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

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

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

“For the time being, our deal with the lineup doesn’t embody it,” stated Mr Schäfer.

“For the time being, we’ve a transparent lineup all over the second half of this decade. Then once more, within the American market, if you don’t play in sure segments, then you must keep in a sure market share space. However the query of [VW’s new Rugged SUV platform] is just not our precedence in the intervening time.”

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

The primary Scout-branded automobiles can be revealed in idea kind 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 could not obtain a ute on a devoted EV platform this decade, it may convey an electrical ute to market within the form of an Amarok.

“We’re taking a look at a pure-electric model,” Lars Krause, Volkswagen Business Automobile board member liable for advertising and marketing, advised Autocar earlier this 12 months.

“It’s nonetheless early, however it’s one thing we’re contemplating inside the lifecycle.”

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

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

Autocar studies the Amarok EV may launch by 2025.

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

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

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

Ford Europe successfully confirmed final 12 months it’d launch a plug-in hybrid Ranger by 2024, with the corporate saying it goals for its business automobile vary to be “zero-emission succesful” by that 12 months.

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’ve to think about going ahead,” Mr Foston stated.

“So we made certain the platform was able to it. And we engineered electrification into it, to guarantee that all of the totally different propulsion applied sciences would be capable of match inside 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 group.

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

Autocar suggests an electrical Amarok and Ranger – the latter a extra inexpensive, 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.

Except for just a few 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 embody 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 giant EVs.

Automotive Information Europe studies a big, three-row crossover – probably referred to as the ID.8 – is about 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 giant sedan in idea kind because the ID. Aero.