US supplier AAM supplies e-drives and e-axles for VW brand Scout

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM) has entered into a supply agreement with Scout, the VW Group's revitalised electric off-road vehicle brand. AAM will supply electric front axle drives (EDUs) and electric rear axles (e-Beam Axles) for Scout's first two models.

EDUs and e-Beam Axles from AAM are to be used for the Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra pickup truck. The partners have not yet revealed the performance data of the components. Both Scout models were presented as prototypes last October. The list prices of both models are expected to start below 60,000 US dollars, and production is scheduled to begin in 2027 at a new plant currently being built near Columbia in the state of South Carolina.

Both vehicles are based on a classic ladder frame (body-on-frame) for high stability and off-road capability. The new models will be available both as fully electric vehicles (BEV) and with a gasoline-powered range extender.

The Scout Traveler is an electric SUV targeting customers with families, while the Scout Terra is an electric pickup targeting drivers looking for a vehicle for work and adventure. Scout Motors was founded by VW in 2022 to revive the renowned Scout brand with a focus on electric off-road vehicles. Originally produced by International Harvester between 1961 and 1980, the Scout was one of the first vehicles to combine everyday practicality with off-road capability, a forerunner of today’s ever-larger SUVs and pickups.

Volkswagen acquired the Scout brand rights as part of the takeover of US commercial vehicle manufacturer Navistar International, announced in 2020. Scout aims to build robust electric vehicles specially developed for the US market, independently of the rest of the VW model portfolio, but with access to Group resources such as platform technologies and manufacturing expertise.

AAM sees the partnership with Scout Motors as a strategic opportunity. Both companies say they are committed to a strong industrial presence in the USA and the development of innovative technologies “made in America”.
AAM itself is a Tier 1 automotive supplier based in Detroit. The company develops and produces drive and forming technologies for electric, hybrid and combustion vehicles at over 75 locations in 16 countries.

aam.com