Volkswagen’s newly established sub-brand, Scout Motors, is set to receive a $10 million grant from the Michigan Business Development Program to establish an innovation center in Novi.
The facility, spanning approximately 80,000 square feet, will house up to 200 employees and will serve as a central hub for Scout Motors’ product design and engineering teams, drawing talent from both local and broader domestic and international markets.
See also: Scout Motors Plans Major Expansion with Innovation Center in Michigan for Electric Truck Development
According to reports from The Detroit News, VW explored various locations for the innovation center, including sites in proximity to the upcoming $2 billion manufacturing plant in South Carolina, where Scout Motors plans to commence production by the end of 2026. The grant is supported by the governing body of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Scout Motors is currently in the development phase of an all-electric pickup truck and an electric SUV, both slated for production at the South Carolina plant.
While details about the vehicles are limited, recent reports suggest that Magna Steyr has been enlisted to aid in their development. Magna Steyr, known for assembling the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Fisker Ocean, and the Jaguar I-Pace EVs, is seen as a logical choice for collaboration.
See also: Volkswagen’s Scout Brand Nears Completion of Electric Pickup and SUV Designs
Teasers released for the Scout SUV and pickup truck models indicate designs reminiscent of classic Scout models, featuring boxy shapes akin to popular off-roaders.
The South Carolina plant’s annual production capacity is set at 200,000 vehicles, contingent on the market reception of the Scout models. The extent of production will depend on the popularity of the vehicles in the market.
