VW’s Scout Motors Delayed to 2028 at the Earliest, Claims Report

Volkswagen’s revival of Scout Motors is reportedly facing a significant delay, with production now expected in 2028 instead of 2027. German outlet Der Spiegel cited technical hurdles and shifting U.S. market conditions as key factors, as the brand rethinks its original plan to launch as a pure electric SUV and pickup maker.

Scout timeline slips as EV-only vision softens

When Volkswagen announced Scout’s return, the strategy centered on fully electric off-road SUVs and pickups aimed at competing with Rivian and Tesla in the U.S. market. That launch target was set for 2027.

According to the Der Spiegel report, production is now likely pushed to 2028 at the earliest. The delay is attributed to technical challenges and the financial scale of the project. Software integration appears to be a major sticking point. Scout is expected to use technology developed through Volkswagen’s 2024 software partnership with Rivian.

At the same time, U.S. EV demand has cooled, and policy shifts in 2025 eliminated certain federal incentives. Those changes have reportedly forced Scout to adjust its product strategy, according to CarUp.

Instead of launching exclusively battery-electric models, the brand is now expected to prioritize range-extended vehicles. These models would use gasoline engines as onboard generators to recharge the battery, rather than operating as purely electric vehicles.

South Carolina plant awaits product readiness

Despite the revised timeline, construction of Scout’s new manufacturing facility in South Carolina has continued. Groundbreaking began in 2024, and the plant is said to be largely complete.

However, without finalized vehicle technology and a confirmed production start date, the factory may remain idle longer than originally planned.

The pivot to range extenders signals a broader recalibration within the U.S. EV landscape, where automakers are balancing electrification goals against shifting demand and policy realities. For Volkswagen, Scout remains a strategic bet on American-built trucks and SUVs, but its path to market now appears longer and more complex than initially envisioned.

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