Conflicting Reports Surround The Debut Of VW's Biggest New EV Brand

Conflicting reports, one from the automaker itself and another from respected German outlet Der Spiegel, surround the Volkswagen-owned Scout Motors brand. The new automaker was aimed at reviving the long-dead Scout name with a pair of rugged electric vehicles. These Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) will be powered by electric motors, but will feature a gasoline engine under the hood, which can be used to recharge the batteries. That is, when they eventually debut. The Der Spiegel report alleges that it has been pushed back to 2028, while Scout's website maintains the brand will debut in 2027.

Der Spiegel: Scout delayed until 2028

Der Spiegel claims a source within the company revealed the brand's plan to push production back to 2028. Reportedly, this is due to "technical problems," though with what specifically remains a mystery. Attitudes within the brand aren't positive regarding the 2027 timeline, and "an earlier date is now considered purely speculative." The brand's representatives declined to comment when contacted, stating they did not currently have an "update to our timeline or product plan to share."

Scout employees refute the report to buyers

However, Scout has chosen to forgo directly responding to the report, instead opting to reassure owners on forums. Jamie Vondruska, responsible for Brand Community, Socials, and Content at Scout, posted a reply to owners on the company-run forum:

"The German publications love their headlines and 'sources say' articles - it all makes for good headlines people click on. We are still moving full steam ahead, bringing Scout back to market. Everything is moving forward and making good progress. Much like the guy who is balancing spinning plates on sticks and running back and forth to keep them spinning to prevent them from falling, we are juggling a lot at once. New factory. New suppliers. Two completely new vehicles. Could there be potential delays? Of course. But I will let you all know as quickly as I can if there are any official changes or major announcements."

The response doesn't outright refute the company's alleged 2028 delay, but it also doesn't deny it. To do so would be to pin the brand into a corner, promising a timeline when there are always teething issues in getting a new brand off the ground. Scouts Terra truck and Traveler SUV generated a lot of interest when they were initially shown to the public a while back, and the brand's promise to bring a competitor to Rivian's front doorstep stood out. However, like Rivian's early days, nothing is set in stone, and much could change between now and the brand's official debut - whenever that may be.