Volkswagen model will not use Scout platform for EV ute – report

Volkswagen is engaged on a brand new electrical car platform for its rugged Scout ute and SUV, but it surely gained’t underpin an electrical ute sporting a VW badge.

Automotive Information Europe experiences phrase from world head of the Volkswagen model Thomas Schäfer that there are not any plans for this “Rugged SUV” platform for use, a minimum of not this decade, for a Volkswagen-branded electrical ute.

“For the time being, our give attention to the lineup doesn’t embrace it,” stated Mr Schäfer.

“For the time being, we have now a transparent lineup all through the second half of this decade. Then once more, within the American market, if you don’t play in sure segments, then it’s important to keep in a sure market share space. However the query of [VW’s new Rugged SUV platform] just isn’t our precedence for the time being.”

That doesn’t rule out a Volkswagen-branded mannequin on this platform subsequent decade, nevertheless, with Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh telling the publication in Might: “This platform may, may present a possibility for different group automobiles. Sure. I wish to be clear on this factor: This platform may undoubtedly present a possibility for non-Scout automobiles”

The primary Scout-branded automobiles will likely be revealed in idea type in 2023, forward of manufacturing starting in 2026.

These are being developed with the North American market in thoughts, and Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed whether or not they’ll be provided elsewhere.

Whereas the Volkswagen model might not obtain a ute on a devoted EV platform this decade, it may carry an electrical ute to market within the form of an Amarok.

“We’re taking a look at a pure-electric model,” Lars Krause, Volkswagen Industrial Automobile board member accountable for advertising and marketing, advised Autocar earlier this yr.

“It’s nonetheless early, but it surely’s one thing we’re contemplating throughout the lifecycle.”

The Amarok’s body-on-frame structure can accommodate an electrical drivetrain and battery pack, in keeping with Mr Krause.

“We expect it’s doable. Clearly, we’d want to change sure components. However sure, we’re critically contemplating an electrical variant,” stated Mr Krause.

Autocar experiences the Amarok EV may launch by 2025.

The subsequent-generation Volkswagen Amarok, due right here early in 2023, shares its underpinnings with the redesigned Ford Ranger.

Mr Krause appeared lower than enthusiastic a couple of plug-in hybrid Amarok regardless of the model promoting a variety of plug-in hybrid fashions in Europe.

“Proper now, we’re not glad with the electrical vary of the plug-in hybrid. I’d by no means say by no means, however we’re wanting extra in direction of a full electrical model,” Mr Krause advised Autocar.

Ford Europe successfully confirmed final yr it’d launch a plug-in hybrid Ranger by 2024, with the corporate saying it goals for its business car vary to be “zero-emission succesful” by that yr.

Subsequently, Ford’s T6 chief platform engineer Ian Foston has confirmed the Ranger has been engineered for electrification.

“Platform lifecycle is something as much as 10 to 12 years. We stated, effectively, clearly electrification goes to be one thing which we have now to contemplate going ahead,” Mr Foston stated.

“So we made certain the platform was able to it. And we engineered electrification into it, to ensure that all of the completely different propulsion applied sciences would be capable of match throughout the platform going ahead.”

A lot of the design and engineering for the second-generation Volkswagen ute was dealt with in Australia, led by Ford’s Victorian R&D workforce.

Nevertheless, Volkswagen had its workforce working parallel to this system.

Autocar suggests an electrical Amarok and Ranger – the latter a extra reasonably priced, compact different to the F-150 Lightning – might be produced within the US, with the American-market model of the Ranger set to enter manufacturing quickly at a plant in Wayne, Michigan.

Aside from a number of Chinese language EVs together with the LDV eT60 and upcoming Radar RD6, most electrical pickups have been on the bigger finish of the spectrum.

These embrace the aforementioned F-150 Lightning, in addition to the Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer EV and upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ram 1500 BEV.

Whereas no Scout-based Volkswagen EV is within the works, the model is growing different massive EVs.

Automotive Information Europe experiences a big, three-row crossover – probably known as the ID.8 – is ready to enter manufacturing on the firm’s Tennessee plant alongside the equally sized, combustion-powered Atlas, whereas a long-wheelbase ID. Buzz is coming which can even be produced in North America.

Volkswagen has additionally previewed its upcoming massive sedan in idea type because the ID. Aero.