- Volkswagen is reportedly “keen” about an electric off-roader and it could use Scout’s platform.
- Previous reports had suggested Volkswagen could offer a truck, while Audi may make a rugged SUV.
- Scout production isn’t slated to begin until 2027, so any Audi or VW models are a ways off.
We’ve heard rumors that Volkswagen was considering a pickup based on the Scout Terra, while Audi could get a luxury off-roader derived from the Traveler. Those two models remain unconfirmed, but evidence appears to be building.
Speaking with Autocar, Scout Chief Technical Officer Burkhard Huhnke noted the Terra and Traveler ride on a unique body-on-frame platform that was developed from scratch. He added, there’s “no body-on-frame platform in the entire [Volkswagen] group,” so this makes it pretty special. While Volkswagen does offer a body-on-frame Amarok, it’s simply a Ford in disguise.
More: Meet The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV
Putting the blue oval aside, developing a new platform isn’t cheap and Huhnke acknowledged “You never get money for free.” However, he wouldn’t say whether or not the body-on-frame architecture would be used to underpin additional vehicles.
This would help to spread development costs as well as increase utilization at Scout’s plant in South Carolina. The facility will be able to build up to 200,000 vehicles annually and construction appears to be moving smoothly as the company’s latest update revealed the “final heavy steel beams went into place” and “exterior walls are going up quickly.”
Needless to say, 200,000 vehicles is a lot and it’s doubtful the Terra and Traveler will need that much annual capacity alone. A rugged Audi SUV seems like a natural candidate as it would give the brand something to rival the Mercedes G-Class and Lexus LX.
On the Volkswagen side of the equation, Autocar reports the company had envisioned a Defender-like ID. Ruggdzz. The model was reportedly scrapped, although the automaker is said to be keen on revisiting the idea.
However, the pickup rumor might make more sense as Volkswagen could offer a more affordable and mainstream version of the Terra. It would likely compete with the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Ram 1500 REV / 1500 Ramcharger.
However, a large pickup has disadvantages and any such model would likely be reliant on the United States. A rugged SUV, on the other hand, would have more global appeal.
