Scion News and Announcements

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06.17.2010
TOYOTA MOTOR SALES EARNS SIX SEGMENT AWARDS TO LEAD ALL MANUFACTURERS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2010 INITIAL QUALITY STUDY
[Press Release]
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that its Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands received a combined six segment awards in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other manufacturer.

03.31.2010
SCION UNVEILS A NEW DIMENSION AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW WITH ALL-NEW 2011 IQ AND TC PRODUCTION MODELS
[Press Release]
A New Dimension of Scion was unveiled today with two new production vehicles – the all-new 2011 iQ premium micro-subcompact and the second-generation 2011 tC sports coupe – at the New York International Auto Show.

03.31.2010
ALL-NEW 2011 SCION TC RECEIVES FIVE AXIS MAKEOVER FOR 2010 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion today unveiled a Five Axis customized edition of the all-new 2011 Scion tC at the 2010 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

02.08.2010
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR TC RELEASE SERIES 6.0, WILL DEBUT AT THE 2010 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion announced today that its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 tC Release Series 6.0 (tC RS 6.0), will begin arriving in dealerships in March.

01.01.2010
SCION XB GAINS ADDITIONAL AUDIO FUNCTIONALITY FOR 2010
[Press Release]
The iconic Scion xB urban utility vehicle will continue to appeal to young consumers as it receives new standard and optional audio systems for the 2010 model year.

11.30.2009
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR XB RELEASE SERIES 7.0, WILL DEBUT AT THE 2009 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion announced today that it will be displaying its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 xB Release Series 7.0 (xB RS 7.0) in the Scion booth at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dec. 2-13, 2009.

07.08.2009
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 XD THAT RECEIVES NEW AUDIO SYSTEM, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL STANDARD
[Press Release]
Scion today announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 xD five-door urban subcompact.

06.10.2009
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR XD RELEASE SERIES 2.0 – FINAL LIMITED EDITION FOR 2009
[Press Release]
Scion announced today that its final limited-production vehicle for 2009, the xD Release Series 2.0 (xD RS 2.0), will be available at dealer showrooms later this month.

03.18.2009
SCION TO REVEAL CONCEPT CAR AT 2009 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion will unveil a micro-subcompact concept car at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.

02.09.2009
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR tC RELEASE SERIES 5.0 – TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE 2009 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion announced today that the only limited-production tC for 2009, the tC Release Series 5.0 (tC RS 5.0), will have a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme and be available at dealer showrooms in March.

06.23.2008
SCION MARKS ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY - FOCUSED AND CREATIVE IDEAS CONTINUE
[Press Release]
June marks Scion's five-year anniversary of being on sale in the United States. At launch, the brand's goals were to bring young customers to the Toyota family, and implement a new business model.

05.16.2008
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR LIMITED EDITION xD RELEASE SERIES 1.0
[Press Release]
Scion announced today that the third limited-production Scion for 2008, the xD Release Series 1.0 (xD RS 1.0), will be available at dealer showrooms beginning in June.

04.14.2008
KEN GUSHI AND RS*R SCION tC REACH TOP 16 AT FIRST FORMULA DRIFT APPEARANCE
[Press Release]
In their first race together, the RS*R Scion tC drift car and driver Ken Gushi overcame early mechanical problems to make the Top 16 in Formula DRIFT's Streets of Long Beach competition on April 12.

04.08.2008
SCION REFRESHES SCIONRACING.COM - SITE PROVIDES RARE UP CLOSE LOOK AT DRIVING TEAM
[Press Release]
Scion’s racing website (ScionRacing.com) will undergo a transformation on April 8, 2008, to include more captivating features and components.

03.19.2008
SCION REVEALS HAKO COUPE CONCEPT AT THE 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.

12.18.2007
SCION tC TO RACE IN GRAND-AM KONI CHALLENGE SERIES AND NASA PERFORMANCE TOURING
[Press Release]
The Scion tC managed by the Jackson-Dawson (JD) team will race in select Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Street Tuner (ST) class races during the 2008 season.

10.22.2007
RAN TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP, PERSONETT SETS NEW RECORDS AND WINS RACE AT NHRA SPORT COMPACT WORLD FINALS
[Press Release]
Kenny Tran took home the World Championship in the Hot Rod segment this past weekend at the seventh annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact World Finals at the Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Brad Personett, who won his third Pro RWD Championship two weeks ago, took the race and set new elapsed time (e.t.) and speed records.

08.27.2007
RADO LOOKS FORWARD TO U.S. NATIONALS
[Press Release]
The worlds biggest and richest drag race is taking place over the labor day holiday weekend and once again the NHRA will be showing off the fastest Sport Compact racecars in the world as the stars of Pro-FWD and Pro-RWD compete for honors alongside the Nitro powered Funny cars and Top-fuel dragsters of legendary racers such as John Force, Kenny Bernstein and a host of other household names.

10.31.2007
SCION PARTNERS WITH RIDEMAKERZ TO BUILD CUSTOMIZABLE xB'S FOR KIDS OF ALL AGE
[Press Release]
Scion today announced its partnership with RIDEMAKERZ™, an innovative new toy car customization retailer inspired by Build-A-Bear Workshop®.

10.08.2007
SCION RACERS TAKE ENGLISHTOWN
[Press Release]
Scion drag racers Brad Personett, Kenny Tran and Leslie Armendariz had an exciting weekend at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact Fall Nationals, at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., when they won their segments in their tC sports coupes.

07.13.2007
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW 2008 xD - THE THIRD VEHICLE IN THE LINEUP
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 xD.

05.31.2007
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2008 tC
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced pricing today for the 2008 tC sports coupe and tC Spec Package models. The 2008 tC and tC Spec Package will be available at dealerships next month.

05.21.2007
FIVE AXIS LAUNCHES FULL LINE UP OF SCION STYLING ACCESSORIES
[Press Release]
Five Axis Models is proud to announce the launch of a complete line of styling components that lives up to the legendary design house’s reputation for quality and innovation.

04.05.2007
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW 2008 xB
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 xB.

04.02.2007
BRAD PERSONETT AND KENNY TRAN WIN IN SECOND RACE OF SEASON LESLIE ARMENDARIZ SETS E.T. RECORD
[Press Release]
Brad Personett and Kenny Tran, in their tC sports coupes, won their segments this past weekend at the Palm Beach National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact Nationals at Moroso Motorsports Park in Jupiter, Florida.

01.19.2007
SCION TO REVEAL TWO ALL-NEW MODELS AT 2007 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion will stage the world premiere of two all-new 2008 models at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. These two vehicles are the successors to the current generation xA and xB.

01.05.2007
tC RELEASE SERIES 3.0 ON DISPLAY AT THE 2007 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the tC Release Series 3.0 (tC R.S. 3.0) will be on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and hit dealer showrooms beginning in mid-February.

10.24.2006
SCION ANNOUNCES SAFETY RECALL ON CERTAIN 2005 AND 2006 SCION tC SPORTS COUPES
[Press Release]
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Safety Recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involving approximately 30,000 tC sports coupes from the 2005 and 2006 model year.

10.23.2006
PERSONETT, DURST-ARMENDARIZ AND RADO RUN IN THE FINALS AT NITTO NHRA POMONA SPORT COMPACT WORLD FINALS
[Press Release]
Scion Racing had some of its best runs this past weekend at the sixth annual Nitto National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact World Finals at the Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

10.13.2006
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR xB RELEASE SERIES 4.0 – THE FINAL LIMITED PRODUCTION FOR 2006
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the fourth and last limited production Scion for 2006, the xB Release Series 4.0 (xB R.S. 4.0), will hit dealer showrooms next month.

