Motor Authority - blog Category: xB

After a bright start almost seven years ago Scion’s sales have tanked and its lineup, which thrives on originality and freshness, is starting to show its age. The Toyota budget brand sold just 113,904 cars last year, down 12.5% on the previous year, and volumes are predicted to dip even lower this year.

Most of the blame has been directed towards Scion’s limited lineup, although a weak car market was also a factor in the equation. The current staples of the brand, the redesigned xB and xD very closely resemble the original entrants, the xB and xA, and the tC coupe has only been given a mild facelift since it was launched back... After a bright start almost seven years ago Scion’s sales have tanked and its lineup, which thrives on originality and freshness, is starting to show its age. The Toyota budget brand sold just 113,904 cars last year, down 12.5% on the previous year, and volumes are predicted to dip even lower this year. Most of the blame has been directed towards Scion’s limited lineup, although a weak car market was also a factor in the equation. The current staples of the brand, the redesigned xB and xD very closely resemble the original entrants, the xB and xA, and the tC coupe has only been given a mild facelift since it was launched back in 2004. Scion is now hoping to liven up its portfolio and boost sales by adding a fourth model line and replacing its tC coupe. Speaking with Automotive News, Scion vice president Jack Hollis said that a new tC coupe will arrive in the next two years and will be followed shortly by a brand new model. Scion gave a possibly design direction for its next model with the unveiling of the Hako Concept at last year’s New York Auto Show, but Hollis explained that there were many possibilities. "We think there are a lot of opportunities for a second coupe," he said. "We think there is room for a bigger sedan and smaller vehicles. We think there is even a possibility for a truck-based vehicle with an open bed." One option that could prove very lucrative for the brand is the addition of the iQ minicar to Scion’s lineup. Toyota has confirmed that the pint-sized hatch is under consideration for the U.S. and late last year there were reports that it could come wearing a Scion badge. Read More

As the Detroit Auto Show approaches, more vehicles that will be on display are coming to light. Today Scion announced the xB Release Series 6.0, the latest in its limited-edition Release Series (RS) line of vehicles.

Starting at just $1,743 over the base xB's pricing of $16,420, the RS 6.0 will get a specific range of features and Scion promises that only 2,500 of the cars will be built - though whether it will have any significant impact on resale value is up in the air.

The RS 6.0 is available in just one choice of exterior paint: Absolutely Red. Other features include a unique black front grille, Release Series wheel covers and an... As the Detroit Auto Show approaches, more vehicles that will be on display are coming to light. Today Scion announced the xB Release Series 6.0, the latest in its limited-edition Release Series (RS) line of vehicles. Starting at just $1,743 over the base xB's pricing of $16,420, the RS 6.0 will get a specific range of features and Scion promises that only 2,500 of the cars will be built - though whether it will have any significant impact on resale value is up in the air. The RS 6.0 is available in just one choice of exterior paint: Absolutely Red. Other features include a unique black front grille, Release Series wheel covers and an optional color-keyed rear spoiler. Interior features include satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, HD Radio and DVD/iPod video playing capability. The Absolutely Red theme is carried inside as well, with RS 6.0 logo door sills, interior trim pieces and seat fabric. All RS 6.0 vehicles will also get unique badging to identify them as part of the limited run. The factory-custom xBs will be available at Scion showrooms starting in February.2009 Scion xB Release Series 6.0 Read More

Scion has been on sale in the United States since 2003 but only now has Toyota confirmed the youth brand for the Canadian market. Set to launch north of the border in 2010, three models will initially be available: the tC compact sports coupe, the boxy xB and the xD five-door hatchback.

The cars will be sold through select Toyota dealers but will have their own separate “store within a store” to help differentiate them from their more mundane Toyota corporate cousins. The first stores will appear in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver, however Scion will be available in other urban centers in Canada soon after the initial launch.

... Scion has been on sale in the United States since 2003 but only now has Toyota confirmed the youth brand for the Canadian market. Set to launch north of the border in 2010, three models will initially be available: the tC compact sports coupe, the boxy xB and the xD five-door hatchback. The cars will be sold through select Toyota dealers but will have their own separate “store within a store” to help differentiate them from their more mundane Toyota corporate cousins. The first stores will appear in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver, however Scion will be available in other urban centers in Canada soon after the initial launch. Scion was virtually an instant success when it launched in the U.S., bringing in thousands of new customers including many first-time car buyers. Furthermore, close to 70% of Scion buyers were new to the Toyota family, and this trend is expected to be repeated in Canada. Originally targeted at the youth market and intended to have an ever-changing line of new models, Scion’s sales have dropped substantially in recent months and the brand has been criticized for offering only a limited range of similarly styled models. There’s a strong possibility however that Toyota’s recently launched iQ minicar could make it to North America by the end of the decade as a Scion, and this could potentially inject some life into the brand. Read More

Toyota’s main showcase for this year’s SEMA Auto Show involved its budget Scion xB, which was transformed into an odd looking pickup truck with a definite jungle theme. To convert the boxy xB into a pickup truck designers had to lop off part of the roof and install a flatbed tray where the rear seats would normally be.

The car’s paint and body work was handled by California’s Third Element Designs with the graphics and door print added by Sage Vaughn and ‘Lou.’ The custom interior was designed by Advanced Specialties and features a fully integrated PA system.

Custom features include the black TRD wheels,... Toyota’s main showcase for this year’s SEMA Auto Show involved its budget Scion xB, which was transformed into an odd looking pickup truck with a definite jungle theme. To convert the boxy xB into a pickup truck designers had to lop off part of the roof and install a flatbed tray where the rear seats would normally be. The car’s paint and body work was handled by California’s Third Element Designs with the graphics and door print added by Sage Vaughn and ‘Lou.’ The custom interior was designed by Advanced Specialties and features a fully integrated PA system. Custom features include the black TRD wheels, lowered 3in suspension and now bumpers with protective guards. To ensure the L-Con City Safari is fully capable in the wild the car is equipped with no less than eight super white fog lights, a full safari cage and rear step mounted into the bumper and a tray liner to keep the moisture out. Read More