Why Scion may sell more cars after it’s gone.

In February, Toyota announced that it would be shutting down its Scion brand and folding 3 of the Scion models into the Toyota line. The Scion brand was an experiment towards a “youth-movement” 13 years ago.

            

 After enduring several years without new products, Scion dealers finally netted some fresh metal: the entry-level iA sedan and iM hatchback, both of which arrived last fall as 2016 models. But there may be a silver lining to this black eye. Most of Scion's product range won't die with the folding of the brand; they'll be absorbed into Toyota's model lineup. The iA, iM, and FR-S models will all become Toyotas. That's where things could get interesting, because even if only their emblems change, some of the rebadged models will very likely sell better than they did as Scions.

            There are a number of reasons to think that Scion's sales picture may be rosier after the brand dies. Those factors include Toyota's far superior brand awareness and its reputation among car shoppers. It can take decades to seed a new automotive nameplate in the eyes of the buying public, and Scion lost most of its marketing budget years ago, back when sales slackened. Consequently, there are a large number of consumers who simply don't know about the brand at all.

 

C-HR Crossover Concept

           

 Toyota had recently confirmed Scion would receive a new small crossover based on its C-HR concept, and it was widely expected to quickly become Scion's best-selling model. They decided to hold off on the launch until after Scion’s closure, and will launch it as a Toyota. The thought was to only debut the vehicle once as a Toyota, instead of twice.

            To see the Scion vehicles that are available check out our inventory and contact us today to drive off in your new car!!

Scion stays alive with 3 models as Toyotas

Toyota debuts three former Scion models

The Toyota brand will welcome three orphaned Scion models under its umbrella at next week’s New York International Auto Show. The Scion FR-S, iM, and iA will become the be re-branded in 2017 as the Toyota 86, Corolla iM and Yaris iA respectively. 

Brand New Toyota 86

The Toyota 86 is getting a completely refreshed look. Including a more aggressive look with larger center exhaust intake to reflect the car’s low, wide stance. New front and rear treatments include reconfigured LED lighting systems, new turn signals, and a revised front bumper. Alloy wheels feature a twisted spoke design and logos for the 86 are incorporated on fenders and wheel wells.

Re-designed Interior

Inside the cabin, luxury material is used on the instrument panel surround and door trim. New seating material with silver stitching plus a sporty steering wheel with integrated audio controls are new. The car’s suspension has been tuned for enhanced control. When fitted with the manual transmission, the new 86, which will star in the racing film “Formula Drift,” inherits improved torque and 5 more horsepower.

We are all anxiously awaiting the new Toyotas! To check out the Toyotas that are currently on the lot and to get a Scion before they disappear, contact us today to get yours now!