Why Scout's Harvester EREV is the Ultimate Holy Grail for Europe (A Perspective from Greece)

[argiris4x4]

Dear Scout Community and Team,
I have already reached out directly to Scout Support to share my perspective, but I wanted to bring this conversation here to the Community Forum to hear your thoughts and make sure this voice echoes louder within the company’s product and strategy teams.

I am writing to you from Greece, a country with rugged, mountainous terrain. As a hardcore off-road enthusiast, I have been closely following the rebirth of Scout, and there are massive business and philosophical reasons why Scout belongs in Europe.

The Power of the VW Group: Scout belongs to the Volkswagen Group, a European automotive titan. VW has the entire infrastructure ready to easily open the doors to the European market. Even if the "Scout" name has more historical weight in the US, the platform and vehicles could easily be introduced here, even under a different corporate branding if necessary.

A Massive, Wealthy Market: You are leaving a wealthy market of 700 million people completely untouched. No matter how strict European regulations are, vehicles like the Scout—especially with the Harvester EREV system—already comply with them! It is already electric with a massive range and a generator. It would literally blow up the European market because there is absolutely nothing like it here. Traditional 4x4 enthusiasts are terrified of pure BEVs because of range anxiety in remote areas, and your EREV system is the ultimate "holy grail."

The European Dream of American Cars: American vehicles are the dream of almost every European enthusiast. We love muscle cars and rugged trucks. The reason we don't have them is not Europe's fault; it's because American automotive policy has historically snubbed or ignored the European market. Today, both our continents are being flooded by Chinese vehicles. If we want our automotive culture to survive, we must cooperate. Europeans have already flooded the US market with fresh, competitive cars, and now American brands need to open up to Europe. American cars offer a deep respect for the true driving experience that neither European nor Chinese brands offer anymore.

Character Without Compromise: Regulation is just an excuse. The real issue is that American companies often choose not to adapt their vehicles to be flexible for international regulations without undermining their character. In Europe, we still have huge luxury SUVs with V8 hybrid motors that meet strict emission and safety standards. You don’t even need a V8; your electric/EREV setup is already perfectly compliant and ready.

Amortizing a Multi-Billion Dollar
Investment: Billion-dollar investments are being made for a brand-new factory. For what? To sell only two models exclusively in the US, where competition from established domestic brands is brutal? How can a multi-billion dollar investment be amortized with just two models in one market? Flood the world with Scout vehicles. What is the problem?
This open communication is what I admire about Americans, unlike the European market which has unfortunately turned into an arrogant corporate cartel. Now, the rise of Chinese brands is serving as a "Nemesis" to Europe’s arrogance, and I truly hope American leadership recognizes how vital it is not to let this happen in your home market.

I am currently searching for my next vehicle, and the options in Europe are incredibly limited. Right now, the only cars I like are American: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe (which is being discontinued here and replaced by the Recon) and the Ford Ranger Raptor. Unfortunately, neither meets my needs 100%. The Jeep is a capable off-roader but outdated and unreliable in safety systems, and its upcoming electric replacement (Recon) has a doubtful reputation and low range. The Ford Raptor is an incredible off-road sports truck, but it lacks family comfort and has extremely high fuel consumption.
And then, Scout comes along and checks every single box: space, quality, range, off-road capabilities, design, and price. Even if it reached Europe at a price point of €80,000 - €100,000, it would be an absolute game-changer, and I would be among the very first customers to buy it.

My first child is about to turn one year old, and we are already planning for our second. My dream is to own a Scout very soon, so I can enjoy comfortable road trips and create beautiful memories with my growing family in the stunning Greek countryside and our incredible mountains.

I sincerely hope Scout’s leadership decides to cross the Atlantic and conquer the world. (And hey, if Scout ever comes to Europe because of this pitch, I certainly wouldn't say no to a complimentary Scout Traveler for my contribution! )
Much love and respect from Greece!

Fotis

 

[6-ScoutFamily]

Welcome to the community and thank you for your heartfelt and warm introduction. I don’t know the European market and cant’ speak to it, but your plea is a welcome breath of fresh air. There’s no telling what SM will do in the future.

 

[cyure]

Dear Scout Community and Team,
I have already reached out directly to Scout Support to share my perspective, but I wanted to bring this conversation here to the Community Forum to hear your thoughts and make sure this voice echoes louder within the company’s product and strategy teams.

I am writing to you from Greece, a country with rugged, mountainous terrain. As a hardcore off-road enthusiast, I have been closely following the rebirth of Scout, and there are massive business and philosophical reasons why Scout belongs in Europe.

