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SC town finds some cameras were facing trees or 'not functioning,' ups spending. Updated July 28, 2026 3:38 PM Gift Article BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. Blythewood has been plagued for several years by the elusive solution to its safety concerns, suspending large town events indefinitely for fear of chaos and cancelling several public celebrations in 2025. A new contract aims to shore up security after a revelation that some of the town's 125 security cameras were pointed at the ground or not operational, according to an April report by the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Blythewood Town Council voted to increase spending on security camera maintenance Monday night, drawing out the news at town council that a safety task force found cameras that were facing trees, the ground or simply didn't work at all. The information shocked council when it was presented in a closed executive session April 28, said Councilwoman Tricia Hovis, and it is unclear for how long the cameras were ineffectual for. "Has staff had an opportunity to review the findings from the safety task force that indicated that there are cameras on this property that are aimed in directions that pick up nothing, that there are cameras that are not functioning, cameras that should be places where cameras are not?" Hovis said, addressing other council members on Monday. She said the new contract was related to Town Manager Doug Polen's effort to address the issues revealed by the threat assessment, which occurred before he assumed his role in June. Blythewood previously had no contracted regular maintenance on the town's security cameras, though it has previously done business with local security vendor National Alert Security Systems, who will take over the upgraded maintenance contract. According to Polen, prior to Monday night's approval in-house maintenance staff would inspect cameras once a month and call National Alert as necessary, though those operations have been suspended for most of the summer as staff prepared the new contract. The contract was approved over the objections of Hovis and Councilman Donald Brock, entering the town into a $725 per month plan which includes quarterly maintenance visits. According to a staff report, Blythewood has invested "well in excess" of $100,000 on its security system over the last 10 years, keeping pace with the samll town's growth. Blythewood is located northeast of Columbia and has a population of more than 7,000 residents - a sharp jump from just under 5,000 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "I think it just makes good sense to protect that work," Polen said of the investment. A Scout Motors plant that shattered records for economic investment in the state is expected to add 4,000 jobs to the Blythewood area when it begins operations at the end of the year, bringing an influx of new residents and a potential increase in security needs. Hovis questioned whether hiring the same vendor was the right move, given the issues the safety task force found with the cameras. "To me, maintenance includes properly checking to ensure that cameras are providing the service that they're both that they're supposed to provide," Hovis said. "Which that report revealed is not the case." Ron Perryman, sales director at National Alert, said that prior to the approval of the contract, the responsibility to report needed repairs was left to the town. The decision to increase camera maintenance funding is one of the first major steps based on the Richland County Sheriff Department's findings and follows on the heels of promises by Mayor Sloan Griffin to fully fund security. Hovis said her goal remains to contract camera maintenance to a different vendor, and that she would be considering Flock cameras - the license plate reading technology that has stirred up privacy concerns in nearby Irmo - as an alternative to the town's current camera system. This story was originally published July 28, 2026 at 3:08 PM.

Scout hires GM veteran behind Hummer EV to build its electric trucks. By Marnus Moolman Autoblog Updated July 19, 2026 9:13 AM Gift Article 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. This story was originally published July 19, 2026 at 9:01 AM.

Scout Traveler and Terra: are they worth waiting for? Scout Motors' first electric SUV and pickup are scheduled to reach customers in 2028, but the company faces significant production, financial, and legal challenges before that happens. Even so, the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup stand out with retro styling, body-on-frame construction, and an optional range-extending powertrain that few competitors currently offer. If Scout can successfully launch on schedule while maintaining its targeted pricing, the brand could carve out a distinctive position in the growing electric truck market despite intense competition. Scout is building a different kind of electric truck. Rather than following the formula established by many EV startups, Scout is combining classic off-road design with modern electric technology. The company recently showcased prototype versions of the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, giving the public another look at vehicles expected to enter production in 2027 before customer deliveries begin the following year. Both models draw heavy inspiration from the original Scout utility vehicles while incorporating modern proportions and premium materials. Compared with other electric SUVs, the Traveler is closer in size to the Rivian R1S, while the Terra pickup is even longer than the Rivian R1T, positioning both vehicles in the larger off-road segment. Their upright stance, squared-off bodywork, and wide track create a distinctive appearance that separates them from many current EV designs. Interior design focuses on physical controls. One of Scout's biggest design priorities is reducing dependence on touchscreen controls. According to company executives, frequently used vehicle functions are intended to remain accessible through physical buttons, switches, and rotary controls, while the digital display handles secondary settings. Prototype interiors also feature premium materials, including leather upholstery, denim-inspired trim pieces, metal switchgear, and patterned design elements intended to reflect the brand's heritage. Although production specifications may change before launch, Scout appears committed to balancing modern technology with a more traditional driving experience. The range-extender could be Scout's biggest selling point. Perhaps the most important feature separating Scout from many American EV competitors is its optional Harvester range-extending system. Instead of relying solely on battery power, customers can choose an onboard gasoline generator designed to recharge the battery during longer trips. Scout estimates this configuration will deliver more than 500 miles of total driving range, reducing concerns about long-distance travel or charging availability. The company says the option has generated significant early interest, with more than 80% of reservation holders reportedly selecting the range-extender version. Unlike conventional hybrids, the gasoline engine does not directly power the wheels. Instead, it functions primarily as an electricity source, allowing drivers to benefit from electric propulsion while extending usable range. Production timeline still carries significant risk. While enthusiasm for the vehicles remains strong, Scout still has several major milestones to reach before customers receive their orders. The company plans to begin manufacturing in 2027, with retail deliveries following in 2028. That schedule leaves several years to complete factory construction, finalize engineering validation, and prepare large-scale production. Industry history demonstrates how difficult these launches can be. Numerous EV startups have experienced delays, rising costs, or financial struggles while attempting to move from prototypes to mass production. Meeting both production targets and the expected starting price of approximately $60,000 will be critical to Scout's long-term success. Volkswagen's challenges could affect Scout. Although Scout operates as its own brand, it remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. That relationship creates both advantages and risks. Volkswagen has recently faced growing financial pressure, including reports of possible workforce reductions and broader restructuring efforts across its global operations. While Scout is developing its own vehicle platform instead of adapting existing Volkswagen architectures, major financial decisions made by its parent company could still influence future investment and production priorities. For now, Scout continues developing its vehicles independently, but investors and reservation holders will likely continue monitoring Volkswagen's financial health. Direct sales strategy faces legal opposition. Scout also plans to bypass traditional dealerships by selling directly to consumers. This business model follows the approach already used by Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, allowing manufacturers to control pricing and customer experience more directly. However, dealer associations in several states have challenged these sales models through legal action, arguing that existing franchise laws restrict direct vehicle sales. Scout may encounter similar regulatory disputes as it expands toward launch. Market conditions could improve by 2028. The timing of Scout's arrival may ultimately work in its favor. The U.S. EV market has recently experienced slower sales growth, changing government incentives, and increased uncertainty surrounding federal EV policies. By entering the market in 2028, Scout may avoid some of today's near-term headwinds if demand rebounds over the next several years. Industry forecasts also suggest continued growth in both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle adoption during the latter part of the decade, potentially creating a more favorable environment for new entrants. If Scout successfully launches its unique extended-range trucks at competitive pricing, it could attract buyers seeking something different from today's mainstream electric pickups and SUVs. Faq. When will Scout begin delivering the Traveler and Terra? Scout currently expects production to start in 2027, with customer deliveries planned for 2028. The timeline remains subject to manufacturing readiness and final regulatory approvals. What is Scout's Harvester range extender? Harvester is an optional gasoline-powered generator that produces electricity for the battery. Scout estimates it can increase total driving range to over 500 miles without mechanically driving the wheels. How are Scout vehicles different from Rivian models? Scout emphasizes classic off-road styling, body-on-frame construction, physical interior controls, and an optional extended-range powertrain. Rivian currently offers fully battery-electric vehicles without a gasoline range extender. Will Volkswagen's financial situation affect Scout? Scout is owned by Volkswagen Group, so major corporate decisions could influence funding and long-term planning. However, Scout is developing its own platform and continues operating as a separate brand. Why is Scout using direct vehicle sales instead of dealerships? The company plans to sell directly to customers to simplify pricing and ownership, following a model already adopted by several EV manufacturers. That strategy, however, may face legal challenges in some U.S. states.