09.11.2006
SCION, A MARQUE OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES U.S.A., INC. AND DENTSU AMERICA, INC. ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF "SCION PSP PERSONALIZATION"
[Press Release]
Scion, a marque of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. and Dentsu America, Inc. announce the release of "Scion PSP Personalization" - a first of its kind packaged digital magazine for Sony PSP™ owners featuring a graphic flipbook of customized Scions, wallpapers, videos and music in a custom bundled installer for PC and Mac.

01.13.2006
TOYOTA ANNOUNCES PRICE ADJUSTMENTS ON EIGHT 2006 MODELS
[Press Release]
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced new manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for eight models in its Toyota and Scion vehicle lineup.

12.09.2006
SCION ANNOUNCES MID-YEAR PRICE ADJUSTMENT FOR xB
[Press Release]
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced mid-year price adjustments for the 2006 Scion xB, which receives an updated interior and new exterior colors.

09.05.2006
BRAD PERSONETT TAKES HIS TITAN MOTORSPORTS SCION tC TO THE WINNERS CIRCLE AT THE MAC TOOLS US NATIONALS
[Press Release]
This past Labor Day weekend, Scion's Brad Personett took his Pro RWD Titan Motorsports tC to the winners circle for the second time in a row at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Powerade Drag Racing Series.

07.11.2006
SCION RACING ADDS FOURTH DRIVER TO ITS TEAM AT NHRA LAS VEGAS SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS
[Press Release]
Scion Racing, now in its second year on the NHRA Sport Compact Class circuit, has announced the addition of veteran racer Kenny Tran to its talented team of drivers.

05.01.2006
SCION LAUNCHES OPTOMIZE – A NEW ACCESSORIES AND APPAREL PROGRAM
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today the launch of its new aftermarket accessory program, Optomize.

04.12.2006
SCION UNVEILS FUSE SPORTS COUPE CONCEPT
[Press Release]
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the 2006 New York Auto International Show.

03.22.2006
SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR tC RELEASE SERIES 2.0
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the second limited-production Scion for 2006, the tC Release Series 2.0 (tC R.S. 2.0), hits dealer showrooms beginning in mid-April.

10.18.2005
SCION ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON SELECTED tCs
[Press Release]
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Special Service Campaign with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

10.17.2005
TRD SUPERCHARGER NOW AVAILABLE FOR SCION tC SPORTS COUPE
[Press Release]
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Scion announced today that a TRD supercharger for the Scion tC sports coupe will be available through dealerships beginning today.

10.05.2005
TOYOTA PRO/CELEBRITY SCION tC MAKES ITS DEBUT AT 2005 CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOWTOYOTA MOTORSPORTS AND SCION ANNOUNCED TODAY THE SCION tC SPORTS COUPE WILL BE THE NEW OFFICIAL VEHICLE OF THE TOYOTA PRO.CELEBRITY RACE.
[Press Release]
Toyota Motorsports and Scion announced today the Scion tC sports coupe will be the new official vehicle of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.1

09.30.2005
SCION LAUNCHES ONLINE MACROMEDIA FLASH CONTEST "SCION F8"
[Press Release]
Scion today announced Scion F8, a new online contest using Macromedia® Flash® Professional 8 software that will reach out to creative computer aficionados.

06.03.2005
SCION RACING MAKES ITS DEBUT AT MOROSO MOTORSPORTS PARK
[Press Release]
Scion is entering the motorsports arena with Scion Racing and has partnered with Sport Compact drag racing stars Christian Rado of WORLD Racing and Leslie Durst of Horizon Motorsports.

03.23.2005
SCION ANNOUNCES THE FIRST LIMITED EDITION tC
[Press Release]
The Scion tC sports coupe, on sale since July 2004, takes on a whole new personality as a limited edition. The 2005 tC Release Series 1.0 is on display during media days at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

03.09.2005
SCION VIDEOGAME TOURNAMENT? PLAY SOME GAMES, WIN A SCION!
[From IGN.com]
Starting March 19, the National VGL Console Video Gaming Tournament Tour (or NVGLCVGTT) will kick off at Scion dealerships in 37 different cities throughout the U.S.

01.10.2005
SCION ANNOUNCES THIRD LIMITED EDITION VEHICLE - THE 2005 xB RELEASE SERIES 2.0
[Press Release]
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that a limited-production xB Release Series 2.0 will go on sale this March.

08.03.2004
SCION ANNOUNCES FIRST FULL MONTH OF NATIONWIDE SALES FOR SCION xA, xB AND ALL-NEW tC
[Press Release]
Scion, the new line of cars from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported July sales of 14,793 units. July represented the first full month of nationwide sales for all three Scion vehicles - the xA subcompact, xB urban utility vehicle and the all-new tC sports coupe. Calendar-year-to-date sales for Scion totaled 46,016.

05.25.2004
SCION tC: YOUTHFUL LOOKS, TOYOTA ENGINEERING
[From WordsAuto.com]
The new Scion tC offers the best of all worlds: Toyota engineering, Lexus-like refinement and a fun-quotient tailor-made for Generation Y.

03.02.2004
BEST GAS MILEAGE CARS
[From cnn/money]
These cars top the rankings in the United States Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency's 2004 Fuel Economy Guide. These are the cars that got the best gas mileage, according to government tests...

03.02.2004
SCION REPORTS STRONG FEBRUARY AFTER BEGINNING NATIONAL ROLLOUT
[Press Release]
Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the tC Release Series 3.0 (tC R.S. 3.0) will be on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and hit dealer showrooms beginning in mid-February.

02.03.2004
ORLANDO GRADUATE STUDENT WINS NEW SCION xB AND $5,000 IN ACCESSORIES. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS LAUNCHES ALL-NEW PRODUCT LINE
[Press Release]
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) today announced the launch of an all-new vehicle product line called Scion and the recipient of its Win a Scion Sweepstakes. Clayton Yonce, 23, of Orlando, Fla., has won a Scion xB and $5,000 to customize it with Scion-installed accessories. The xB is one of two, exciting new Scion models going on sale today at 105 Scion dealerships throughout the southeast.

01.16.2004
DETROIT AUTO SHOW 2004 - HIGHLIGHTS
[From Car Design News]
In June, the Gen Y-oriented Scion marque from Toyota will be rolled out throughout the US. And alongside the xA hatch and the xB, er, box, there will be the tC coupe...

01.05.2004
SCION STAGES WORLD PREMIER OF ALL-NEW tC SPORTS COUPE AT 2004 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new tC sports coupe at a press conference today at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

07.30.2003
2004 SCION xB - A BOX OF POSSIBILITIES
[From carsmart.com]
"On the day I received my first-ever set of car keys, the first thing I did - after driving around town like a free bird - was place a bumper sticker on the rear chrome bumper...

06.20.2003
TOYOTA'S FASHIONABLE YOUNGSTERS ENTER THE SCENE
[From thecarconnection.com]
Not typically a risk-taker, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. is taking a pretty big risk with Scion, its new youth-oriented brand. But it's a calculated one...

03.24.2003
WHAT IS A SCION?
[From IGN]
Someone you know owns a Toyota and they probably love it. They're also probably significantly older than you --the owners, not the cars.

