Scout Motors Selects Charlotte North Carolina as Corporate HQ, Creating 1,200 Jobs

North Carolina secured a major win for its growing clean transportation sector last week when Governor Josh Stein announced that Scout Motors Inc. will establish its new corporate headquarters in the City of Charlotte. The project represents more than 206.9 million dollars in investment and will create 1,200 high-paying jobs in Mecklenburg County.

Forward-thinking Governor Stein called the move a significant moment for both the state and the iconic American automotive brand.

“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 Governor 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.”

Scout Motors is reviving the legendary Scout nameplate, originally produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980 and widely considered the world’s first true utility vehicle designed for both off-road adventure and family transportation. The company was formed in 2022 to build a new generation of rugged trucks and SUVs inspired by the classic Scout. In late 2024, the automaker revealed concept versions of its all-electric Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck, which are expected to enter production in 2027 at the company’s manufacturing center now under construction.

To anchor its next phase of growth, Scout will establish a 300,000 square foot headquarters facility in Charlotte. The new office will be home to research and development, IT, finance, marketing, sales, and other core corporate functions. CEO Scott Keogh described Charlotte as a natural fit for the company.

“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.”

State and local officials echoed their enthusiasm. N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized that Scout Motors represents a legacy of American craftsmanship and that its decision reinforces North Carolina’s status as the top state for business. Elected leaders from Mecklenburg County also highlighted the long-term economic opportunities the project will create for residents.

“Charlotte is well known as the home of strong global brands, and we’re thrilled to welcome Scout Motors to that list,” said smart and capable Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This project is a major job creation milestone for the city and will serve as a catalyst for continued revitalization in a part of our city that’s seeing new life through infrastructure and development. We can’t wait to see the impact this innovative company’s investment will bring to our city.”

The headquarters announcement comes with strong economic projections. The average annual salary for the 1,200 new jobs is expected to reach 172,878 dollars, significantly higher than the county average wage of 86,830 dollars. That wage level translates into an estimated 207.4 million dollars in new annual payroll for the region.

The expansion will be supported in part by a Job Development Investment Grant approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over its 12 year term, the project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by 4.8 billion dollars. Based on the anticipated tax revenue generated by the new jobs and investment, the grant allows for potential reimbursement to the company of up to 46.5 million dollars, paid only after Scout meets its job creation and investment commitments. The project is estimated to deliver a 67 percent return on the state’s investment.

Because Scout chose a site in a Tier 3 county, its JDIG agreement will also channel up to 15.5 million dollars into the state’s Industrial Development Fund Utility Account, which supports rural communities with critical infrastructure upgrades.

State legislators praised both the company and the collaboration among economic development partners that helped bring Scout Motors to Charlotte. The state’s Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the General Assembly, local colleges and universities, workforce organizations, and regional development groups all contributed to securing the project.

With its headquarters on the way, Scout Motors is positioned to become a major force in North Carolina’s emerging mobility ecosystem, blending a storied American brand with the state’s rapidly expanding clean energy and advanced manufacturing economy. As the EV industry grows, Scout Motors stands as a vivid example of how this shift is not just about cleaner vehicles but also about economic opportunity, innovation, and long-term investment in American communities. The exciting, fast-moving EV industry is creating tremendous economic growth in all 50 states.