Photo: Scout Motors
Volkswagen is set to launch the first EVs bearing the iconic Scout lettering in 2026. Although no electric truck platform exists in the carmaker's portfolio, Volkswagen could use the recently announced partnership with Rivian. Scout's two EVs, an SUV and a pickup truck, seem like the perfect match for Rivian's R1S/R1T duo.
Volkswagen was gifted an unexpected gem when its truck subsidiary Traton acquired Navistar International in 2021. Following this merger, Volkswagen announced it would revive the Scout brand as an electric-only carmaker. The first two models, an electric SUV and a corresponding pickup truck, are expected to start production in 2026 from Scout Motors' new plant in South Carolina.
Volkswagen intended to let Scout Motors operate as an independent startup, thus avoiding the Group's famous bureaucracy. The strategy has been changed a few times, as Volkswagen also considered an external contractor to build the Scout EVs. Thankfully, this has been ruled out, and Scout broke ground on its new factory in South Carolina. Although building a factory is not difficult, provided time and money are not scarce, we can't say the same about a new vehicle architecture.
After abandoning the Amarok project, the Volkswagen Group doesn't have a truck platform in its portfolio. Considering Scout's legacy and aspirations as a producer of rugged off-roaders, using Volkswagen's MEB architecture is out of the question. Developing one in-house would not be realistic, especially in the short time left until 2026, when Scout EVs are supposed to start production. The only sensible choice would be licensing an electric truck platform from another carmaker, with Ford as the most obvious choice.
However, as Volkswagen announced a new partnership with Rivian, using the EV startup's truck architecture for the upcoming Scout EVs makes more sense. This is all but guaranteed if the plans to start a joint venture go through. According to the agreement the two companies signed, Volkswagen would receive immediate access to Rivian's current electrical and electronic architecture technology for use in its electric vehicles. This includes Rivian software and its zonal electronics platform introduced with the refreshed (Gen 2) R1 vehicles.
Since the joint venture is set to be established by the end of the year, Volkswagen will be able to use Rivian's technology in 2025. Although the deal doesn't include Rivian's vehicle architecture, it could be expanded in different areas, especially as Volkswagen desperately needs a rugged EV platform. Rivian R1 architecture could be the perfect choice for Scout EVs, considering they share the same philosophy.
Although this seems like a done deal (and Rivian presented it as such), it's far from being finalized. Volkswagen specifically mentioned in its press release that a final decision on the joint venture with Rivian has not been made yet. Volkswagen also has a history of failed partnerships, with the one it signed with Suzuki in 2009 being the nastiest. This should keep Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe awake at night, no matter how much he needs Volkswagen's cash.
In 2009, Volkswagen acquired a 19.9% stake in Suzuki and expected to have a say in the company's operations due to this investment. On the other hand, Suzuki wanted to remain independent and feared a hostile takeover by Volkswagen. Eventually, the conflict escalated at the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration in London in 2011. The court forced Volkswagen to sell back its 19.9% stake to Suzuki, ending the feud.
Volkswagen intended to let Scout Motors operate as an independent startup, thus avoiding the Group's famous bureaucracy. The strategy has been changed a few times, as Volkswagen also considered an external contractor to build the Scout EVs. Thankfully, this has been ruled out, and Scout broke ground on its new factory in South Carolina. Although building a factory is not difficult, provided time and money are not scarce, we can't say the same about a new vehicle architecture.
After abandoning the Amarok project, the Volkswagen Group doesn't have a truck platform in its portfolio. Considering Scout's legacy and aspirations as a producer of rugged off-roaders, using Volkswagen's MEB architecture is out of the question. Developing one in-house would not be realistic, especially in the short time left until 2026, when Scout EVs are supposed to start production. The only sensible choice would be licensing an electric truck platform from another carmaker, with Ford as the most obvious choice.
However, as Volkswagen announced a new partnership with Rivian, using the EV startup's truck architecture for the upcoming Scout EVs makes more sense. This is all but guaranteed if the plans to start a joint venture go through. According to the agreement the two companies signed, Volkswagen would receive immediate access to Rivian's current electrical and electronic architecture technology for use in its electric vehicles. This includes Rivian software and its zonal electronics platform introduced with the refreshed (Gen 2) R1 vehicles.
Since the joint venture is set to be established by the end of the year, Volkswagen will be able to use Rivian's technology in 2025. Although the deal doesn't include Rivian's vehicle architecture, it could be expanded in different areas, especially as Volkswagen desperately needs a rugged EV platform. Rivian R1 architecture could be the perfect choice for Scout EVs, considering they share the same philosophy.
Although this seems like a done deal (and Rivian presented it as such), it's far from being finalized. Volkswagen specifically mentioned in its press release that a final decision on the joint venture with Rivian has not been made yet. Volkswagen also has a history of failed partnerships, with the one it signed with Suzuki in 2009 being the nastiest. This should keep Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe awake at night, no matter how much he needs Volkswagen's cash.
In 2009, Volkswagen acquired a 19.9% stake in Suzuki and expected to have a say in the company's operations due to this investment. On the other hand, Suzuki wanted to remain independent and feared a hostile takeover by Volkswagen. Eventually, the conflict escalated at the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration in London in 2011. The court forced Volkswagen to sell back its 19.9% stake to Suzuki, ending the feud.
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