Just a year after The Volkswagen Group created its Scout Motors spin-off to address the rugged electric SUV and pickup truck market, the brand has appointed Chris Benjamin as Chief Design Officer. Benjamin's design career has seen him work for a number of large automotive entities, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and, most recently, as the head interior designer at Stellantis.
During his time at Stellantis, Benjamin was responsible for the interior design teams at Jeep, Wagoneer, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM, indicating that he has significant experience in modern vehicles designed for rugged off-road trails.
Benjamin also reiterates that the VW subsidiary will revive the Scout branding in more than just name, giving us an idea of what to expect as the company approaches its scheduled 2026 start of production. It's still a long way out, but we should apparently anticipate an electric SUV and pickup truck platform that blends tough, retro looks and modern technology.
My task now is to balance the iconic design language of the past with all of the innovative possibilities that electrification unlocks.
The retro aesthetic seems to be in full swing, given Volkswagen and Hyundai's recent forays into using decidedly nostalgic design elements in vehicles like the VW ID.Buzz, the stand-out Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the N Vision 74 concept car that sadly seems destined for the museum.