The Power of the VW Group: Scout belongs to the Volkswagen Group, a European automotive titan. VW has the entire infrastructure ready to easily open the doors to the European market. Even if the "Scout" name has more historical weight in the US, the platform and vehicles could easily be introduced here, even under a different corporate branding if necessary.

A Massive, Wealthy Market: You are leaving a wealthy market of 700 million people completely untouched. No matter how strict European regulations are, vehicles like the Scout—especially with the Harvester EREV system—already comply with them! It is already electric with a massive range and a generator. It would literally blow up the European market because there is absolutely nothing like it here. Traditional 4x4 enthusiasts are terrified of pure BEVs because of range anxiety in remote areas, and your EREV system is the ultimate "holy grail."

The European Dream of American Cars: American vehicles are the dream of almost every European enthusiast. We love muscle cars and rugged trucks. The reason we don't have them is not Europe's fault; it's because American automotive policy has historically snubbed or ignored the European market. Today, both our continents are being flooded by Chinese vehicles. If we want our automotive culture to survive, we must cooperate. Europeans have already flooded the US market with fresh, competitive cars, and now American brands need to open up to Europe. American cars offer a deep respect for the true driving experience that neither European nor Chinese brands offer anymore.

Character Without Compromise: Regulation is just an excuse. The real issue is that American companies often choose not to adapt their vehicles to be flexible for international regulations without undermining their character. In Europe, we still have huge luxury SUVs with V8 hybrid motors that meet strict emission and safety standards. You don’t even need a V8; your electric/EREV setup is already perfectly compliant and ready.

Amortizing a Multi-Billion Dollar
Investment: Billion-dollar investments are being made for a brand-new factory. For what? To sell only two models exclusively in the US, where competition from established domestic brands is brutal? How can a multi-billion dollar investment be amortized with just two models in one market? Flood the world with Scout vehicles. What is the problem?
This open communication is what I admire about Americans, unlike the European market which has unfortunately turned into an arrogant corporate cartel. Now, the rise of Chinese brands is serving as a "Nemesis" to Europe’s arrogance, and I truly hope American leadership recognizes how vital it is not to let this happen in your home market.

I am currently searching for my next vehicle, and the options in Europe are incredibly limited. Right now, the only cars I like are American: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe (which is being discontinued here and replaced by the Recon) and the Ford Ranger Raptor. Unfortunately, neither meets my needs 100%. The Jeep is a capable off-roader but outdated and unreliable in safety systems, and its upcoming electric replacement (Recon) has a doubtful reputation and low range. The Ford Raptor is an incredible off-road sports truck, but it lacks family comfort and has extremely high fuel consumption.
And then, Scout comes along and checks every single box: space, quality, range, off-road capabilities, design, and price. Even if it reached Europe at a price point of €80,000 - €100,000, it would be an absolute game-changer, and I would be among the very first customers to buy it.

My first child is about to turn one year old, and we are already planning for our second. My dream is to own a Scout very soon, so I can enjoy comfortable road trips and create beautiful memories with my growing family in the stunning Greek countryside and our incredible mountains.

I sincerely hope Scout’s leadership decides to cross the Atlantic and conquer the world. (And hey, if Scout ever comes to Europe because of this pitch, I certainly wouldn't say no to a complimentary Scout Traveler for my contribution! )
Much love and respect from Greece!

Fotis

Welcome to the community! I hope someday your dream comes true and you own a Scout. We are very excited about it here in the States and I completely understand why you would want them over in Europe. They are amazing. I can’t wait to own my Traveler.

 

[Gottesacker]

I think y’all may be in more luck if Scout goes down-size with the next generation of vehicles like Rivian did. This generation is just going to be too wide for a lot of your roads I feel. That said, I hope this first gen is a smash success and they’re able to do more vehicle launches and expand beyond the US very soon.

 

[argiris4x4]

Welcome to the community! I hope someday your dream comes true and you own a Scout. We are very excited about it here in the States and I completely understand why you would want them over in Europe. They are amazing. I can’t wait to own my Traveler.

I would wish American cars would be wider available in Europe rather to have some short listed Europe fitted ! For example there is a Ranger Raptor istead of F150 Raptor ! We get countermeasures rather than the original experience! No muscle cars at all ! Only Mustang Dark horse ! I appreciate American manufacturers and as a family guy who loves off-road vehicles, iam excited about how promising Scout vision is ! On the other hand watching European manufacturers creating only city like cars , for family or daily usage , premium and casual , no more sports cars , no more real off roaders, no more descent engines, only 3 cylinder hybrids or pure electric, makes feel like they are taking us for granded, hostage to their production demandings !

