The Resurrection of Scout Motors: A Closer Look at Their Innovative Approach to the Electric SUV Market
With Rivian leading the charge in electric off-road vehicles and all-terrain movement, VW’s Scout Motors brand has set its sights on carving out its own distinct space. The CEO of Scout Motors, Scott Keogh, believes that the key to this success lies in embracing a less digitized approach and instead focusing on creating a connection between the driver, the vehicle, and the surrounding environment. To achieve this, the brand is looking to incorporate iconic features from the International Harvester Scout, one of the first rugged SUVs to rival the Jeep CJ. Central to the brand’s vision is the revival of the folding windshield, a nostalgic touchstone from the original Scouts.
In an exclusive interview with The Verge, Keogh offered insight into the brand’s philosophy, emphasizing that Scout Motors’ SUVs will not be “isolation machines” like many modern EVs. Instead, the company aims to return to a more analog approach, grounding the driving experience in traditional, hands-on elements. These will include real handles and buttons in the vehicle’s interior, deviating from the trend in modern vehicles toward flush door handles and large touch screens.
The inclusion of the folding windshield, which Keogh described as “iconic,” represents the brand’s commitment to preserving the heritage and spirit of the original Scouts. This nod to tradition aims to provide drivers with a more authentic and immersive off-road experience.
While the off-road electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly crowded, Scout Motors intends to differentiate itself by evolving a unique niche. Rivian has established itself as the luxury off-road electric vehicle brand, reminiscent of Land Rover, while Jeep is making strides in the same direction with vehicles like the Recon and Wagoneer S. The Recon, with its removable doors and retractable roof, is designed to appeal to the Wrangler fan base, but notably lacks the Wrangler’s folding windshield.
Both of these efforts have fallen short of capturing the hearts of the truly dedicated fans of the iconic Jeep Wrangler, and it is here that Scout Motors sees an opportunity. By leveraging its embrace of iconic design elements like the folding windshield, the company hopes to provide an alternative for consumers who long for a more traditional off-road experience.
As the electric market continues to expand, Jeep’s decision to not embrace the rugged features of their most iconic vehicles – especially the folding windshield – presents an opportunity for Scout Motors to step in. This is underscored by the popularity of Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe, which has shown that there is significant demand for electric SUVs that maintain the core features and spirit of their internal combustion predecessors.
Ultimately, Scout Motors is positioning itself as the brand that can fulfill this unmet demand. By integrating vintage design flourishes like the folding windshield into its electric vehicles, Scout Motors hopes to create a lineup of SUVs that connect drivers to the world around them while offering the practical, off-road capabilities needed for modern adventures.
For those seeking a return to tradition and a connection to the elements, Scout Motors’ innovative approach to the electric SUV market shows promise. Through their embrace of classic design features and a focus on creating immersive driving experiences, Scout Motors may very well redefine what it means to explore the great outdoors in an electric vehicle.