06.09.2003
ALL-NEW SCION VEHICLES GO ON SALE TODAY IN 105 CALIFORNIA DEALERSHIPS
[Press Release]
SCION'S FIRST TWO PRODUCTION MODELS, xA AND xB, GO ON SALE TODAY IN CALIFORNIA AT 105 DEALERSHIPS.

01.02.2003
SCION LAUNCHES FIRST TWO PRODUCTS– xA AND xB - AT 2003 GREATER LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today unveiled at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show the xA and xB, the first two production models from the newest brand in the automotive industry.

11.06.2002
Six Uniquely Modified Scion Vehicles On Display At SEMA
[Press Release]
SCION, WHEN IT LAUNCHES IN JUNE 2003 IN CALIFORNIA, WILL HAVE SPECIAL APPEAL TO CAR ENTHUSIASTS WHOSE INTERESTS RANGE FROM A FEW SIMPLE COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT

11.06.2002
SCION UNVEILS DEALER SHOWROOM ENVIRONMENT AND ANNOUNCES VEHICLE PERSONALIZATION OPPORTUNITIES TO FULL PERFORMANCE CUSTOMIZATION.
[Press Release]
Scion, an all-new line of cars from Toyota, today introduced the design of the Scion dealer showroom during a press conference at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) convention.

07.15.2002
SCION ANNOUNCES MARKETING PARTNERS
[Press Release]
Last March, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled Scion at the New York International Auto Show, as a new line of vehicles aimed at a new generation of consumers who actively seek-out the latest trends in style and innovation.

03.27.2002
TOYOTA PREMIERES SCION AT 2002 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the launch of Scion during a press conference today at the 2002 New York International Auto Show.

03.27.2002
TOYOTA'S SCION WORLD PREMIERE FEATURES bbX CONCEPT VEHICLE AT THE 2002 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
The Scion bbX concept vehicle today was unveiled at a press conference at the 2002 New York International Auto Show.

03.27.2002
TOYOTA'S SCION WORLD PREMIERE FEATURES ccX CONCEPT AT 2002 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
[Press Release]
The Toyota Concept Coupe Crossover (ccX) was shown today at the debut press conference for Scion, an all new line of vehicles that will be offered by Toyota beginning in June '03.

No Date
SCION'S EVOLUTION OF THE TRADITIONAL CAR BUYING PROCESS
[From Lets Talk Cars]
Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, will sell its first two production models, xA and xB, in approximately 105 California dealership showrooms beginning in June...

MORE

TOYOTA MOTOR SALES EARNS SIX SEGMENT AWARDS TO LEAD ALL MANUFACTURERS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2010 INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

• Lexus Ties for Most Segment Awards of Any Nameplate
• Production Facilities Earn Top Honors in Asia and North America
• Recent Recalls Impact Overall Toyota Ranking

Model			IQS Segment					Problems per 100
Lexus LS 460		Large Premium Car				55
Lexus GS			Midsize Premium Car				75
Toyota FJ Cruiser	Compact Crossover/SUV			83
Lexus GX 460		Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV		84
Toyota Sienna		Midsize Van					102
Scion xB			Compact Multipurpose Vehicle		108

MORE

SCION UNVEILS A NEW DIMENSION AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW WITH ALL-NEW 2011 IQ AND TC PRODUCTION MODELS

NEW YORK (March 31, 2010) – A New Dimension of Scion was unveiled today with two new production vehicles – the all-new 2011 iQ premium micro-subcompact and the second-generation 2011 tC sports coupe – at the New York International Auto Show. The tC is scheduled to arrive in dealerships later this fall, while the iQ will go on sale in early 2011.

“Scion prides itself on being an innovative brand with a lineup of iconic vehicles that set automotive trends,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. “The iQ will define the premium micro-subcompact segment as the choice for new urbanites who want clever transportation without a sacrifice in style or new features.”

“The all-new tC features styling that is both refined and aggressive, appealing to a sports coupe owner who wants to make a bold statement. The tC has had the youngest median age buyer in the industry, and with more power, superior driving dynamics, and increased fuel efficiency, that should remain the case with the new tC as well.”

iQ Defines Premium Micro-Subcompact
Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ succeeds at taking big ideas and concentrating them into a small package. Made possible by intelligent and functional packaging, the iQ is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size.

The iQ’s profile, defined by a strong and high beltline, glides from the large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wraps around the rear, emphasizing the iQ’s geometric shape. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the bumper’s rear diffuser-like accent, creating a substantial presence. With a 78.7-inch wheelbase and a unique suspension design – consisting of MacPherson struts up front, and a torsion beam rear suspension – the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. In addition, its overall length of only 120.1-inches, width of 66.1-inches, and short front and rear overhangs create a confident stance that still allows the iQ to fit into virtually any urban parking scenario.

Engineering innovations like a compact air-conditioning unit, inverted front-mounted differential, and electronic power-steering system with compact steering column, all amount to significant decreases in front-end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

The iQ’s functional “3+1” seating equates to the world’s smallest four-passenger vehicle. With the driver’s and front-passenger’s seats being slightly off set, this innovative seating arrangement allows for one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. A first for Scion, extra-slim front seat backs are utilized to provide rear passengers with ample legroom. The rear seats are extremely versatile, featuring a 50/50 split and the ability to fold flat, creating enough storage to accommodate up to two golf bags.

The iQ is small in size but large on safety. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The iQ will come standard with 10 SRS airbags, including the world's first rear-window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver- and front-passenger airbags; driver- and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver- and front-passenger knee airbags; and a Scion-first driver seat-cushion airbag.

The 2011 iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces over 90 horsepower and features the latest dual VVT-i, which allows it to be impressively efficient, providing a broader powerband yet requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions.

The iQ’s engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ will be rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II), and it is expected to achieve a combined fuel economy in the high 30s, comparable to similar vehicles that feature less passenger and cargo capacity.

The iQ comes standard with a six-speaker audio system and is available with multiple audio head units for various degrees of audiophiles. All iQs will be outfitted with USB and auxiliary ports, allowing personal devices to be easily integrated into the car. Steering-wheel-mounted controls command the audio system to adjust volume and shuffle through music sources such as CD, AM/FM, auxiliary input, or a library from your iPod® or other USB device.

All-New tC Sports Coupe Adds Power, Performance
Launched in 2004, the tC quickly became Scion’s top-selling vehicle, at the same time attracting the youngest buyer in the entire industry. Six years later, the second-generation tC emerges with an aggressive new look, increased driving performance, and a more premium feel.

Enhanced performance is accomplished in the second-generation tC with an all-new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i that generates 180 horsepower, 19 more than the previous model, and 11 additional lbs.-ft of torque. In addition to increases in power, the new engine delivers an increase in fuel economy all while lowering emissions. Performance is further improved and heard through a new intake manifold design and a sport-tuned exhaust system that delivers a bold and aggressive sound.

The tC features two all-new transmissions: the six-speed manual transmission has improved shift-feel and adds to the car’s already fun-to-drive character, and a new six-speed automatic gains two gears along with sequential-shift.

The 2011 tC enters its second-generation riding on a new platform, including a specially tuned MacPherson strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that rides lower than the previous model. Larger 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are wrapped in wider tires, giving the tC a broader stance and elevated handling characteristics. The new model also comes standard with larger 16-inch disc brakes on all corners. A new performance-tuned electronic power-steering system provides the driver a confident feel that is more in-tune with the road. The elements brought together in the new chassis result in a premium performance that expands the tC into a new dimension of driving enjoyment.

