Tractor & Construction Plant Wiki
Register
Advertisement
SCION
Type brand
Founded 2002
Headquarters Torrance, California, USA
Area served United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
Key people Jack Hollis (VP, USA)
Industry Automotive industry
Products Economy cars
Parent Toyota Motor Corporation
Website Scion.com

Scion is a brand of vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Corporation for the North American market. Founded in 2002, Scion's long-term goal is to appeal to Generation Y consumers. The first Scion models, the xA hatchback and xB wagon, went on sale in California in 2003,[1] followed by a sports coupe, the tC, and a nationwide U.S. launch in 2004.[1] A successor to the xA, the xD,[2] premièred in 2008, and the Scion marque expanded to Canada in 2010.[3] The Scion lineup uses a one-trim, simplified purchase process,[2] and the marque has relied upon guerrilla and viral marketing techniques. The Scion name, meaning the descendant of a family or heir, refers both to the brand's cars and their owners.[1]

History[]

In 1999, Toyota launched Project Genesis, an effort to bring younger buyers to the Toyota marque in the United States.[4] This project aimed to create a "marque within a marque" in sales and advertising strategy for compact and coupe models sold by Toyota.[4] The effort, which included the introduction of the Toyota Echo economy car, along with late generation Toyota MR-2 and Toyota Celica models, was judged unsuccessful and cancelled in 2001.[4] In response, Toyota chose to launch a separate marque, an effort called Project Exodus. A Los Angeles based digital design company, Fresh Machine (led by Wyndham Chow and Richard Bolton), was retained by Toyota to develop the brand, logo and launch website. This project became known as Scion.[4]

Scion xA -- 07-02-2009

Scion xA

Scion was first introduced in March 2002, at the New York Auto Show. There were just two concept vehicles, the bbX (which became the xB), and the ccX (which became the tC).[5] The 2004 xA and xB were unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show on January 2, 2003. They were available only in 105 Toyota dealerships in California at their initial launch on June 6, 2003. The subsequent rollout of the brand to the South, the Southeast, and the East Coast occurred in February 2004. Scion vehicles were available nationwide in June 2004, coinciding with the release of the 2005 tC.[1] On December 16, 2006, Scion unveiled the next-generation xB, based on the t2B concept, and the new xD, successor of the xA, at an invitation-only, no-camera event in Miami. Both cars were then publicly unveiled on February 8, 2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.[6]

Scion Hako NY

Scion Hako concept

Scion stems from Toyota's well publicized use of "Value Innovation", a series of articles in Harvard Business Review later encapsulated in the book Blue Ocean Strategy.[7] Key factors of Toyota's strategy canvas were never published but include "Price," "Factor Options," "Performance driving metrics," "Confidence in buying," "21st Century Radio."[8]

Toyota Canada Inc. announced that the Scion brand will be available in September 2010 at 45 selected dealers starting in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, followed by other cities. Launch models include tC, xD, xB. The Toyota iQ shown in Tokyo will be sold in Canada as a Scion model, starting in 2011 as a 2012 model.[9] The first new Scions were shown in Canada at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show.[10] Toyota has also duplicated their efforts to achieve the same objective in their home market in Japan, renaming its Toyota Vista Store retail dealership sales channels as "Netz Store" in 2004, with all Scion vehicles branded as Toyotas, and exclusive to Netz locations. According to Toyota, "Netz" is an acronym that means "N etwork of E nergetic T eams for Z enith".

Lineup[]

Scion-tC

Scion tC

Scion iQ

Scion iQ

Scion currently has three models: the second-generation tC, a 3-door liftback based on the European-marketed Toyota Avensis sedan; the second-generation xB, a 5-door box-shaped compact wagon sold as the Toyota Corolla Rumion in the Japanese market; and the xD, a 5 door-subcompact car that is sold in Japan as the second generation Toyota ist, which is based on the Yaris platform with the tenth-generation Corolla's engine.[11] The iQ, which is sold in Japan as the Toyota iQ, is expected to go on sale in the U.S.[12] in early 2011.

