Plus some other tasty bits of information.
Volkswagen's Capital Markets Day Presentation teased the upcoming Scout all-electric pickup and SUV. The Scout EV Forum first spotted the tiny teaser image, which doesn't reveal much. It simply shows two boxy design sketches, similar to what Scout has already teased in the past.
But the presentation also included crucial information regarding the models' role within the Volkswagen Group and what Scout wants to compete with once these models start rolling off the assembly line at Volkswagen's new plant in South Carolina, announced earlier this year.
Looking at the timelines of the various projects coming together, we also get a clear indication of the platform and battery technology Scout will use.
Volkswagen Volkswagen AG Scout Motors Scout Motors
Thanks to VW's earlier announcements, we know it's set to break ground on the Scout factory by mid-2023. Production will only begin by the end of 2026, at which point VW's entire electric portfolio will ride on the new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). This matches up with what Scout said when the brand's resurgence was confirmed. Then CEO Herbert Diess stated that Scout models would use technology beyond the existing Volkswagen Group portfolio.
This is good news because SSP is a huge step up from the existing MEB platform, which is currently used in the ID.4. As we recently discovered, SSP will offer up to 1,700 horsepower, though such a high output will likely be reserved for Porsche and Bentley, and perhaps Audi.
For Scout owners, it means quicker charging times (around 12 minutes) and advanced driver assistance up to Level 4. For VW, it means a higher profit margin.
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With battery plants scattered all across the globe, VW can also take a tailored approach concerning regions. Basically, the batteries coming out of Canada will be built specifically for North American needs and demands. What that means in terms of size and range remains to be seen. We know that Scout will be able to offer its customers the full $7,500 discount right from the beginning, as the USA has a free-trade agreement with Canada.
VW also revealed that Scout will complement the product portfolio. The SUV will play around in the B-segment (subcompact), while the pickup will compete in the C-segment (compact). That means Scout is aiming for the space Rivian hopes to dominate with the R2. As for the truck, it will likely compete with the inevitable Ford Maverick Lightning or possibly even a Ranger running on watts.
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Keyword: Scout SUV And Pickup Teased In VW Corporate Presentation