The all-new design of the 2011 tC projects a bolder and more aggressive stance. Important design cues like the helmet-inspired cabin shape were adopted from the Calty-designed Scion FUSE concept, which was unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The protruding fender flares amplify its wider, lower stance and are aggressively complemented by a sleek front grille and projector headlamps. The shape of the rear taillights flow cleanly into the overall shape of the trunk.

Inside, a driver-focused cockpit starts with a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel that features a flat bottom and a new shape that offers a confident grip. Front seats feature robust bolsters that provide secure positioning while still offering spaciousness and comfort. The instrument-panel, gauge cluster and center-console all face inward in a V-shape, making controls easily accessible.

Overall, the cabin has been lengthened for a more comfortable passenger experience with increased versatility. Utility is enhanced with reclining rear seats that split 60/40, providing more storage capacity. The panoramic moonroof remains standard in the new tC.

The new tC comes standard with an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system that features eight speakers. As with all Scion models, steering-wheel-mounted controls allow the driver to easily navigate through all of their music.

The new tC is also reinforced with key safety features and is expected to achieve top safety ratings. In addition to standard Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), the new tC also gains standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Active front-headrests and eight airbags are also standard, including both driver and front-passenger knee airbags.

SCION iQ and tC
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

2011 SCION iQ
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder with Dual VVT-i
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 120.1
Overall Width: 66.1
Overall Height: 59.1
Wheelbase: 78.7
Seating Capacity: 4

2011 SCION tC
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder with Dual VVT-i
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed M/T or 6-speed A/T with Sequential-Shift

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 174.0
Overall Width: 70.7
Overall Height: 55.7
Wheelbase: 106.3
Seating Capacity: 5

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ALL-NEW 2011 SCION TC RECEIVES FIVE AXIS MAKEOVER FOR 2010 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

NEW YORK (March 31, 2010) – Scion today unveiled a Five Axis customized edition of the all-new 2011 Scion tC at the 2010 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).  The special Five Axis Scion demonstrates one of the many ways in which the all-new tC can be customized with internal and aftermarket accessories.

The Five Axis tC carries a high–performance, racing theme with the installation of a four-inch wide-body conversion and a unique House of Color custom formulated exterior paint that is appropriately named, Bloodshot.  Performance was enhanced with the installation of a Tein adjustable coil-over suspension, a TRD custom Big Brake kit, and 20-inch Yokahama Advan Sport tires mounted onto five AD R5:F wheels.

The interior complements the exterior performance and look with unique Five Axis trim and color appointments and material specifications by Zing Design.  Comfort is provided with custom leather-trimmed seats with Ultrasuede® EcoDesign™ inserts.  Additional interior enhancements include Chilewich floor mats, and upholstery by Little John’s Interior Concepts.

Founded in 1995 by Troy Sumitomo, Five Axis is most noted for their concept cars and high-end showcars often seen at major international auto shows and trade shows like SEMA.  Their primary customers are auto manufacturers such as Toyota for whom Five Axis supports many of their internal R&D programs.  Five Axis also has their own line of wheels and aftermarket products, which are designed and created using the same methods and technology to create their high-end concepts and show cars.

The Five Axis Scion tC show car will be on display throughout the 2010 NYIAS.

FIVE AXIS 2010 NYIAS Scion tC

EXTERIOR
• Five Axis 4-inch Wide-body
• Paint: Bloodshot

WHEELS
• FIVE:AD R5:F Wheels
F 20x8.5
R 20x10.5

TIRES
• Yokohama Advan Sport
F:  245/30 ZR20
R:  295/25 ZR20

SUSPENSION
• Tein Adjustable Coil-over Suspension

BRAKES
• TRD Custom Big Brake Kit
F:  355x28mm 2-Piece Floating Disc with 4-piston Caliper
R:  332x28mm 2-piece Floating Disc with 2-piston Caliper

INTERIOR
• Uniquely Appointed Five Axis Interior Trim and Color Enhancements
• Custom Leather Seats with Ultrasuede® EcoDesign™ Inserts
• Chilewich floor mats
• Material Specifications by Zing Design
• Upholstery by Little John’s Interior Concepts

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR TC RELEASE SERIES 6.0, WILL DEBUT AT THE 2010 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2010 -- Scion announced today that its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 tC Release Series 6.0 (tC RS 6.0), will begin arriving in dealerships in March. The tC RS 6.0 will be on display in the Scion booth at the Chicago Auto Show, February 10-21, 2010.

The tC RS 6.0 comes painted in a vivid Speedway Blue that is currently not offered on any other Scion model. The eye-catching exterior is complemented with a unique matte-black vinyl graphic that flows along the beltline and features the RS 6.0 logo on the rear quarter panel. 

Adding to the coupe’s sporty character, the bright blue motif is carried over to the RS 6.0’s seats and steering wheel. Front and rear seats boast color-tuned surfaces – black fabric with blue highlights – and the leather-wrapped steering wheel comes finished with blue stitching.

The tC RS 6.0 features an Alpine Premium Audio system with navigation that is flashed with a sound curve unique for the RS 6.0’s acoustics and includes a 4.3-inch touch screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, 200 watts of output, RCA output connections, and HD RadioTM technology. The navigation system consists of flash-based global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation, turn-by-turn voice guidance, a three-dimensional map view option, and a tC RS 6.0 route-guidance icon.

Only 1,100 units of the tC RS 6.0 will be built, and each vehicle comes with a unique, individually numbered stainless-steel badge. The tC RS 6.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,620 with a manual transmission, and $19,420 with an automatic transmission.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP.  DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

On February 16, visit the official Scion Release Series Facebook page at facebook.com/scionreleaseseries and “Get Inside the tC Release Series.” Using Facebook Connect, visitors will be treated to a personalized virtual ride culminating into a 360-degree experience at Scion's most recent dubstep event.

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SCION XB GAINS ADDITIONAL AUDIO FUNCTIONALITY FOR 2010

The iconic Scion xB urban utility vehicle will continue to appeal to young consumers as it receives new standard and optional audio systems for the 2010 model year. The new standard Pioneer audio system features iPod/USB connectivity, a programmable welcome message screen and an RCA output for adding an external amplifier and subwoofer. An available Alpine Premium audio system takes the standard audio to the next level with several upgrades including a 4.3-inch color touch-screen monitor, HD Radio™ technology and optional navigation. The boxy xB receives one new exterior color, Sizzling Crimson Mica, which replaces Blackberry Crush Metallic.

New and Upgraded Audio System

The xB truly focuses on youth with its new standard AM/FM/CD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system. New features for 2010 include an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen, iPod/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The standard Pioneer system features a USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port located on the center console that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xB’s six Pioneer speakers.

Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the portable music player, including iPod and iPhone, into the USB or AUX port. The head unit’s screen displays track number, track name and artist information from select USB units. The audio system provides outstanding sound quality through the car’s stereo system and constant power to select iPods. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons for radio, CD and certain USB devices. iPod users can also use an alphabetical speed search to find a specific artist or album.

The ASR function restores a wide, deep and rich quality to MP3/WMA/AAC sound. Through the subwoofer RCA output, xB owners can add an external amp to drive one or more subwoofers. For easy operation, the system’s multi selector allows for easy control of the head unit. Unique to the standard Pioneer audio system is the customizable welcome screen that also lets users to create a personal message of up to 16 characters.