  • Scion xA 2003-2006
  • Scion xB 2003-current
    • Generation 1: 2003-2006
    • Generation 2: 2007-current
  • Scion tC 2004-current
    • Generation 1: 2004-2010
    • Generation 2: 2011-Current
  • Scion xD 2007-current
  • Scion iQ early 2011-

Pricing, accessories, and availability[]

Scion uses sales tools such as "Pure Price" and monospec trim levels with a wide selection of factory and TRD accessories.[13] Extensive market research and testing with Generation Y consumers formed the basis of the Scion badge.

06-Scion-xB

Scion xB/Toyota bB

"Pure Price" means that the price posted, whether on the vehicle, in an advertisement, or on a menu display board in the dealership, is the price customers will pay. This includes vehicles, accessories, finance and insurance products.[14] Pure Price is designed to ensure a shorter and simpler process, eliminating all negotiation. The concept aims to be open and consistent to all customers. The concept is not new to the American market, having been introduced in the early 1990s by the Geo and Saturn marques of General Motors.[2]

Scion's sales approach thus differs greatly from that of the larger Toyota entity. In the United States, for instance, the Toyota Camry offers several trim levels: the Camry grade CE "Classic Edition" (for budget-conscious drivers), LE "Luxury Edition" (popularly equipped), SE "Special Edition" (for sporty drivers), and XLE "Extra Luxury Edition" (for luxury-minded drivers).[15] In contrast, all Scions have one standard trim level (monospec) and are designed to be uniquely customized for the driver.[2]

Post-production accessories[]

2005 yellow custom Scion tC front

Aftermarket customized Scion tC

Scion offers about 150 different accessories;[16] other after-market companies through the Optimize Scion program offer to add other accessories, as well.[17] For example, one can add a subwoofer as well as different types of decals. The tC had offered an optional supercharger to increase power from 161 to 200 hp (120 to 150 kW), but this option was since discontinued in 2007. All accessories are sold individually, and do not require special packages. However, some options, such as Ground Effects, do prevent other accessories (such as mud flaps) from being installed.

Companies that participate in the Optimize Scion program include GReddy, OBX, RÄZO, a few car detailing companies, and others.[18]

Scion's Release Series[]

Beginning in the second quarter of 2004 with the launch of the 2004 Scion xB RS 1.0 (Release Series 1.0), followed by the Scion xA RS 1.0, Scion decided to create limited edition vehicles pre-packaged with exclusive accessories in limited quantities.[19] Limited Edition vehicles from a marketing standpoint were used to create a buzz for the brand name, with their exterior colors tending to be loud or bright hues (e.g. orange, yellow, red, blue, green).[20] Because of the growing popularity of the Scion product line and the scarce production runs (most dealers only get 2-3 of each RS model), these limited edition vehicles quickly sold out. Pre-ordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis. To the customer's benefit, Scion's "Pure Price" MSRP bounds dealerships against market-demand vehicle mark-up.[14] Naturally, resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.[21]

2004-Scion-xB-RS-1

Scion xB RS 1.0

2004

  • xB RS 1.0 only available in Hot Lava Orange with 2100 units produced (504 units w/5spd, 1596 units w/automatic)[22]
  • xA RS 1.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 1550 units produced[19]

2005

  • xB RS 2.0 only available in Solar Yellow with 2500 units produced[23]
  • xA RS 2.0 only available in Spectra Blue Mica with 1700 units produced[24]
  • tC RS 1.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 2500 units produced[25]
2005 Scion tC RS 1

Scion tC RS 1.0

2006

  • xB RS 3.0 only available in Envy Green with 2200 units produced[26]
  • xA RS 3.0 only available in Stingray Metallic light blue with 2500 units produced[27]
  • tC RS 2.0 only available in Blue Blitz Mica with 2600 units produced[28]
  • xB RS 4.0 only available in Maziora Torched Penny (polarized goldish brown) with 2500 units produced[29]

