This picture, from 2019, is of a refurbished Scout. The model was initially constructed by International Harvester between 1961 and 1980.
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Volkswagen is planning to resurrect the long-lasting “Scout” model as an electrical automobile within the United States.
In a report late Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal mentioned the German automotive big was aiming to launch a “new Scout-branded electrical sport-utility automobile” in addition to an electrical pickup truck, additionally beneath the Scout identify.
Volkswagen confirmed to CNBC that its supervisory board would vote on the proposals on Wednesday.
The Scout’s historical past dates again to the Sixties, when International Harvester — immediately generally known as Navistar International Corporation — began growth.
According to Navistar, the Scout was “marketed as an all-terrain household leisure automobile” earlier than evolving right into a “true SUV.” Production of the Scout ceased in 1980. Today, Navistar is a part of the Traton Group, which is itself a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
Reuters, citing two folks with data of the matter, mentioned Wednesday that VW would make investments roughly 100 million euros ($105.49 million) within the new model, including that it might doubtlessly search for “exterior funding by means of buyers or an IPO to broaden its manufacturing capabilities.”
Electric ambitions
In July 2021, the Volkswagen Group mentioned half of its gross sales have been anticipated to be battery-electric autos by 2030. By the 12 months 2040, the corporate mentioned nearly 100% of its new autos in main markets needs to be zero-emission.
VW’s electrification plans put it in direct competitors with long-established automakers like GM and Ford, in addition to relative newcomers equivalent to Tesla.
Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley mentioned his enterprise deliberate to “problem Tesla and all comers to turn into the highest EV maker on the earth.”
In March 2021, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess dismissed the notion his agency might be a part of forces with Tesla, telling CNBC that the corporate was trying to go its personal manner.
Speaking to “Squawk Box Europe,” Diess was requested if he would rule out any future cope with Elon Musk’s electrical automotive maker, during which VW might manufacture its vehicles, or if the Tesla and VW manufacturers would ever unite.
“No, we have not thought of [that], we’re going our personal manner,” he replied. “We wish to get shut after which overtake.”
—Chloe Taylor contributed to this text.
