As Scout Motors prepares to release its first line of electric trucks and SUVs in 2026, it aims to make a significant impact in the American market, a feat that parent company Volkswagen has struggled to achieve. Notably, Scout Motors is deviating from the standard in the electric vehicle market by including physical buttons in their designs.
During the groundbreaking ceremony at the brand’s factory in Blythewood, South Carolina, Scout’s president and CEO, Scott Keogh, and chief designer, Chris Benjamin, confirmed this approach. Emphasizing the revival of a prominent American SUV nameplate, Scout Motors intends to combat “screen fatigue” by incorporating tangible buttons into their vehicles.
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Scout Motors is the VW Group’s new electric truck and SUV brand
The Volkswagen Group already owns Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and other brands, but its presence in the American market is not as strong as in Europe and other regions. The reintroduction of the Scout Motors brand – designed and manufactured in America – is aimed at changing this dynamic.
“Manual is important,” Benjamin emphasized at the ceremony, highlighting the desire to maintain a non-digital feel in the trucks. “We want to make sure that everyday functions are easily accessible and not buried within a screen. Our focus is on ensuring functionality through tactile, user-friendly button controls.”
He added, “Scout was a machine that always worked. We want to ensure the new one works just as effectively.”
In creating an electric SUV specifically tailored for the American market, the Volkswagen Group found a fitting icon in the Scout. Produced by International Harvester from 1960 to 1980, the Scout SUVs and trucks have a rich history predating other iconic off-roaders by years. By reintroducing this nameplate as a retro-styled, fully battery-powered off-roader, the Volkswagen Group aims to tap into a unique market.
Benjamin, a former design leader at Stellantis, eschews the “retro” label, preferring “heritage-inspired.” He emphasized the need to strike a balance between delivering an iconic, modern vehicle while honoring Scout’s history and heritage, catering to different customer preferences.
Designing controls for a modern EV presented the challenge of striking a delicate balance. While modern cars frequently rely on touchscreen controls, Scout aims to provide a user-friendly interface that doesn’t solely depend on screens. Incorporating tactile buttons is crucial, especially for off-road driving experiences.
Scout’s approach diverges from the prevailing trend in the automotive industry, which tends to favor offers more digital interfaces. The move toward subscription software services and increased reliance on voice controls has led to concerns about safety and user experience. Some automakers have realized this and begun reintegrating traditional buttons and controls, a strategy that Scout’s parent company, Volkswagen, has also adopted after facing owner backlash.
Benjamin emphasized that the final design of Scout Motors’ electric vehicles may be more innovative than anticipated, dispelling comparisons to the Bronco. As the debut of Scout electric vehicles approaches, the brand is poised to make a remarkable impact in the American electric vehicle market.