Enthusiasts of International Harvester are surely captivated by the emergence of Scout Motors. While operating under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, this new brand essentially evolves from the legacy of the International Harvester Scout, renowned for its off-road pickup trucks and SUVs during the 1960s and ’70s.
After a hiatus of 45 years, the Scout brand is poised to make a return to American streets and trails in 2026, retaining the familiar body styles and a comparable mission, albeit with electric-only powertrains. While this much has been known for some time, recent insights shed light on potential names for Scout’s upcoming electric SUV and truck.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) serves as a government-funded source of speculation for automotive enthusiasts, as companies routinely file trademarks, some of which may never materialize. Scout Motors Inc. recently filed 41 trademarks in 2023, and while not all may come to fruition, there is anticipation that at least a few might adorn the new Scout EVs as model names, trim levels, or optional packages.
Among the trademarked names, those familiar with the classic International Scout will recognize “Scout 80,” the original standard model produced between 1960 and 1965, as well as its successors, the Scout 800 (1966–’71) and the Scout II (1971–’80). Other nostalgic names among the filings include Super Scout, Scout Traveler, Terra, Travelstar, and Trailstar. The “Scout Spirit” trademark likely harkens back to the special edition “Spirit of 76” released in celebration of America’s bicentennial in 1976.
Considering the shift towards an electric-centric approach, the Scout brand is venturing into uncharted territory, leading to the introduction of new-age names. Notable among these are “Scout Hauler,” “Scout Reaper,” “Tellus,” and “Thresher.”
The fate of these trademarked names and their incorporation into the future Scout EV lineup remains uncertain. As we eagerly await the unveiling of an actual concept or prototype, with production slated to commence in approximately two years, it is anticipated that more details will surface in the coming year.