2024-10-25 20:00:06
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. (WIS) – Two brand-new vehicles are set to change the landscape of South Carolina’s economy.
On Thursday, Scout Motors unveiled the Terra and the Traveler, fully electric models with a projected 350-mile range.
In one of the state’s largest economic developments, the vehicles will be produced at the upcoming production facility in Blythewood, projecting to roll out its first vehicles by the end of 2026.
Scout Motors, which broke ground at its new production center back in February, received a $1.3 billion incentive package from Gov. Henry McMaster. The automotive company said the $2 billion facility will span 1,100 acres and deliver 4,000 jobs to the surrounding area.
“It’s an exciting day for South Carolina and I know there will be more and more, but the excitement that is here today on this mountaintop is going to be hard to beat,” said Governor McMaster.
McMaster continued, “We’re proud that these auto manufacturers and others want to be in South Carolina. This is one more, this is a great one, and we are delighted to be here. You can just feel the excitement in this place.”
McMaster joined Scout enthusiasts, executives, and employees for Thursday’s reveal in Franklin, Tennessee.
President and CEO of Scout Motors, Scott Keogh, said the plant will be able to produce 40 cars an hour once it’s operational.
The Terra features a 5.5-foot bed, a large center display, front storage, and accelerates from 0-60pmh in 3.5 seconds.
From interior to exterior, the vehicle pays homage to the very first Scout vehicle in the 1960s.
The Traveler, Scouts’ newest SUV model will feature a similar body type to historic Scout SUVs. It will have similar interior features to that of the Terra but with a glass roof and a split tailgate.
Chief design officer Chris Benjamin says Scout is confident the new lineup will meet the needs of hardworking South Carolinians.
“People take pride in what they’re involved in,” Benjamin said. “So if you have people in South Carolina working in the plant and building these vehicles, they’re drawn to it. It is going to be a special one.”
“Economic development, if you have an automotive company, is just great,” said Joern Petri, vice president of Plant Launch. “You have suppliers that are coming in, the qualified labor, 4,000 jobs, 4,000 families…”
“Everyone needs a haircut, everyone needs to buy groceries, so it’s not just the factory or company that is benefiting; it’s the community that’s benefiting from an automotive factory.”
The construction of the Blythewood plant is on schedule, with nearly 78 percent of the assembly building foundation completed and 57 percent of the steel installed.
Petri says Scout is already in conversation with K12 schools across Richland County, SC Ready, and Midlands Tech; with hopes to train, qualify, and then employ.
He also says this is a chance for South Carolina to see what the future holds, not only for electric vehicles but as the state transitions into a leading role for vehicle manufacturing.
Both vehicles will be priced between 50 and 60 thousand dollars. As of Thursday, they are accepting reservations for both vehicles.
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