South Carolinians praise the $2B electric vehicle company coming to Richland County

A $2 billion electric vehicle manufacturing facility is coming to Richland County. South Carolina leaders are ecstatic.

Scout Motors is planning a 1,600-acre production site in Blythewood, the governor’s office announced Friday, with the goal of breaking ground later this year. The venture has the potential to create 4,000 jobs.

The company will create all-electric trucks and SUVs reminiscent of the vehicles produced from the 1960s through the 1980s.

McMaster, along with state lawmakers, Richland County officials and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce expressed excitement and gratitude about the project.

South Carolinians react

“Scout Motors will provide thousands of South Carolinians with previously unimagined opportunities and prosperity for generations to come. The Palmetto State, with its rich history, superior people, and sterling automotive manufacturing reputation, is the perfect place to re-start this iconic American brand.”

- Governor Henry McMaster

“We’re honored to partner with South Carolina to usher in this new era for Scout. Scout has been an American icon since introducing an SUV in 1960. It’s the vehicle that took your family on a camping trip, that gave access to the great outdoors, and that showed up on the job site every morning. Today, we’re reimagining Scout’s original ingenuity and electrifying its future. We’re bringing the Scout spirit to South Carolina and it’s going to be a hell of a ride.”

- President and CEO of Scout Motors Scott Keogh

“South Carolina is a mecca for the world’s greatest manufacturing companies. Scout Motors’ announcement today not only confirms, but enhances this reputation. I’m proud to call them one of our own.”

- President of the South Carolina Senate Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee

“South Carolina’s greatest asset is our people. Scout Motors recognized this and wanted to become part of our storied manufacturing history. Welcome to South Carolina and thank you for making a generational investment in our State.”

- Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Harvey S. Peeler Jr., R-Cherokee

“Scout Motors’ commitment to such a significant economic investment – among the largest South Carolina has ever seen – is an exciting development for a well-deserving region of our state. This announcement is a fitting affirmation of the House’s dedication to advancing workforce and economic development initiatives. This commitment will truly be transformative to not only the Midlands, but to the entire state, and will provide opportunity for decades and generations to come.”

- Speaker of the House of Representatives Murrell Smith, R-Sumter

“This exciting announcement highlights South Carolina’s position as a world leader in the automotive manufacturing industry. Today was made possible in part by our state’s economic and fiscal health, thanks to years of conservative policy and budgeting. This has put our state in a position to not only attract but secure leading industry investment. I’m looking forward to a prosperous partnership with Scout Motors.”

- Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville

“This proposed manufacturing facility marks a major milestone in the history of Richland County and the potential for our most significant economic development project to date. This decision represents a transformational breakthrough that would position us at the forefront of the clean energy future while promising to boost the quality of life for residents across our county for generations to come.”

- Richland County Council Chair Overture Walker

“Richland County has spent years laying the groundwork for today’s historic announcement, and we are thrilled that Scout shares our view that this area is the ideal location for a world-class company to plant its flag. With our supportive business development network, vibrant workforce, culture of innovation, and connectivity to key strategic hubs, Richland County has created a strong economic foundation that Scout would be able to build upon in the years to come.”

- Richland County Economic Development Office Director Jeff Ruble

“We are thrilled to welcome Scout Motors to the town of Blythewood. This historic investment will bring thousands of jobs, economic growth and opportunity to our local community. We are honored to have been selected for this exciting new venture. We look forward to working closely with our partners, community members and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project and to build a bright future for our town and our region.”

- Mayor of Blythewood Bryan S. Franklin

“To say today’s announcement by Scout Motors is exciting would be a dramatic understatement. The investment being made by Scout Motors is one for the history books for Richland County, its people and the surrounding communities. As we congratulate the company and our partners in the county on this transformative news, we also look forward to the revival of this iconic American brand.”

- Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer

“A Transformational Day For The Midlands of SC.”

- State Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington

“Outstanding news for Richland County, the Midlands, and our entire state!”

- State Rep. Nathan Ballentine, R-Richland

“This is a transformative project for our state and our county, bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment.”

- State Rep. Todd Rutherford, D-Richland

“This project is going to be a game-changer for the Midlands of South Carolina!”

U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C.

“This is the biggest development news for the Midlands since the capital was moved here in 1786.”

- State Rep. Micah Caskey, R-Lexington

“The Midlands region is the perfect place to live, play and do business and the Columbia Chamber is elated that Scout Motors agrees and will be opening a new manufacturing facility in Richland County. The economic impact of this venture cannot be understated.”

- Columbia Chamber of Commerce

“Richland County will now have its own auto manufacturing company. Lots of great paying jobs.”

- Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland