With the success of the new Ford Bronco, Volkswagen may be considering a revival of the International Harvester Scout. The new product, which will also square-off against the Jeep Wrangler, will fall in line with the German manufacturer’s current all-electric philosophy.
According to Motor Trend, the new product will just be called the Volkswagen Scout. The idea was brought up by Volkswagen Group of America Chief Operating Officer Johan De Nysschen during a conversation with media at a recent press event.
De Nysschen stated that Volkswagen Group owns the rights to the Scout name through an acquisition via its commercial truck division. Although it hasn’t done anything with the brand, this badge’s heritage and brand equity in the off-roading sphere is recognised. International became a part of the Volkswagen Group when its truck subsidiary, Traton, merged with Navistar just a few months ago. Navistar is the one who took over International’s operations when it went bust in 1985.
De Nysschen explained that while the Volkswagen Scout would aim to tackle the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, it would likely directly compete with the Rivian RS1 but at almost half the price. The Scout name is still in use by Navistar for its land vehicles over the one tonne gross mass threshold.
Given that this merger took place just a few months ago, the idea of a Scout revival from Volkswagen would be in its very early stages. As a result, any change of an internal combustion powered model is highly improbable.
De Nysschen also clarifies “We will in the fullness of time switch 100 per cent from ICE entries to EVs, and as the VW Group looks at its global product portfolio, this means that successors to popular models such as Atlas and our Amarok truck, will eventually be electrified. But to connect this pragmatically realistic perspective of the future, with the notion of launching a new product line under the Scout nameplate, is truly speculative and at this time, not reflective any plans, real or imagined. ”
Image supplied by Velocity Restorations