The optional Alpine Premium audio system has the same basic features as the standard Pioneer audio, but adds a 4.3-inch color touch panel thin film transistor (TFT) screen, HD Radio™ technology, Media Expander (MX) and front and rear RCA outputs. Passengers can listen to HD Radio™ technology with the premium audio system and view text, song titles, album and artist name on the head unit. Alpine’s MX improves compressed audio sound often found on digital music. The RCA outputs allow for up to three amplifiers -- front, rear and subwoofer. The optional audio system is also back-up camera and navigation ready.

Scion also offers an optional plug-in navigation unit for the Alpine Premium audio system. Navigation and audio functions utilize the head unit screen for display. Features include voice guidance; day and night screen modes; support in English, French and Spanish; 200 available address book entries; map coverage across the U.S. and Canada including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hawaii; three map views (3-D, north up, and heading up); and, more than 6 million points of interest. Users can also program up to three destinations before arriving at their final programmed stop. Scion makes this navigation unit customizable by allowing the user to change the vehicle position icon from an arrow to an icon of the xB which can be customized in every xB exterior color.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and MP3, AAC and WMA capability. In addition both units adjust the volume control based on driving speed. The sound systems feature six speakers: a tweeter and a speaker in each front door panel, plus two full-range speakers in the rear. 

Boxy Design

The second generation xB stands aggressively with pronounced fenders. Elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle and a rectangular grille provide the xB’s assertive fascia. Soft angles between wide and flat paneling and a high beltline create the iconic boxy profile. A single rear backup light on the left bumper, tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors give the xB unexpected styling cues. 

Performance and Handling

The 2010 xB features a 2.4-liter dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), produces 158 horsepower and is rated California Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II). The xB has estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 city/28 highway for both the five-speed manual transmission and the four-speed automatic with sequential shifting.

The xB features 16-inch steel wheels and customers have the choice between three standard wheel covers which are shared with the xD. The xB stops with 10.83-inch ventilated discs in the front and 10.98-inch disc brakes in the rear and has a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension. 

Interior Design

The xB’s roomy interior offers utility with 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, versatile 60/40 split fold flat rear seats for additional space and a flat cargo floor to meet the needs of consumers’ active lifestyles. In addition, the front seats fully recline for increased cargo space or relaxation while the driver has a comfortable right armrest.

For interior storage the xB offers a driver’s convenience tray, a glove box, a console box and front door storage. Beneath the rear seats a fixed tray provides for hidden storage and can accommodate small items like magazines, cameras, laptops, cell phone chargers and CDs.

A series of sleek circular gauges, including the speedometer and deep orange multi-information display, sit centered on the metal-tone accented dash. Upon starting the engine, “xB” flashes on the multi-information display before the driver can toggle through the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, trip timer, or the average speed.

Mono-spec Features

All Scion vehicles are mono-spec so customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xB comes with a generous list of standard features including power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; cruise control; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls. All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership. 

Colors

The xB is available in six exterior colors: Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Stingray Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica and Hypnotic Teal Mica. All xBs feature high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric.

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR XB RELEASE SERIES 7.0, WILL DEBUT AT THE 2009 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 30, 2009 -- Scion announced today that it will be displaying its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 xB Release Series 7.0 (xB RS 7.0) in the Scion booth at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dec. 2-13, 2009. The xB RS 7.0 will begin arriving in dealerships in December 2009.

The xB RS 7.0 comes fitted with a four-piece DAMD body kit including front and rear lower lips along with side skirts. The xB comes exclusively painted in a distinctive color appropriately named Murasaki, which means “purple” in Japanese. 

One of the most distinctive features of the xB RS 7.0 is the TRD sport muffler that exits out the center of DAMD rear lip. The exhaust system features twin double-walled tips and is specifically designed in conjunction with the DAMD rear lip to give the xB a sporty appearance and a sound that can only be found on this particular Release Series. To complete the stylish exterior, the xB RS 7.0 is equipped with TRD lowering springs that bring the ride height down over an inch and offer sporty handling. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option. 

The interior of the xB RS 7.0 features exclusive black fabric seats with color-tuned highlights that complement the car’s exterior. The sides of the driver and front passenger lower seat cushions are embroidered with the “RS” logo. The driver is also treated to a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob that delivers a sporty feel.

Only 2,000 units of the xB RS 7.0 will be built, and each vehicle comes with a unique, individually numbered stainless-steel badge. The xB RS 7.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,320 with a manual transmission, and $19,270 with an automatic transmission. A limited supply of the available color-matched rear spoiler will be available to xB RS 7.0 owners and carries a MSRP of $320, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

On December 2, visit the Release Series Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/scionreleaseseries and play the Murasaki racing game.

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 XD THAT RECEIVES NEW AUDIO SYSTEM, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL STANDARD

Torrance, CA – July 8, 2009 – Scion today announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 xD five-door urban subcompact. The xD rolls into its third model year with new standard and optional audio systems and also gains standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The enhancements to the 2010 xD come with a modest MSRP increase of $150. The base MSRP for the xD is $14,800 when equipped with a manual transmission and $15,600 with an automatic transmission.

New and Upgraded Audio System

The xD’s new standard AM/FM/CD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system receives additional functionality for 2010. New features include an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The standard Pioneer system has a USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port located on the center console that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xD’s six Pioneer speakers.

Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the portable music player, including iPod® and iPhone®, into the USB or AUX port. The head unit’s screen displays track number, track name and artist information from select USB units. The audio system provides outstanding sound quality through the car’s stereo system and constant power to select iPods. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons for radio, CD and certain USB devices; iPod® users can also use an alphabetical speed search to find a specific artist or album.

The ASR function restores a wide, deep and rich quality to MP3/WMA/AAC sound. Through the subwoofer RCA output, xD owners can add an external amplifier to drive one or more subwoofers. For easy operation, the system’s multi selector allows for easy control of the head unit. Unique to the standard Pioneer audio system is the customizable welcome screen that also lets users create a personal message of up to 16 characters.

The optional Alpine Premium audio system has the same basic features as the standard Pioneer audio system, but it adds a 4.3-inch color touch panel thin-film-transistor (TFT) screen, HD Radio™ technology, Media Expander (MX) and both front and rear RCA outputs. Passengers can listen to HD Radio™ broadcasting with the premium audio system and view text, song titles, album and artist name on the head unit. Alpine’s MX technology improves the compressed audio sound often found on digital music. The RCA outputs allow for up to three amplifiers -- front, rear and subwoofer. The optional audio system is also back-up camera and navigation ready.

Scion also offers an optional plug-in navigation unit for the Alpine Premium audio system. Navigation and audio functions utilize the head-unit screen for display. Features include voice guidance; day and night screen modes; support in English, French and Spanish; 200 available address book entries; map coverage across the U.S. and Canada including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hawaii; three map views (3-D, north up, and heading up); and more than six million points of interest. Users can also program up to three destinations before arriving at their final programmed stop. Scion makes this navigation unit customizable by allowing the user to change the vehicle position icon from an arrow to an icon of the xD, which can be customized in every xD exterior color.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and MP3, AAC and WMA capability. In addition, both units adjust the volume control based on driving speed. The sound systems feature six speakers: a tweeter and a speaker in each front door panel, plus two full-range speakers in the rear.

Aggressive Styling

The xD’s distinct exterior is characterized by aggressive styling— a wide stance, thick muscular body, a long and narrow back window, accentuated wheel flares, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and horizontal headlamps. The xD also features side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The xD rolls on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R16 tires. Customers can choose from three standard wheel covers, which are also shared with the xB.

