Scout Motors, an emerging automotive manufacturer revitalizing the iconic Scout brand, has selected Charlotte, North Carolina, as the home of its corporate headquarters. This major investment will bring more than 1,200 high-quality jobs to the Charlotte region over the coming years.
This also marks a key milestone for Scout Motors as it establishes a central hub for leadership and innovation in advance of the start of production for the Scout Traveler SUVs and Scout Terra trucks.
“Charlotte is the ideal home for Scout Motors, a place as dynamic as our people and brand, where heritage and pride meet progress and innovation,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Scout Motors. “With a thriving talent pool, world-class universities, and a deserved reputation as a launchpad for bold ideas, Charlotte offers the momentum we need to scale quickly and sustainably. We’ll build a headquarters that reflects our culture, empowers our teams, and connects us to a region that’s fast becoming a national hub for mobility and manufacturing.”
The Charlotte headquarters will serve as the home base for executive leadership, research and development, finance, IT, sales, marketing, and other key corporate functions. Scout Motors will begin establishing its Charlotte presence gradually, with plans for initial staffing and office development beginning in 2026 and full headquarters operations scaling up in the coming years.
The Scout Motors headquarters will be at the Commonwealth development in Plaza Midwood, located in the heart of Charlotte’s most eclectic neighborhood. Scout said this vibrant development blends restored historic architecture with striking new construction. Offering modern office space and welcoming community areas, it’s where the city’s past and future meet with purpose.
The Search for a Headquarters Location
This decision follows a comprehensive, multi-state evaluation process as Scout Motors sought the right location to serve as the long-term center of gravity for the company’s corporate operations. According to Scout, Charlotte stood out for its combination of workforce strength, business climate, livability, strategic location, and alignment with the Scout brand’s adventurous spirit.
“Scout Motors is revitalizing an iconic American brand, creating high-quality jobs, and building the next great automotive company right here in the Carolinas,” said North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. “Our business-friendly climate, our top-tier research universities and community colleges, our leadership in the clean energy economy, our quality of life, and above all, our people make companies want to call North Carolina home.”
Proximity to Scout Production Center
Just over an hour north of the company’s Production Center, which is under construction in Blythewood, South Carolina, the Charlotte location will further cement Scout Motors’ presence in the Carolinas and enable seamless coordination between manufacturing, corporate, and technical operations.
Construction is progressing rapidly at Scout Motors’ Production Center in Blythewood, with initial production targeted to begin in 2027. Once it reaches full capacity, the Production Center is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs in South Carolina and attract additional suppliers and economic opportunities to the region.
Original Scout & New Scout
The Scout, originally produced by International Harvester from 1961-80, was the world’s first utility vehicle capable of both off-road adventure and family duty. The Scout brand is now an American icon whose heritage is kept alive by a dedicated community of doers who continue to push their vehicles on the farm, in the wilderness, and on family outings.
Scout Motors was formed to craft the next era of trucks and rugged SUVs rooted in the same tradition that made the original Scout vehicle an American icon. Scout Motors is revitalizing a legend and returning manufacturing to American shores.
Initial production is targeted to begin at the Scout Motors Production Center near Columbia, South Carolina, in 2027.