 28, 2024
The spokesperson added that the high volume of reservations has exceeded internal expectations, with two-thirds of reservations being for the Scout Traveler SUV and one-third for the Scout Terra truck. Features like the Harvester range-extender and the optional bench seat are particularly appealing to consumers.
Scout’s proposition seems to be resonating with traditional gas SUV buyers, as many Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler owners have reserved the Traveler SUV.
Consumer preference for Harvester EREV models
EREVs function similarly to EVs, with an engine as a backup to recharge the battery and drive the wheels when the battery depletes.
This setup provides an efficient alternative to typical gas cars, mitigating range and charging anxieties for those who drive long distances or frequently tow or haul. Scout EVs are slated to enter production at a new $2 billion plant in South Carolina by 2027, with the automaker targeting a launch price under $60,000 before incentives, taxes, and fees. The vehicles will be sold directly to customers, without the involvement of third-party dealers.
This direct-sales approach has drawn criticism from the National Automobile Dealers Association and the Volkswagen National Dealer Advisory Council. They argue that bypassing the traditional dealership model will pose challenges for Scout across the country. However, Scout has been set up as an independent company, and dealers were aware as early as May 13, 2022, that they would have no automatic claim to the vehicles Scout produced.
Despite the dealers’ disappointment and plans to challenge the direct-sales model, Scout remains committed to its approach. As Scout Motors prepares to make a significant comeback in the electric vehicle market, it aims to attract a new generation of EV enthusiasts while honoring its storied past. The blend of nostalgic touchpoints and cutting-edge technology in the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck has already generated substantial interest among consumers, setting the stage for an exciting future in the automotive industry.