Fun-To-Drive

The xD’s 1.8-L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) generates 128 horsepower. This engine features a roller-rocker system and lightweight pistons for better fuel economy, and a piston-cooling oil jet for better efficiency. Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The xD sits on a short, wide frame for a pleasing ride. To help enhance control, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear. The xD stops with front-ventilated disc and rear-drum brakes.

Interior Details

The instrument panel features indicator lamps, an LCD fuel gauge, odometer and a unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer. The digital clock, and HVAC and audio controls flow down the center console.

Storage and cargo space is plentiful with the xD. The driver has easy access to a change box and storage tray located beneath the steering wheel. The xD also has a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and a hidden storage space located below the rear-cargo area. The xD also features 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space.

For versatility, leg room and added cargo space, the rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches. The rear seats also can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions for additional comfort.

Mono-spec Features

Like all Scion vehicles the xD comes mono-spec with a surprising array of standard features. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xD’s standard features include power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); a tire pressure monitor system; driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags; front-seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; cruise control; first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.

All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

Color Availability

The xD is available in seven exterior colors, Super White, Silver Streak Mica, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic, Nautical Blue Metallic and the all-new Black Currant Metallic. The interior features a high-quality dark charcoal fabric.The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR XD RELEASE SERIES 2.0 – FINAL LIMITED EDITION FOR 2009

TORRANCE, Calif., June 10, 2009 -- Scion announced today that its final limited-production vehicle for 2009, the xD Release Series 2.0 (xD RS 2.0), will be available at dealer showrooms later this month.

The 2009 xD Release Series 2.0 comes exclusively in Electric Wasabi green exterior paint and is also distinguished with unique interior modifications. The xD features a touch screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with flash memory, voice recognition, and Bluetooth®. For media player flexibility, the AVN unit comes with USB, SD card, and iPod® connectivity. The Pioneer AVN head unit is also satellite radio, rear view camera and HD Radio® ready and will play iPod videos when the parking brake is engaged. In addition, users can select from over 32,000 colors to customize the 5.8-inch high-resolution WVGA LCD touch-panel display. The driver can plan the perfect roadtrip at home by downloading the freeware application AVIC Feeds to a computer, making a personalized destination directory and then transferring the data to the headunit using SD card or USB memory device.

Electric Wasabi accents the xD’s interior with four-in-one interior lights, and “Release Series 2.0” door sills illuminated with white back lighting. Silver accented seat fabric and individually numbered badging add to the vehicle’s uniqueness.

Release Series wheel covers also distinguish this limited production xD. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.

Scion will only build 1,600 units of the xD RS 2.0. The xD RS 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,270 over the base price of the xD. The base MSRP for the standard xD with a manual transmission is $14,650, while the standard xD with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $15,450. The available Electric Wasabi spoiler has a MSRP of $285, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

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SCION TO REVEAL CONCEPT CAR AT 2009 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., March 18, 2009 – Scion will unveil a micro-subcompact concept car at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The concept reflects Scion’s youthful image and represents a new segment for the brand aimed toward the growing urbanization trend.

The Scion press conference will take place on Wednesday, April 8 at 12:05 p.m. EDT in the Galleria on level four in the Javits Convention Center.

Production versions of the xB urban utility vehicle, tC sports coupe and xD urban subcompact five-door will be on display in the Scion space as well as five highly-modified vehicles that debuted at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the scion.com website.

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR tC RELEASE SERIES 5.0 – TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE 2009 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2009 - Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the only limited-production tC for 2009, the tC Release Series 5.0 (tC RS 5.0), will have a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme and be available at dealer showrooms in March. The 2009 tC RS 5.0 will be on display in the Scion space at the Chicago Auto Show, February 11-22, for media and public days.

The 2009 tC RS 5.0 features gloss black exterior paint and numerous performance products from TRD. TRD edition 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, in matte black with red trim, and red TRD lowering springs provide this tC with its menacing presence. For additional stability when cornering, the tC is fitted with a red TRD rear sway bar. A TRD sport muffler gives the tC RS 5.0 an aggressive sound signature, while a TRD exterior badge marks the car. A black rear lip spoiler will also be available.

The TRD theme is continued inside with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stitching, black seats with red accents and floor mats with the TRD logo. The tC RS 5.0 is also equipped with a cargo mat. Individually numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

No more than 2,000 units of the tC Release Series 5.0 will be built. The tC RS 5.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,300 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the standard tC with a manual transmission is $17,000, while the standard tC with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $17,800. The available black spoiler has a MSRP of $285, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

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SCION MARKS ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY - FOCUSED AND CREATIVE IDEAS CONTINUE

TORRANCE, Calif. - June 23, 2008 - June marks Scion's five-year anniversary of being on sale in the United States. At launch, the brand's goals were to bring young customers to the Toyota family, and implement a new business model.

"In five short years, Scion has succeeded in hitting these marks," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "It has the youngest median age in the automotive industry, 31, and nearly 72 percent of owners are new to the Toyota family. These are the elements we measure to determine if the brand is successful. In addition we're proud to have an enthusiastic owner base and to bring new products, processes and marketing to the automotive market."

Scion's first two models were the iconic xB urban utility vehicle and xA muscular subcompact five-door. Next came the tC sports coupe. Most recently the xD four-door aggressive five door hatch subcompact was added to the line-up. Scion has always used innovative marketing to convey its messages about the products and brand.

Youth Marketing
Scion's ability to tap into the youth market has not gone unnoticed. The automotive industry has observed and taken note as Scion has managed to break through the advertising and marketing clutter. Today's youth are constantly targeted by marketers so Scion approaches each campaign differently to engage consumers.

For example, to help begin this dialogue with young consumers, Scion advertises in highly targeted, niche lifestyle and tuner magazines and runs TV spots on late night cable. Guerilla marketing efforts, including street teams have also been effective tools in reaching trendsetting youth. Recently, Scion utilized street teams in urban locations to engage consumers and inform them about the latest Release Series vehicles.

Scion also engages consumers on the internet, while providing an entertaining experience. The brand's Broadband entertainment on Scion.com offers six different channels which feature film shorts, music, Radio17, and the inside scoop on Scion events and what's hot globally.

In addition, Scion also has a presence in several virtual worlds, including Whyville, Second Life, Gaia Online and There.com, where users engage the brand either through activities like customizing virtual Scion vehicles, racing virtual Scions, socializing in a larger than life Scion vehicle or learning how cars work. Scion works directly with each world to determine what type of experience would best benefit the site's users and enhance their participation.

Motorsports is another area where Scion is active. The tC has been drag racing for four seasons in various National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Number One Parts Incorporated (NOPI) Drag Racing Association (NDRA), Battle of the Imports (BOTI) and American Drag Racing League (ADRL) events. Scion drag racers include Leslie Armendariz, Christian Rado, Gary White and NHRA Sport Compact Hot Rod champion, Kenny Tran. Rado also participates in Time Attack events with the tC.

The tC is proving successful in road racing as well with the Marshall Pruett Motorsports Engineering (MPME) team which finished the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance road race. The Jackson-Dawson (JD) Communications road race car driven by Dan Gardner placed second nationally in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Performance Touring E series.

Scion became a Formula Drift participant this season with young drifting veteran Ken Gushi and the rear-wheel-drive modified RS*R Scion tC.

Lifestyle Marketing
The brand's lifestyle marketing is popular with Scion enthusiasts and the creative community. Scion has been supportive of the creative community as personalization, independent thinking and creativity are pillars of the brand philosophy. Each year, Scion hosts over 1,000 music and art events nationwide. These free events provide a different platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent to both new audiences and loyal fans.

