Scout Motors is dedicated to empowering owners to repair their electric trucks without having to go to a dealership unless absolutely necessary. The company has now revealed more details on how they plan to achieve this goal.
During the unveiling of the concept versions of the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck last October, Scout stated that around 80% of repairs could be carried out without the need for a dealership visit. In an interview with The Drive at CES 2025, Scout Motors Strategy Director Ryan Decker explained that this will be made possible by components that are designed to be easily removed for repair or replacement.
Scout Traveler concept
“Maybe things aren’t glued, they’re screwed, right? Things should be more easy to repair yourself,” Decker emphasized.
Scout implemented this approach during the design phase, opting for discrete bumpers and body panels that are easily accessible instead of the seamless and fused look of many modern cars. Decker highlighted that easily removable bumpers are more practical for the off-road use of Scout vehicles.
Scout Terra concept
Decker also assured customers of “transparent” repair guides and manuals that will be easily accessible, avoiding the “black box” nature of other EVs. This customer-centric approach sets Scout apart from Tesla’s initial resistance towards independent repair shops and customization.
Similar to Tesla, Scout plans to adopt a direct-sales model rather than using franchised dealerships. This decision has caused tension with franchisees of Scout’s parent company, Volkswagen, in California, who argue that it violates the state’s franchise laws since VW relies on franchised dealerships for its other brands. Currently, Scout is finalizing a $2 billion factory in South Carolina with production expected to commence in 2027.