Scout models embody Volkswagen and Rivian agreement
- Since July 2021, the Volkswagen Group has owned 100% of the capital of the American heavy-duty carmaker Navistar, owner of the International brand. The German carmaker then integrated the International brand into the Traton subsidiary (Volkswagen's heavy-duty subsidiary that includes also Scania and MAN). By purchasing Navistar, Volkswagen became the de facto owner of the Scout brand, which was part of the American group and which produced an SUV from 1961 to 1980.
- In order to reuse the Scout name in North America today for a new range of battery electric vehicles, the Volkswagen Group has signed an agreement with the American carmaker of battery electric vehicles Rivian to develop a pickup and a mid-range SUV based on the current Rivian models.
- Thanks to this alliance, Rivian is guaranteed to release its R2 model in 2026. Before this agreement, the American carmaker of battery electric vehicles was in a difficult financial situation. The joint venture with Volkswagen is a game changer, both by providing direct funding to Rivian and by restoring trust in the company.
- The first two Rivian-derived Scout models have been unveiled, the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup. They are based on a ladder frame like the Mercedes G-Class and Toyota Land Cruiser. They feature an all-electric engine that provides a range of 339 miles (543 km) or 500 miles (800 km) with an integrated internal combustion generator.