Scion's involvement in the artistic community began when the brand commissioned up-and-coming artists to paint vehicles. This evolved into the Installation Art Tour. Scion has raised over $160,000 for charities with a creative focus over the last four years through its annual tour. The traveling exhibit visits select cities nationwide and the pieces are auctioned off at the end of the tour. In addition, the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery in Culver City hosts various shows throughout the year.

Scion also works with artists and builders to create imaginative, outrageous and extremely customized vehicles for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show every year. Past creatives who have worked with Scion include Mr. Cartoon, Futura, Justin Hampton, David Choe, Mike Giant, and Sage Vaughn.

In its continual effort to show support for artists in the music industry, Scion's own record label, Scion A/V, covers all production, licensing and distribution costs so artists can then distribute their music for promotion. Scion has teamed with artists such as GZA, 45 King, Big Daddy Kane, Percee P, Connie Price and the Keystones, Dakah, Little Brother, and Ghostface Killah.

In addition, since launch the brand has released more than 20 CD samplers that are distributed for free at Scion events and feature up and coming artists. Wax Poetics, Vice Records, Flosstradamus, IHEARTCOMIX, Ninja Tune, Fool's Gold and LA Riots, are just a few of the collaborators on previous CDs.

The Heart of the Brand - Owners
"Today Scion is more than 600,000 owners strong. Scion truly values its owners and the enthusiasm they have for the brand," said Hollis. "For many owners the brand is much more than a car, it's a lifestyle."

These owners share a similar passion for vehicle modification and the Scion community is like family. They have always been a driving force behind Scion and Scion has embraced their desire to co-create and co-own the brand. In fact, owners input contributed to the design of the second generation xB. Owners will continue to influence and contribute to Scion as the brand plots its future course.

To celebrate its owners, and provide them with opportunities to meet each other and share their love for the brand with other owners and consumers, Scion has hosted many events on the dealer, regional and national level. Events range from casual barbecues to driving caravans to community projects to meeting at the track. The enthusiasts are invited to meet, mingle, have refreshments, participate in car shows, and enjoy entertainment. Owners value the camaraderie and the fun surprises Scion has to offer them.

Scion also offers owners a VIP experience at select drag and drift racing events. Owners may be offered preferred parking, refreshments and entrance to the venue or a car show.

A Different Process and Product
Scion's successful business process focuses on the expectations and behavior of today's young consumers. These consumers perform extensive research before purchasing, rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, use customization in all aspects of their lives and appreciate an authentic and timely transaction.

Scion.com and the dealership showroom let customers explore at their leisure and allow customers to shop in a no pressure environment.

"Scion products are unique to the industry as they are sold monospec, allowing customers to customize their vehicles." said Hollis. Scion's generous standard features include a 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system with iPod connectivity; steering wheel audio controls; power windows, mirrors and door locks; air conditioning; an anti-lock brake system; front airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; and cruise control.

Creativity and personalization are core brand values. Scion offers more than 40 Scion and TRD accessories for each model including alloy wheels, audio, navigation, rear spoiler, shift knobs and fog lights. More than 50 percent of Scion customers modify their vehicle. Additional branded aftermarket accessories are also available through Scion's Optomize program which provides customers access to additional aftermarket parts and accessories via their Scion dealership.

Scion's Release Series vehicles also offer customers a way to express their originality via very exclusive, individually numbered vehicles. The limited quantity Release Series are an innovative package with fresh accessories and a special exterior color not available on standard models. Since inception, Scion has issued five Release Series xBs, four tCs, three xAs and one xD.

In addition to a unique product, customers appreciate Scion's pure price model. The "Pure Price" solution is a way to meet the buyers' desire for consistency and transparency. It means that the dealership's advertised price equals the actual transaction price. This principle applies to the vehicle, accessories, finance and insurance."We believe that by meeting buyers' expectations and ensuring transparency and efficiency, we will make a solid customer connection at the dealership," said Hollis. "This connection translates into advocacy for our retailers, for us as a manufacturer and the Toyota family."

Scion Customer Experience
Scion's business model also includes the Customer Experience Center, which features contact via phone, email, mail and chat. Almost half of the contacts received are phone calls, while email and chat, a popular form of communication with young customers, receive over 20 percent of the volume respectively. Chat, primarily used by customers 21 to 30 years old, launched with the Scion brand and was an industry first.

What's Next?
"Scion's goals are the same as they were when the brand started, to attract young trendsetting customers and to bring new customers who had never considered Toyota to the Toyota family of brands," said Hollis.

The brand launched in 105 California dealerships on June 9, 2003 with the xB and xA. In June 2004, Scion's national rollout was complete with 783 dealers and the tC launched nationwide. Scion stopped the production of the xA and xB in December 2006 to prepare for the next generation of product. That same month at an unprecedented owner event, Scion revealed the second-generation xB and all-new xD which went on sale in May 2007 and August 2007 respectively. As of June 2008, 982 out of 1,231 Toyota dealers nationwide are Scion dealers as well. Scion has sold over 620,000 units since inception through May 2008. With polarizing product, targeted marketing and a unique sales process Scion does not try to be everything to everyone.

"Scion will continue to push the envelope in all key areas of its business, from marketing to product, to the in-dealership experience to ensure that the brand stays personally connected to its target and on the leading edge."

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR LIMITED EDITION xD RELEASE SERIES 1.0

TORRANCE, Calif. - May 16, 2008 - Scion announced today that the third limited-production Scion for 2008, the xD Release Series 1.0 (xD RS 1.0), will be available at dealer showrooms beginning in June.

The 2008 xD RS 1.0 features Hot Lava exterior paint. This first limited edition xD will turn heads with a DAMD body kit, rear spoiler, Release Series wheel covers and TRD lowering springs. Inside, the xD RS 1.0 will feature Hot Lava accented seats and interior trim, and a RAZO Release Series shift knob. Like all Release Series vehicles, an individually numbered badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,000 units of the xD RS 1.0 will be built. The xD RS 1.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,999 over the base price of the xD. The manual transmission xD carries a base MSRP of $14,550, while the MSRP for the automatic transmission model is $15,350.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $620 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fees for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

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KEN GUSHI AND RS*R SCION tC REACH TOP 16 AT FIRST FORMULA DRIFT APPEARANCE

TORRANCE, Calif. - April 14, 2008 - In their first race together, the RS*R Scion tC drift car and driver Ken Gushi overcame early mechanical problems to make the Top 16 in Formula DRIFT's Streets of Long Beach competition on April 12. Scion was the first import original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to make the Top 16 in its first Formula DRIFT event.

During practice on April 11, Gushi and the RS*R Scion tC were faced with a broken axle which the RS*R team quickly remedied to get the drift car back on the track for afternoon runs.

Gushi entered the season seeded 13th and made an impressive run, with a score of 89.17 and a 57.4 mph entry speed, to qualify 10th.

In the tandem Top 16 battle, Gushi and the RS*R Scion tC faced last year's Formula DRIFT Streets of Long Beach winner Mitsuru Haruguchi in his 1999 Nissan S15. Gushi followed Haruguchi on the first tandem run and held a good line, however the gap between the two drift cars gave Haruguchi the 7-5 advantage. Gushi lead Haruguchi on the second tandem run, but was unable to move on to the Great Eight. Haruguchi took a shallow line to close the gap between the Nissan and the RS*R Scion tC.