 

[argiris4x4]

I think y’all may be in more luck if Scout goes down-size with the next generation of vehicles like Rivian did. This generation is just going to be too wide for a lot of your roads I feel. That said, I hope this first gen is a smash success and they’re able to do more vehicle launches and expand beyond the US very soon.

We are not asking for compromises and replacements to real deal ! We like and appreciate the original ! There are many who would happily have an American car not caring about the big size , huge motors , or ragged and not so luxurious approach! We have sick of lame European cars ! There are still big cars here , Range Rovers , German premium SUVS , some Chinese electrics , but we ask for your cars ! After all most of Europeans own more than 2 vehicles! Many of us use another car for daily routes in the city, or for short excursions! I own 2 different cars ! I would happily buy a Scout truck right now if it was available from the beginning in Greece , keeping the rest of my vehicles for different purposes! The only options i get at the moment are the 80k Ranger Raptor which is not spacious enough for family usage , plus it consumes lots of juice and the forthcoming Jeep Recon which is only electric and not promising to mile range! Old school Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is no more available in Europe and it is an old platform after all

 

[Chuckles]

Scout has never ruled out exports entirely. Their message has always been they want to fulfill demand in the USA and Canada first. Blythewood will eventually have the capacity for 200,000+ vehicles. An auto plant needs to run close to max output to be profitable. If exports are needed to keep the plant at capacity, I'm sure Scout will look into it.

 

[argiris4x4]

It depends what goals each company sets and how growth matters ! If i was the boss i wouldn't target to reach the max capacity for a factory , but to built more factories and create the demand ! Either you follow or you lead ! Either you innovate and become the pioneer or stay back ! I am a businessman and that's my corporate policy already ! Scout has the potential , have VW backing them up man. Don't forget, them and Toyota are the rulers in worldwide industry , so they have all the fond to conquer every market just like Toyota Land Cruiser does ! Both of their vehicles offer at the moment what global market demands ! If they wont make the global step another will , "scouting" were others are good and worse, covering the market "niches" and then that will be the global winner might make "regional" winners to be forgotten or not being able to keep up ! This approach is what American industries as a hall has to fix !

 

[J Alynn]

If they push through with an Audi badged vehicle spin off which has been noted as a possibility would be a more favorable proposition

 

[cyure]

I would wish American cars would be wider available in Europe rather to have some short listed Europe fitted ! For example there is a Ranger Raptor istead of F150 Raptor ! We get countermeasures rather than the original experience! No muscle cars at all ! Only Mustang Dark horse ! I appreciate American manufacturers and as a family guy who loves off-road vehicles, iam excited about how promising Scout vision is ! On the other hand watching European manufacturers creating only city like cars , for family or daily usage , premium and casual , no more sports cars , no more real off roaders, no more descent engines, only 3 cylinder hybrids or pure electric, makes feel like they are taking us for granded, hostage to their production demandings !

Ha! My son wants the small cars you have over there in Europe. He’s dying for more hot hatches, just hatches in general. And I love the Scout but my next choice would be any wagon and we barely have a wagons in the States and the ones we do cost upwards of $100,000.

Welcome to the community again!

 

[argiris4x4]

Ha! My son wants the small cars you have over there in Europe. He’s dying for more hot hatches, just hatches in general. And I love the Scout but my next choice would be any wagon and we barely have a wagons in the States and the ones we do cost upwards of $100,000.

Welcome to the community again!

I know that US market already has access to lots of EU brands and models ! Hatches are not difficult to find. On the contrary we can't buy neither import US cars !

 

[argiris4x4]

If they push through with an Audi badged vehicle spin off which has been noted as a possibility would be a more favorable proposition

I ve already mentioned above that such a think could help vehicle to become more acceptable in EU, although i would appreciate authenticity and bold actions! Not compromises to the real thing ! A brand that strongly supports it's product and is confident for it just hits the global market as it is ! Tesla did that 10 years ago and became global super power ! Scout should just follow their lead ! They have the backing up capabilities!

 

[Gottesacker]

I know that US market already has access to lots of EU brands and models ! Hatches are not difficult to find. On the contrary we can't buy neither import US cars !

To be fair, US Federal Law requires a car to be at least 25 years old to the month in order to import. Our selection or Euro cars is much more limited than you'd think. Even FIAT only sells the 500e and Topolino here, and there's only 22 500e's... nationwide according to fiatusa.com. Yea we get the Golf GTI and R, but that's about it. Euro cars for us are mostly limited to the luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, and up from there.

Also, the rest of the world got the Ford Ranger and Raptor Ranger long before we did. In fact, China is the one who's really getting most of the development attention in the world. Thankfully VW has seen fit to bring Scout about in the States. It's almost a wonder they didn't target China first with it.