2007

  • tC RS 3.0 only available in Blizzard White with 2500 units produced[30]
Scion xD

Scion xD

2008

  • xB RS 5.0 only available in Gold Rush Mica with 2500 units produced[31]
  • tC RS 4.0 only available in Galactic Gray Mica with 2300 units produced[32]
  • xD RS 1.0 only available in Hot Lava Orange with 2000 units produced[33]

2009

  • xB RS 6.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 2500 units produced[21]
  • tC RS 5.0 only available in Gloss Black with 2000 units produced[34]
  • xD RS 2.0 only available in Wasabi Green with 2000 units produced[20]

2010

  • xB RS 7.0 only available in Murasaki Purple with 2000 units produced[35]
  • tC RS 6.0 only available in Speedway Blue with 1100 units produced[36]

2011

  • xB RS 8.0 only available in Voodoo Blue with 2200 units produced[37]
  • xD RS 3.0 only available in xPRESSO with 1500 units produced[38]
  • tC RS 7.0 only available in HIGH VOLTAGE Yellow with 2200 units produced[39]

2012

  • xB RS 9.0 only available in Hot Lava with 1500 units produced[40]
  • xD RS 4.0 only available in Blizzard Pearl with 800 units produced[41]

Target market[]

The median age of a Toyota consumer was, as of February 2007, 54 years old. Comparatively, Scion's average buyer age is the lowest in the industry, at 39 years old.[42]

Scion's first two cars (the xA and xB), while unusual for American roads, have been well received among consumers not interested in standard entry-level vehicles.[2] The tC was also well received with brisk sales.[43] The best selling year of the marque since introduction is 2006 with 173,000 vehicles sold. But sales slid since then to 57,961 vehicles in 2009.[44]

Advertising[]

Scion Fuse

Scion Fuse concept

To advertise Scion, Toyota began a new campaign for the Scion using a form of guerrilla marketing, using posters and ads in movie theaters and TV to direct consumers to the sites,[13][17] want2bsquare.org, want2bsquare.tv, and want2bsquare.info. Scion's marketing endeavors extended to sponsorships, such as that of VBS.tv's show, Thumbs Up!, which features David Choe hitchhiking across the United States. Scion sponsored two commercials featuring Concours race car driver Matt Verbin during the Castle Hill Concours d'Elegance, which show him racing a custom painted yellow and orange xB on Cambridge streets. Scion also teamed with Gaia Online, providing the xB,xD, and tC as a choice for user cars, as well as other things across the site.[45]

2006-scion-tc

2006 Scion tC

Scion also uses smaller, regional viral campaigns to reach niche demographics. Online campaigns like http://www.scionxpressionism.com allow the user to modify and design his own Scion with graphics, decals, and aftermarket car parts.[46] Online advertising, much of it quirky and offbeat, is part of Scion's marketing mix for both these campaigns and for the launch of new models.[47] Scion is also currently running its own viral-marketing website Scion bB, to promote other artists and events that it sponsors. Shows like Slick's Picks go around the country interviewing artists, stores, and events; and puts short videos on the site. Scion Radio 17 is an internet-radio initiative that features 17 non-mainstream channels, ranging from rock and hip hop to electro and soul.[48]

In August 2008, Scion released its newest ad campaign, "United by Individuality", featuring over 300 Scion owners' vehicles in various magazine articles, commercials, and billboards. The latest commercial video shows a convoy of Scions parading through the desert in Boulder City, Nevada. These videos and ads can be seen on Scion's website at scion.com/scionunited.[49]

Scion community[]

There is a strong base of clubs and organisations associated with the Scion brand used to exchange information and to plan Scion-related events.

In February 2009 Scion founded a monthly podcast called the "Scion A/V Podcast" located at http://scionpodcasts.podbean.com/. The Scion A/V podcast series presents exclusive artist interviews, event coverage, and info about upcoming events & releases.

