In a captivating turn of events, Scout Motors has taken a significant stride forward in the electric era. The company recently announced the appointment of Chris Benjamin, a prominent designer known for his work on the interior style of various Jeep and Ram models under the Stellantis umbrella. Benjamin will now assume the role of Chief Design Officer at Scout, tasked with leading the design efforts for their robust, multi-purpose electric truck and SUV.
As the steward of the iconic Scout design, Benjamin will oversee the development of both interior and exterior designs, concept ideation, user experience considerations, and the integration of design and technology within the Scout Motors brand.
Scott Keogh, the CEO of Scout Motors, expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Benjamin to their team. He stated, “For nearly 25 years, he's brought to life vehicles that stand out on the road.” Benjamin's extensive career includes design roles at renowned automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and most recently, Stellantis, where he served as the director of interior design for Jeep, Wagoneer, Chrysler, RAM, and Dodge before being appointed as the vice president of interior design in July 2022.
Keogh further emphasized Benjamin's invaluable contribution to the industry, remarking, “His thumbprints are all over many of the most beloved off-road vehicles in the market today. I'm confident that Chris will build on that experience as he defines the next chapter of design for Scout and electric utility vehicles.”
In response to his appointment, Benjamin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I've been fortunate in my career to shape many off-road focused products that appeal to a broad range of Americans.” He also shared his personal connection to the Scout brand, saying, “Classic Scout vehicles have always exerted a magnetic pull on me. They created the archetype for the modern SUV in the '60s and proved that a daily driver could also be a weekend adventurer.”
With Benjamin's expertise, honed during his pivotal roles at Jeep and RAM, Scout Motors aims to expedite the development of their electric truck and SUV lineup. The Scout brand has a rich heritage that dates back to the early 1960s when the International Harvester Corporation (IHC) introduced its initial model. The compact four-wheel drive vehicle swiftly emerged as a formidable competitor to the renowned Jeep brand, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of the SUV segment before the advent of the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer.
Despite the brand's success, financial challenges faced by its parent company necessitated a restructuring, which included a name change to Navistar. In 2021, Volkswagen acquired the rights to the Scout brand following the merger of its trucking division, Traton Group, with Navistar. After persistent rumors regarding the potential revival of the Scout brand, Volkswagen confirmed its intentions to transform Scout into an off-road electric vehicle company in the United States, offering a new line of rugged electric pickups and SUVs.
Regarding his new role as chief designer at Scout, Benjamin remarked, “My task now is to balance the iconic design language of the past with all of the innovative possibilities that electrification unlocks. With the base of inspiration that Scout offers, what we're dreaming up will be beyond special.”
Scout Motors previously announced plans to establish its first manufacturing plant in South Carolina, with a projected annual production capacity of over 200,000 vehicles at full operation. The company aims to commence production of their first electric vehicles by the end of 2026, signaling an exciting chapter in Scout's storied history and their foray into the electrified automotive landscape.
