Scout Motors To Establish New Headquarters In Charlotte, Bringing 1,200 Jobs To Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE — Scout Motors Inc., the electric vehicle manufacturer reviving the legendary Scout brand, will open its new corporate headquarters in Charlotte, Governor Josh Stein announced Tuesday. The project represents an investment of nearly $207 million and is expected to create 1,200 high-paying jobs in Mecklenburg County.

“Scout Motors is revitalizing an iconic American brand, creating high-quality jobs, and building the next great automotive company right here in the Carolinas,” Stein said in a statement. “Our business-friendly climate, top-tier universities and community colleges, and our leadership in clean energy make North Carolina the perfect place for this company to grow.”

The new 300,000-square-foot headquarters will serve as the company’s central hub for research and development, information technology, finance, sales, and marketing, along with other corporate operations.

Founded in 2022, Scout Motors was formed to reimagine the classic Scout vehicle line, originally produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. The company unveiled its first concept models—the all-electric Scout® Traveler™ SUV and Scout Terra™ truck—in October 2024. Production is slated to begin in 2027 at the Scout Motors Production Center, which is currently under construction.

Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Scout Motors, said Charlotte’s mix of innovation, talent, and culture made it the right choice for the company’s long-term future.

“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,” Keogh said. “With a thriving talent pool and world-class universities, Charlotte offers the momentum we need to scale quickly and sustainably.”

The headquarters announcement also includes a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over the next 12 years, the project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by $4.8 billion, according to state officials. The grant authorizes up to $46.5 million in potential performance-based reimbursements, contingent on the company meeting job creation and investment goals verified by the Departments of Commerce and Revenue.

The average annual salary for the new positions is projected at $172,878, roughly double Mecklenburg County’s current average wage of $86,830. The overall payroll impact could reach more than $207 million annually.

Because Mecklenburg County is classified as a Tier 3 area under the state’s economic tier system, the JDIG agreement also allocates up to $15.5 million to North Carolina’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account, which supports infrastructure projects in rural communities statewide.

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said Scout Motors’ decision reaffirms North Carolina’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

“We’re honored that this storied brand is building its next chapter here,” Lilley said. “With our talented workforce and exceptional quality of life, Scout Motors reinforces why North Carolina remains America’s top state for business.”

Local leaders praised the decision, calling it a major economic win for Charlotte and the region.

“This is outstanding news for Mecklenburg County and the entire state,” said Sen. Caleb Theodros. “These 1,200 jobs and millions in investments will create great opportunities for our community.”

Rep. Becky Carney credited collaboration among state and local agencies for helping land the project. “Days like this are the result of the hard work of our many economic development professionals,” she said. “I’m grateful for the support that helped Scout Motors decide to make Charlotte its home base.”

Partners in the project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the University of North Carolina System, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina A&T State University, Central Piedmont Community College, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and Mecklenburg County.