There’s little to no chance that Volkswagen will sell its forthcoming battery-powered Scout models in Australia, unless it decides to make it in right-hand drive configuration.
The German automaker is in the midst of reviving the Scout brand with plans to launch both an electric SUV and an electric pickup truck in the United States. Currently, VW only plans to build these models in left-hand drive but if that changes, Volkswagen Australia commercial vehicles director Ryan Davies said he will be eager to see any possible right-hand drive model sold Down Under.
“The Scout is American focused, it’s left-hand drive at this point only,” Davies told Drive. “If [Scout] determine that they want to build a right-hand-drive variant, I guarantee you I’ll be on a plane straight over there to spruik the case for Australia, because that’s a pretty exciting product.”
Read: VW’s Upcoming Scout EVs Could Be Built By Foxconn Or Magna Steyr
It is not secret that Australians love off-road-focused SUVs and pickups so Davies is sure that Scout models sold locally would prove popular.
“They’ve got a rugged SUV and a pick-up that they’re looking at,” he added. “I know as much as what you do, because that’s what I read in the press. I have no other inside information on that. But from what we can see [the Scout vehicles] would have good application here in Australia, and should they decide to go to right-hand drive, I think Volkswagen Group Australia [the local importer for VW, Skoda, Cupra and Audi] would be incredibly interested in it.”
While development of the electric SUV and pickup is still in its early stages, it was recently reported that VW is in talks with Foxconn about manufacturing the duo in the United States. Separate rumors have also suggested that VW has discussed with Magna Steyr to partner in the development and production of the EVs.
Whatever the case may be, it is suggested that the first SUV and pickup prototypes will be introduced in 2023 with production set to commence in 2026.