See also[]

  • eBox (a conversion of a Scion xB into BEV)

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Overview: The ScionStory". MSN Autos (2009).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Edmunds.com Scion Overview". Edmunds.com.
  3. 2011 Scion tC: The sportiest Toyota
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Bill Vlasic (April 20, 2003), "Toyota turns edgy to grab Gen Y buyers", Detroit News. 
  5. New York Auto Show 2002 Highlights - Toyota Scion
  6. "Chicago Auto Show". www.chicagoautoshow.com.
  7. Blue Ocean Strategy. Kim & Mauborgne, HBS Press
  8. My Toyota Scion: A Blue Car. http://www.valueinnovation.net/2008/02/my-toyota-scion-blue-car.html
  9. [1]
  10. Exhibitors at the 2009 Montreal Auto Show
  11. "Has Scion Lost Its Mojo?". Auto Trends (2008-08-19). Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  12. http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/2011-scion-iq-new-york-2010-reveal/
  13. 13.0 13.1 "Spotlight on Scion". BusinessWeek. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Miller, Kevin. "Scion’s Pure Price Scheme Extends Beyond Vehicles". Autosavant.com. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  15. Consumer Guide 2008 Camry
  16. "Scion's Evolution of the Traditional Car Buying Process". Letstalkcars.com. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  17. 17.0 17.1 "Scion's dilemma: Be hip -- but avoid the mainstream". AutoWeek. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  18. Optomize Scion brands
  19. 19.0 19.1 "Absolutely Red Scion xA". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  20. 20.0 20.1 "2009 Scion xD Release Series 2.0: The Greenest Scion Yet?". Green Car Reports. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  21. 21.0 21.1 "Scion xB Release Series 6.0 - AskMen.com". Askmen.com. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  22. 2004 Scion xB Series 1.0
  23. Scion xB Release Series 2.0
  24. Scion xA Release Series 2.0
  25. Scion tC Release Series 1.0
  26. Scion xB RS 3.0
  27. Scion announces pricing for RS 3.0
  28. IGN Scion tC RS 2.0
  29. Scion xB 4.0 Final Release
  30. "Scion tC Release Series 3.0". Automoblog.net.
  31. Scion announces xB release
  32. Scion tC 4.0 in the flesh
  33. Scion xD limited edition 1.0
  34. "Scion Vehicles : Scion Announces Pricing for tC Release Series 5.0 / Toyota". Pressroom.toyota.com. Retrieved on 2009-04-28.
  35. "Scion Murasaki Street Racer". Retrieved on 2009-12-13.
  36. "Scion tC Release Series 6.0 Details". Automoblog.net.
  37. "Scion Uncovers the Ultra-Blue xB Release Series 8.0". Automoblog.net.
  38. 2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0
  39. [2]
  40. "Scion's exclusive on the Scorching Hot Lava xB Release Series 9.0". IrishSushi.
  41. "Scion's exclusive on the Blizzard Pearl xD Release Series 4.0". IrishSushi.
  42. Bloomberg.com: Asia
  43. Nauman, Matt (2005-07-16). "Article: Younger buyers drive strong Scion sales", San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved on 2009-09-28. 
  44. Alex Taylor III (2010-09-24). "Will Toyota's Scion avoid Saturn's fate?". Fortune.
  45. "MediaPost Publications Toyota's Scion Goes After Teens In Gaia 06/21/2007". Mediapost. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  46. Scion xPressionism
  47. "adverlicious". adverlicio.us. Retrieved on 2011-10-03.
  48. "Scion’s Internet Radio Station, iPhone App". Radio Business Report. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.
  49. "ATTIK Launches New Website at Attik.Com - Technology News - redOrbit". Redorbit.com. Retrieved on 2009-09-28.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164423

http://www.allbusiness.com/automotive/automotive-overview/5919998-1.html

External links[]

Portal-puzzle Japanese Car portal
Commons-logo
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:


Smallwikipedialogo This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Scion (automobile). The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Tractor & Construction Plant Wiki, the text of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons by Attribution License and/or GNU Free Documentation License. Please check page history for when the original article was copied to Wikia


Advertisement