Volkswagen To Take on US Electric SUV and Pickup Market
Volkswagen is planning to take on the all-electric SUV and pickup market in the US by launching its own American BEV models by 2026.
The move appears to be in response to the positive noises in North America greeting electric pickups like Ford’s F-150 Lightening, General Motors’ Hummer EV and the start-up Rivian R1T. VW’s vehicles will be designed, engineered, and manufactured in the US aimed to appeal to American consumer tastes. As such, a separate, independent company will be established in the US under the American brand, Scout.
The first prototypes are to be unveiled next year and production is scheduled to start in 2026. Scout branded vehicles will be built upon a new technical platform concept which brings new pickup and RUV credibility beyond the existing Volkswagen range.
The automaker says it sees success in the SUV and pickup segments as a key lever to increasing profitability in the US and achieving the targeted market share of 10%. Herbert Diess, Volkswagen CEO, said: “After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the US, we are now taking the opportunity to further strengthen our position in one of the most significant growth markets for EVs. Electrification provides a historic opportunity to enter the highly attractive pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, underscoring our ambition to become a relevant player in the US market.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
