Volkswagen's Role In Engineering

[Vintage-Bronco-Lou]

I'm continuing to learn about the design and build of the new Scout, but I would like to better understand Volkswagen's role in the engineering of the vehicle. Are they the sole engineer, or are they only the primary financial partner? If the former, are there other field design experts being leveraged? Since I don't have a lot of faith in Volkswagen's vehicle engineering, it would be good to share this information with the Scout community.

Thank you,

 

[R1TVT]

Scout Engineering got a jumpstart with Magna (not VW) as they built-out the first concepts and then transitioned to in-house Engineering in Novi, MI:

Scout Motors Announces New Innovation Center In Michigan – Scout Motors Stories

blog.scoutmotors.com

Scout Motors Inc. (“Scout Motors”), formed to craft the next generation of all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs, announced today the company will establish its Scout Innovation Center in Novi, Michigan. This research and development facility will house Scout Motors’ growing Product, Design and Engineering teams and members of cross-functional support teams.

“Our new vehicles will honor Scout’s hard-working heritage while injecting fresh American ingenuity to create a new era of iconic all-purpose vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Scout Motors. “As we design and engineer our vehicles, Michigan is the perfect place to establish our Innovation Center due to its deep automotive roots, continued investment in innovation and ability to attract and train a talented, diverse workforce.”

Michigan is leading the charge to position the U.S. as a global EV/mobility competitor through increased manufacturing capacity, research and development and the state’s ranking as first in the nation for mobility-related patents. Last year, the state attracted over $14 billion in electric vehicle and battery investments while developing programs to train and employ the next generation of talent in the EV/mobility sector.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Scout Motors’ new R&D facility to Michigan, creating 200 good-paying engineering jobs right here in Michigan. Winning this investment proves that Michigan offers the best opportunity for automotive companies – from R&D to manufacturing,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Scout Motors’ investment in the Scout Innovation Center is supported by a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Scout Motors to Michigan as we continue to secure our position as the leader in future mobility and electrification. This project represents the kind of R&D investment that continues to put Michigan in a position to win through a Make It in Michigan strategy,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

 

[cyure]

I'm continuing to learn about the design and build of the new Scout, but I would like to better understand Volkswagen's role in the engineering of the vehicle. Are they the sole engineer, or are they only the primary financial partner? If the former, are there other field design experts being leveraged? Since I don't have a lot of faith in Volkswagen's vehicle engineering, it would be good to share this information with the Scout community.

Thank you,

Welcome to the community!

 

[dreamweaver]

I'm continuing to learn about the design and build of the new Scout, but I would like to better understand Volkswagen's role in the engineering of the vehicle. Are they the sole engineer, or are they only the primary financial partner? If the former, are there other field design experts being leveraged? Since I don't have a lot of faith in Volkswagen's vehicle engineering, it would be good to share this information with the Scout community.

Thank you,

Scout. “People. Connections. Community. Authenticity." Welcome to the Scout community. Enjoy the ride.

 

[AlanL]

I'm continuing to learn about the design and build of the new Scout, but I would like to better understand Volkswagen's role in the engineering of the vehicle. Are they the sole engineer, or are they only the primary financial partner? If the former, are there other field design experts being leveraged? Since I don't have a lot of faith in Volkswagen's vehicle engineering, it would be good to share this information with the Scout community.

Thank you,

Welcome!

The role of the Volkswagen Group (VWG) is minimal. At this point only the basis for the 4 cylinder ICE part of the Harvester, even that will be modified for its use in the genset. The role of VW automobiles even less. R1TVT hit a lot of the high points. The Scouts are engineered in the US, for an American customer base, using their own totally unique design. The joint venture of VWG and Rivian is only providing deep electrical architecture. The visible UI portions are all Scout. The VWG group will probably be a source of commodity parts like actuators and such, and buying leverage for sourced components like seats.

Watch the Motor Trend interview, link below. Look at in on a computer and open the description to see the chapter markers for various topics. It is impressive how eloquent and approachable Scott Keogh is.