VW could partner with Foxconn to revive Scout brand in U.S.

MUNICH -- Volkswagen Group may partner with Foxconn to revive the Scout brand in the U.S.

VW is in talks with Foxconn for the Taiwanese contract manufacturer to build Scout vehicles, Automotive News sister publication Automobilwoche has learned from VW sources.

Foxconn, best known as the manufacturer of the Apple iPhone, started manufacturing Lordstown's Endurance pickups in September after buying the company's Ohio facility bought by Lordstown from General Motors in 2019.

VW said in May it plans to revive the long dormant Scout off-road nameplate that it acquired last year when its heavy-truck brand merged with Navistar.

Foxconn last month unveiled two new electric vehicles prototypes highlighting its ambitions to become a major car manufacturer, replicating its success in electronics assembly as Apple's biggest manufacturing partner. A partnership with VW could give Foxconn a major breakthrough.

In addition to Foxconn, VW is also said to be in talks with Magna Steyr, the Austria-based contract manufacturer owned by Canada's Magna International Inc., which is considering opening a plant in the U.S.

Scout could jointly develop its first vehicles with Magna, sources said.

VW said it did not comment on speculation about possible partnerships.

"We are very pleased with the progress the Scout team is making and with the enthusiasm it's already generating among current fans and future customers," a VW spokesman said.