Scout Hires GM Veteran Behind Hummer EV To Build Its Electric Trucks

Scout Motors has appointed former General Motors executive Todd Johnson as its new Vice President of Manufacturing. The move comes as the Volkswagen Group-backed startup accelerates work at its new South Carolina factory, where production of the upcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup is drawing closer. Johnson's appointment follows several major milestones for the company, including the start of prototype production and the opening of a $25 million training center to prepare future employees for launch.

GM EV Veteran Joins Scout

Johnson officially joined Scout Motors on July 13 and will oversee manufacturing operations at the company's Production Center in Blythewood, South Carolina. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to employ more than 4,000 people and produce up to 200,000 vehicles annually. Before joining Scout, Johnson spent years at General Motors, most recently leading body shop manufacturing operations in Wentzville, Missouri. He also played a role in launching major electric vehicles, including the all-electric GMC Hummer and Chevrolet Silverado EV.

Scout Chief Production Officer Oliver Wollinsky praised the appointment, saying Johnson's experience with large-scale manufacturing and advanced EV programs makes him "an outstanding addition to our leadership team." Johnson said he is joining the company at a pivotal moment, adding: "Scout Motors is building something truly special."

Demand Keeps Building

Johnson joins Scout as preparations for its first two production vehicles continue. The Scout Terra, a Chevrolet Silverado EV rival – the very car Johnson was tasked with – will be built alongside the retro-inspired Traveler SUV at the South Carolina facility. Customer interest also remains strong. As of March 2026, Scout had received more than 160,000 reservations for the two models, with approximately 87% of buyers opting for the extended-range hybrid versions instead of the fully electric variants.

The company has also continued refining its products based on customer feedback. Most recently, Scout doubled down on its commitment to simpler, safer physical controls by retaining traditional door handles and physical buttons throughout the cabin instead of touch-sensitive controls.

Scout's Next Step

Scout is now transitioning from development into production planning, with the company targeting deliveries to start in 2028, although some industry analysts believe that timeline could slip to 2030. The Volkswagen Group-owned brand also has ambitions beyond launching its first vehicles. Reports suggest Scout Motors could even go public before the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup reach customers, underscoring the confidence surrounding the company's future.

The all-electric pickup and SUV space is highly competitive, with serious rivals like the Telo MT1 and Slate Truck aiming their sights at Scout. With prototype production underway, factory preparations accelerating, pre-orders continuing to climb, and an experienced manufacturing leader now in place, Scout is steadily building the foundations for what could become one of the industry's most important vehicle launches.

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