Scout Motors Traveler and Terra. Photo Courtesy of Scout Motors
Southall Farm and Inn in Franklin, Tennessee was the backdrop for Scout Motors Inc., to reveal two new electric vehicles: Scout Terra truck and Scout Traveler SUV.
Financially backed by German manufacturer Volkswagen Group, which obtained the Scout brand after acquiring American truck manufacturer Navistar International in 2021. This new startup has Chris Benjamin as the brand’s Chief Design Officer. “Scout is about respect, community and trust,” he shared with 300 invitees for a three-day Scout Motors reveal. “Our first priority is to honor the spirit of the original Scout vehicles.”
These vehicles take inspiration from the design and utility of the original Scouts manufactured by International Harvester from the 1960s to 1980. “They were ahead of the era in innovation creating the first SUV and truck segment of the industry,” said Benjamin.
Scout Motors Terra. Photo by Jill Weinlein
These new Scout vehicles are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be manufactured in Blythewood, South Carolina. ‘Scout Motors is creating over 4,000 American jobs,’ said Benjamin.
“Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO, of Scout Motors in February, at the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony. “The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”
Scout International has a rich storied history and heritage. Now 44 years later, the startup Scout Motors is building a versatile multitool bold icon that will be a helpful companion to car enthusiasts. The two new Scout Motors electric vehicles are made for work, play, camping, and towing.
Both have distinctive personalities with their front and rear mask creating a bold graphic statement. There is also a distinctive spare tire at the rear of the Scout Traveler. Walking over to the Terra truck, Benjamin explained the design. ”The Day Light Opening (DLO) replicates the soft shoulders from the 1980s,’ said Benjamin. ‘A clean horizontal line runs around the vehicles almost like the equator.’
Other design features that make this truck fun are grab bars for when one takes the vehicle off-roading. The Scout Terra truck has ghost lighting in the rear and a tough hood for a bold stance and robust presence. There is a tow hook with a hole to fit a climbing rope. ‘Clamps on the hood allow the owner to tie down items when one needs to,’ said Benjamin. ‘It’s a true truck, ready for action with a large 5.5 foot bed in the back to carry items or just to hang out in.’
Vehicle owners can personalize their Scout with a full portfolio of accessories, including auxiliary lighting, assist steps, power off-boarding solutions, off-road bumpers with recovery points, and a heavy-duty winch.
Scout Motors Traveler. Photo by Jill Weinlein
The exterior colors are more modern than the first Scouts made years ago, yet honor the initial colors. Over 500,000 Scouts were built before the end of production in 1980. The last Scout II to roll out of the production line in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was painted a lustrious Tahitian Red. ‘The Traveler’s exterior color is a modernized Tahitian Red,’ said Benjamin. Not only does the color honor that color with a similar hue, it is modern, striking and a head-turner.
Scout Terra Photo courtesy of Scout Motors
‘The Terra is a matte darker blue because it is just so cool,’ said Benjamin. This fun truck is still an EV and has a front ‘frunk’ trunk storage area for sports equipment, tailgate parties, tools and camping gear. The body-on-frame chassis has a solid rear axle with front and rear mechanical lockers to deliver robust capability and off-road performance.
The projected towing is over 10,000 pounds for the Scott Terra and 7,000 for the Scout Traveler.
Interior. Photo courtesy of Scout Motors
The interior colors philosophy is influenced by the original Scout’s heritage and reimagined to pay homage to the vehicle’s history. Clay is an interior color made with rich and supple leather.
‘The Terra will have the option to have a center console or bench seat for those who want room for more friends,’ said Benjamin. ‘The bench seat might be the favorite seat for your beloved dog to sit right next to you.’
‘The Scout logo is offset to the right and reminiscent of a signature on a piece of art rather than an emblem on the vehicle,’ said Benjamin.
Interior courtesy of Scout Motors
Both vehicles have a screen, but also turn knobs and push buttons. ‘We know how people don’t want to adjust their temperature or volume on a screen. Knobs on the steering wheel are beefy and ready for activation,’ said Benjamin
Versatile modern features include a refrigerated cool box under the armrests. There are dual wireless charging docks, a rear climate control with heated and vented seats, and a plush knee rest for added comfort.
‘Terra has hemp wood accents in the interior,’ said Benjamin. ‘It’s beautiful, sustainable and meaningful.’ There will be a compass for drivers, and a pullout tray to keep your binoculars. A refrigerated cool box will keep beverages chilled for family outings or while working on the farm or job site.
Interior of the Scout Traveler. Photo Courtesy of Scout Motors
In the evening the the ambient lighting sets a mood for the driver and passenger. ‘At night the warmth from the lighting insides the cab is similar to a glow from a campfire,’ said Benjamin.
These EVs are zippy with an anticipated 0-60 miles per hour in as quick at 3.5 seconds.
Scout Motors Traveler. Photo by Jill Weinlein
For those with range anxiety, Scout Motors is offering an optional extended range electric vehicle (EREV) energy system, called Scout Harvester. A proprietary Scout EREV energy system will provide ‘peace of mind’ for drivers on the road while still delivering off-road capability.
The small internal combustion gas-powered engine will recharge the vehicle’s high-voltage battery, extending the range to more than an estimated 500 miles, while maintaining the electric drive system.
‘America needs new Scouts now,’ said Benjamin. Reservations are now open to be in line for these bold, iconic EV designs with multifunctional spaces built for gathering and connecting with others.
Place a $100 deposit for an entry model projected to start as low as $51,500 with available incentives at Scout Motors.