The Scout Terra and Traveler aren’t due for release for a while, giving the automaker plenty of time to announce new features before its launch. At this year’s CES, Scout announced a satellite-based Wi-Fi hotspot system for its upcoming vehicles, giving them a way to communicate with the outside world when they’re way off the beaten path.
Scout said its market research revealed that more than 70 percent of potential buyers viewed in-vehicle satellite connectivity as an important feature. The automaker will pre-wire its two new vehicles for satellite Wi-Fi from the factory, but we don’t yet know how much the feature will cost or what types of subscriptions will be available.
As for the other tech in the new EVs, Scout’s Chief Design Officer, Chris Benjamin, said, “We listened to our customers and created an experience that’s intuitive, versatile, and uniquely Scout. Our Community UX is grounded, warm, and approachable, yet it’s innovative and modern, offering everything drivers need without overwhelming their experience.”
Scout hasn’t shown the interface in detail, but it noted that it “redefines the relationship between physical and digital controls,” with tactile buttons and knobs alongside touch controls in the infotainment system. The vehicles get a 16.2-inch touchscreen with larger icons and easier visibility.
It’s worth noting that, as part of the VW family, Scout has many tech-related challenges to overcome before it can deliver on those promises. Remember, Volkswagen’s Cariad division is blamed for the software-related delay of the Porsche Macan, and the automaker’s UI deficiencies are at least partially behind its investments in Rivian, which it believes will help refine its systems.
[Images: Scout]
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Source: The Truth About Cars
