Scout has started assembling its first validation vehicles at its new Blythewood, South Carolina, plant while construction continues at the facility. Volkswagen Group plans to build electric SUVs and pickups under the Scout brand, and Scout said more than $2 billion has been committed to the plant, which is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs. The validation builds come as Scout prepares for pre-series production; deliveries are not expected until 2028.
What it means
The body shop, paint shop and assembly hall are operating, with most production equipment installed and teams commissioning the systems. Robots are handling tasks requiring precision and repeatability, while employees oversee processes, inspect quality and check equipment performance. Scout is also using AI-assisted monitoring of weld seams.
The validation vehicles are intended to assess vehicle technology, manufacturing feasibility and component quality. Scout said it will continue building and refining those vehicles into next year. A series-production start date has not been specified, although Scout mentioned a 2027 production start in the spring.
Scout has identified the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup for series production. It will likely begin with a range-extender Traveler, followed by a range-extender Terra, with fully electric versions expected afterward. Scout said 87% of its 210,000 reservations were for range-extender electric vehicles; reservations cost $100, place customers in a virtual queue and are refundable if no later order is made.
Key facts
- Scout is assembling validation vehicles in Blythewood, South Carolina.
- Volkswagen Group stated investment in the Scout plant exceeds $2 billion.
- The investment is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs.
- Scout has received 210,000 reservations, according to the company.
- Range-extender vehicles account for 87% of reservations, according to Scout.
- The Scout Traveler SUV accounts for 75% of reservations, according to Scout.
- Deliveries are not expected to begin until 2028.
- Audi plans production of around 25,000 vehicles annually at the Scout plant, though the model has not been identified.
Source: Scout plant production update