Will he try to get around them for a Tesla-like sales model?

Volkswagen Group kept dealers aside before the recent announcement of the Scout EV brand, Automotive news reported Monday.

VW announced the Scout brand on May 11, reaffirming plans to release an electric pickup and SUV for the North American market under a separate brand structure. The company Scout, which is reviving the name of the classic International Harvester Scout, should show prototypes in 2023 and start production in 2026.

But dealers were taken aback by the announcement, which has led some to question whether VW plans to adopt Tesla’s direct sales model for the new brand. Automotive news.

VW does not disclose important details, such as who will run a particular Scout brand or which platforms may use its EV. But keeping Scout separate from VW’s main brand could create a revelation for another retail model.

Although Polestar is a branch of Volvo Cars and its parent company Geely, Polestar avoids problems with Volvo’s dealer network in the United States. throwing him into the service. The brand has opened Polestar Space instead of traditional salons.

Tesla did not shy away from this his store model started with the Model S was developed directly from Apple Stores. He even hired Apple retail guru, who has been widely credited with the setup.

Tesla Store in Los Angeles [photo: Misha Bruk / MBH Architects]

It was a model to follow Conscious and Rivian, the latter, is a potential competitor to the reliable EVs Scout. However, none of these automakers has a traditional dealer network.

Even Tesla had to contend with dealer lobby groups and government franchise laws, so moving away from the traditional franchise dealership model runs counter to the risks. But it has proven to be a good way to showcase new EVs, giving customers an alternative to the often stressful experience of buying a car at a car dealership.