They will appear in 2026
Volkswagen turned to Magna Steyr, an Austrian automaker and engineering company, to help develop rugged vehicles for its revived American Scout brand. Local newspaper Kleine Zeitung reports the deal is worth nearly half a billion ($492 million).
The German auto group announced it would bring back the Scout brand in 2022 and later confirmed construction of a $2 billion plant in South Carolina to produce electric vehicles. Details are still limited, but the company has confirmed the development of an SUV and a pickup truck.
The company enlists the help of Magna Steyr to develop these vehicles, with a focus on creating authentic SUVs that can compete with established models such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
Magna Steyr is responsible for the production of the Mercedes G-Class SUV, which, despite its higher price and luxury stance compared to the previously mentioned American models, has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional off-road capabilities.
In addition, the company has extensive experience with electric vehicles. Magna produces the Jaguar I-Pace and Fisker Ocean. The company's website also highlights its ability to design and engineer complete vehicles for customers.
Volkswagen hopes the Scout will be a hit in a market it has long been trying to capture. Production of the vehicles is expected to begin in 2026.