 

[argiris4x4]

To be fair, US Federal Law requires a car to be at least 25 years old to the month in order to import. Our selection or Euro cars is much more limited than you'd think. Even FIAT only sells the 500e and Topolino here, and there's only 22 500e's... nationwide according to fiatusa.com. Yea we get the Golf GTI and R, but that's about it. Euro cars for us are mostly limited to the luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, and up from there.

Also, the rest of the world got the Ford Ranger and Raptor Ranger long before we did. In fact, China is the one who's really getting most of the development attention in the world. Thankfully VW has seen fit to bring Scout about in the States. It's almost a wonder they didn't target China first with it.

It is fine you only have access to limited Italian models Besides Italian hypercars the rest of their industry is rubbish! My brother made a mistake buying the new Alpha Romeo Julia and regrets it every day! There are enough hatch models is US i believe! Those you ve mentioned and also more premium like A class from Mercedes and 1 series from BMW. There are no much more models in EU anyways once more and more the manufacturers aboard hatches to developing smaller SUVs like Ford which turned down the Fiesta and Focus for Puma and Kuga respectively! There are great hatches thow in Japanese market like Subaru STI , Honda Type R , Toyota Yaris GR , that to be honest are better than the Europeans'.

 

[theonetruestripes]

No matter how strict European regulations are, vehicles like the Scout—especially with the Harvester EREV system—already comply with them! It is already electric

To be compliant with EU regulations includes way more than just being an EV. If VW chooses to use red turn signals in the US market or even use the exact same lights and piosiotns for turn signals and brake lights which is allowed in the USA, the turn signals won’t be legal in the EU.

Oh, and while on the topic of EREV and regulations, 5 years ago if you wanted to make a gas range extended EV it was not allowed to start the gas engine until the battery was basically expended (I’m not sure if it had to actually be at 0%, or if it could start at like 5%). Which is kind of madness, if you arne’t allowed to start the gas until you hit 0% the generator has to make enough power to meet peak electric load. If you are allowed to start at say 50% the gas engine can satisfy a much lower target and still radically extend the range. Like if it beats the power needed to travel 70MPH on a level surface, but not drive up a 5% grade you would basically slowly charge the battery at 70MPH, and drain it up steep grades, and not have to handle the extreme load that travelog up that king of grade represents! I think the US requirements here have shifted, or “EREV” is a new class of EV which is basically like the older range extended EVs but freed of that particular burden. Or VW has decided since there is no longer a EV tax credit in the US that it doesn’t need to be a EV by that definition. The EU might have its very own bugaboo here! Maybe the EREC is a gas/petrol car there!

Granted VW has a lot of people that have practical experience with that sort of thing, and if they care to they will be able to keep track of everything they would need to change to make an EU version, and/or as they select parts/designs if they have a EU compliant part they could pick at the same cost they can do so and make “the EU version” take less work. They could also choose to use EU friendly parts that cost more if they felt strongly about it, but of the most part companies that make a US and EU version of something don’t bother with universal parts when it costs more in the other country (for example rear brake/turn signals in the US must be visible in the customary places when the rear trunk is open, so they normally can’t go on the part of a hatchback that moves unless you have a duplicate set of signals INSIDE the covered area, I don’t know of any say GM design that duplicates the signals in the US and also bothers with that in the EU!

Crash/crumple tests have different standards. As far as I know neither is really better, but the US focuses on different things, so one part of the car that has to sustain 8000lbs of crush force in the USA might get away with 7000lbs in the EU, while another part in the US can get away with 7000lbs and in the EU needs to take 8000lbs. This one sometimes they do one design that handles the minimum of both in all areas (for example Tesla handles in excess of 10,000lbs in all of the tested areas, and in the early 2000s broke the test machine & GM tried to block them from going to market on that basis)

So it is definitely a non-trivial effort and cost to make “the same” vehicle in both the EU and US. It is one that VW frequently makes, they have a lot of "worldwide” cars, even if they have a lot of variants (EU v US VW Rabbit for example has a lot of differences), and they have multiple vehicles that are built on the same basic platform where some variants never come to the US (the VW bug/bus based pickup truck for example, and multiple years the Shrioco never made it to the US, nor did many of the Golf platform convertibles). I don’t know of any non variant VW that was made for the US market only though (i.e. the US had a US Rabbit, it wasn't identical to the EU models, but the EU did have “the Rabbit”).

So I do expect VW will at least seriously think about bringing the Scout to the EU. Also EV adoption is higher in a lot of the EU then it is here, so it seems like it would be a smart move. I don’t know if the EREV would be as popular, but I’m sure it will at least be considered.