The U.S. automotive industry closed out 2024 with strong sales and surging sales for hybrids and battery-electric vehicles toward the end of the year.

One company gearing up for a start-up is Scout Motors, which is part of the Volkswagen Group. A plant that will produce Scout pickups and SUVs is under development/construction outside Columbia, SC. The first Scouts, a pickup and an SUV, are expected to go on sale in early 2027.

Scout showed the media the first two model designs, the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, recently in Nashville. WardsAuto Podcast Host David Kiley talks with product marketing director Shaheen Karimian about the progress and outlook for the Scout brand.