Welcome back the International Scout, as an EV by Volkswagen?

[Milaca]

Volkswagen's truck division, Traton, merged with/owns Navistar International. Perhaps these will be testing on the former Studebaker Proving Grounds within the next few years.
VW aims to launch Scout, an EV off-roading brand | TechCrunch

[tsenecal]

Looks OK in the pics. Didn't in my lifetime, think I would ever see a new Scout. I liked the old ones pretty well.

[Milaca]

Looks OK in the pics. Didn't in my lifetime, think I would ever see a new Scout. I liked the old ones pretty well.

Actually, Case/International Harvester has been offering a Scout UTV since 2010.

[showbizkid]

There's no doubt that EVs have their place in the motoring world, but I can think of no worse application than an off-road vehicle - imagine being stuck in the Rockies with no charge and only a 100-watt foldout solar panel to get you going...

[64studeavanti]

Please keep in mind that most off road vehicles are rarely off the pavement. In the early 70s, I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. A comrade and I bought new Toyota Land Cruisers at the same time. The first weekend. I buried mine up to the running boards at the Salton Sea. In other occasions, I went on the burro trails in the Old Dale Mining district. At one time, I tore the skid plate off. My comrade was always fussing over his rig. Essentially, it was a commuter vehicle for him as he was concerned with getting it scratched. As near as I can tell, most of the Jeeps, Broncos, Hummers, 4x4 pickups, and other off road vehicles stay on the pavement.

[creegster]

There's no doubt that EVs have their place in the motoring world, but I can think of no worse application than an off-road vehicle - imagine being stuck in the Rockies with no charge and only a 100-watt foldout solar panel to get you going...

This is getting to be a tiresome argument. Most off road vehicles have 200-300 miles of range. Who goes off roading for 200 miles? Those who do, are going to stick with gas-powered.
Most casual off roaders dont. Keep in mind that if they are going UP a mountain, they are going to re-gain some charge when they come back down.

[sweetolbob]

Had one in the 70's, it would climb a wall but rusted faster than Renaults, rode harder than the original Studebaker wagons and steered like it was a class 8 tractor from the 50's.

Otherwise "fond!!!???" memories.

Bob

[showbizkid]

This is getting to be a tiresome argument. Most off road vehicles have 200-300 miles of range. Who goes off roading for 200 miles?

So sorry to have tired you out However I am talking about true off-road applications. If you want to go into the desert, or out to the mountains, it's usually a long ways from civilization. Digging through sand or crawling through rocks is fairly energy-intensive too, and will drain power faster than scooting around on paved roads. Add your camping gear and a couple more people and the extra weight also lessens your range. Just because you're tired of hearing the argument doesn't make it less valid.

Those who do, are going to stick with gas-powered.

Exactly my point.

Please keep in mind that most off road vehicles are rarely off the pavement.

Very true. This will probably be another boulevard cruiser for Mom and her cocker spaniel. Me, I'll take a vintage V8 Wagoneer. There's no place those won't / can't go.

[Milaca]

If this comes to fruition, I look forward to seeing if a production model bares resemblance to earlier Scouts.
One thing for sure, they will not wear Raymond Loewy's 'Man on a tractor" IH emblem as that trademark belongs to Case/New Holland (Fiat being the parent company).

[Andy R.]

I always preferred the smooth, rounded styling of the Scout to the angular Cherokee/Wagoneer. (no offense, Brooks)
A modern interpretation with the Scout legacy would make a nice alternative to the popular Jeeps, Land Rovers and Bro-dozers on the roadways.

Considering the profit margin on Lux-Trux and SUVs, it seems a safe bet. If the demand on the new Bronco is any indication, they'll have no trouble moving them.

[Milaca]

I'm curious how this may play out being that Volkswagen is working together with Ford on some projects. Might it possibly use Ford components? Might it be assembled in a Ford plant? Or will it be all Volkswagen?
Things are evolving quickly with the various company mergers, partnerships and the transition to electric powertrains.
If I can make one request of Volkswagen, please add a Wagonaire-type sliding roof to the Scout. Perhaps a Scout Travelaire?

[8E45E]

If this comes to fruition, I look forward to seeing if a production model bares resemblance to earlier Scouts.

Let's hope its remains true to its roots and is manufactured in Fort Wayne, and not imported from a VW plant in Mexico or Brazil.

There is no way the old 'I-H' emblem can be used as the 'H', or 'Harvester' division was sold off to Tenneco/Case in 1985, and therefore divested any ties to farm equipment.

Craig

[JoeHall]

Until today the older IH vehicles have a strong following, especially the Scout. I check in on those folks over on Binder Planet once in awhile just to see how they are doing. As orphans, Studes, IH, AMC and a few others have far more in common than differences. I recall the Marine Corp had a Travelall, which I think was made by IH. What I remember most about them was that they were gas hogs.

[Milaca]

I added some retro graphics to the proposed VW Scouts

[Milaca]

In the latest news article about the new Scout, the Volkswagen dealerships in the United States are concerned that they may not be given the opportunity of selling the new Scout.
The 'Scout' automobile/SUV division apparently will be treated like Volkswagen's other automobile divisions (Audi, Porsche, etc.) however Scouts may be sold direct to customers.
Maybe they will be sold through Navistar International truck dealerships? Probably not but will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
Volkswagen Provokes Good Controversy for Ford and GM - TheStreet