"This car exceeded my expectations overall, especially with the limited testing beforehand," said Gushi of the RS*R Scion tC's first event. "I can't wait for Road Atlanta."

The RS*R Scion tC will participate in the next Formula Drift event, Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. on May 10.

Scion's drift car is based on its most popular model, the tC sports coupe. RS*R, acclaimed exhaust and suspension manufacturer, turned the factory built front-wheel drive tC into a drifting contender through a rear-wheel drive conversion. In addition to RS*R and Scion sponsors include Toyo Tires, XM Radio, Rogue Status, BASF, Mobil 1, Sparco, Enkei, AEM, Proceed and Meguiar's.

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SCION REFRESHES SCIONRACING.COM - SITE PROVIDES RARE UP CLOSE LOOK AT DRIVING TEAM

TORRANCE, Calif. - April 8, 2008 - Scion’s racing website (ScionRacing.com) will undergo a transformation on April 8, 2008, to include more captivating features and components. The additions are aimed at substantially enhancing Scion Racing enthusiasts’ experience with the drivers and their cars. ScionRacing.com will integrate flash with many new features.

Upon entering the site, viewers will quickly identify how racing has become an integral part of the Scion brand. The three categories of racing highlighted include drifting, drag racing, and time attack and road racing. The Scion team is impressive including drifter Ken Gushi, drag racers Leslie Armendariz, Christian Rado, Kenny Tran, and Gary White, along with time attack and road racers Dan Gardner and Gary Sheehan.

Scion understands that many racing enthusiasts long for a more in depth knowledge of drivers, particularly because it is rare to really see what is happening inside a car during a race. As a result, the enhanced Scion site will give viewers a more comprehensive look at each driver, and include not only bios but also a media gallery of drivers and teams, racing schedules, and a forum for fans to ask questions directly to the drivers. And for diehard fans who need more – the site comes complete with a Scion Racing gear store.

The decision to implement these changes reflects Scion’s increased commitment to the racing community.

Scion partnered with DHAP Digital, Inc. for the redesign of ScionRacing.com.

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SCION REVEALS HAKO COUPE CONCEPT AT THE 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

NEW YORK, NY - March 19, 2008 - Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.

Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.

“Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box.”

Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.

The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a “Scion” custom tread.

The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.

The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.

Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.

The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.

Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.

"As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup,” said Hollis. “And of course we love a good box. We’ll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years."

Preliminary Specifications

Overall Length: 145.7

Overall Width: 68.1 without side mirrors
74.0 including side mirrors

Overall Height: 57.5

Wheelbase: 94.5

Ground clearance: 4.0

Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size: 225/45 R18

Seating Capacity: 4

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SCION tC TO RACE IN GRAND-AM KONI CHALLENGE SERIES AND NASA PERFORMANCE TOURING

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2007 - The Scion tC managed by the Jackson-Dawson (JD) team will race in select Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Street Tuner (ST) class races during the 2008 season.

The KONI Challenge pits street-ready vehicles against each other for bragging rights on the track. The tC will race against other sports cars featuring four and six-cylinder engines in the ST class.

JD will also race the tC in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Performance Touring (PT) series. In the PT series, the tC will be assigned a base class and then receive upgrade points to other classes based on vehicle modifications.

Dan Gardner, JD tC driver and team manger, will bring NASA and World Challenge driver Patrick Lindsey on board to share driving duties in the KONI Challenge series. Lindsey is the 2006 NASA PTA National Champion.

“Last year was a great season, and it only made sense to take things to the next level,” said Gardner. “We want to prove even further how solid the tC is by placing it up against some of the world’s best factory-backed efforts.”

The JD tC was the world’s first national road race Scion tC. During the 2007 NASA Performance Touring E series season, the JD tC placed second nationally, was the regional class champion, took 11 pole positions, had 11 wins in 17 starts and set five track records. Last season the tC also participated in NASA Time Trial E, placing second nationally, taking the regional class, setting four track records and taking home 11 wins.

The JD tC is ready for the 2008 season and will be at Willow Springs Raceway, February 9 and 10, for a NASA race.

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TRAN TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP, PERSONETT SETS NEW RECORDS AND WINS RACE AT NHRA SPORT COMPACT WORLD FINALS

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 22, 2007 - Kenny Tran took home the World Championship in the Hot Rod segment this past weekend at the seventh annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact World Finals at the Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Brad Personett, who won his third Pro RWD Championship two weeks ago, took the race and set new elapsed time (e.t.) and speed records.

Tran qualified second in the Hot Rod class with a run of 7.973 seconds at 173.74 mph. In the first round of eliminations, Tran ran a 7.911 e.t. at 178.05 mph in his Q-Nitto tC to beat Tony Garcia, Jr.’s 11.684 seconds at 160.40 mph. Tran had an e.t. of 8.327 seconds at 163.95 mph in round two of eliminations and beat Chuck Seitsinger’s 8.330 e.t. at 179.42 mph. Although Tran lost his motor during this run he was able to clinch his first Hot Rod Championship as his rival Stephanie Eggum’s car broke on the line during the first round of qualifying.

Personett, in his Titan tC, continued his dominating season as the number one qualifier in the Pro RWD category with a 6.530 e.t. at 217.39 mph. He backed up the speed in round three with a pass at 215.86 mph to set a new speed record. Personett blasted a 6.488 e.t. at 218.48 mph in his first round of eliminations to set a new e.t. record. He took the final round handily with an e.t. of 6.531 at 218.19 mph against Manny Cruz’s 9.315 at 92.83 mph. The race at Pomona brought Personett’s season to an end with eight NHRA wins and seven top qualifying times.

Leslie Armendariz and the Horizon Motorsports tC qualified second in the All Motor group with an e.t. of 9.558 at 141.83 mph. She won against Roger Crawford in the first round of eliminations with a 9.714 e.t. at 141.37 mph. However, Armendariz broke at the line in round two of eliminations and was not able to complete the race.

Christian Rado, in his WORLD Racing tC, qualified sixth in the Pro FWD category with an e.t. of 8.758 at 179.80 mph. Rado’s pass of 8.175 seconds at 183.64 mph wasn’t enough to beat Ed Bergenholtz’s e.t. of 7.805 at 179.37 mph in first round eliminations.

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RADO LOOKS FORWARD TO U.S. NATIONALS

READING, PA, August, 27 2007 - The worlds biggest and richest drag race is taking place over the labor day holiday weekend and once again the NHRA will be showing off the fastest Sport Compact racecars in the world as the stars of Pro-FWD and Pro-RWD compete for honors alongside the Nitro powered Funny cars and Top-fuel dragsters of legendary racers such as John Force, Kenny Bernstein and a host of other household names.

Chris Rado’s WORLD racing team will be on a mission in Indianapolis. After a tough season which has seen the team working 24/7 to push the teams Scion tC into the leading pack of Pro-FWD racecars Rado is confident that they can be the team to beat at the U.S. Nationals labor day show.

“We had a good event at Indy just a couple of weeks ago and made a huge step in terms of our cars performance when we set new records for our team with a 7.46 @ 194.55 MPH. The data that we collected in that event has enabled us to isolate several areas that we feel we can pick up even more performance and my crew has been working hard to implement the required changes. Going into the U.S. Nationals is fantastic for WORLD racing. We have a great opportunity to show hundreds of thousands of hardcore drag race fans what we can do and we intend to put on a show that they will remember. I know that our opposition will be just as eager as us so it will be a great event with some incredible side-by-side racing but I am confident that we can go even faster than our recent performance and set a new standard for our class with our WORLD racing Scion tC.

I would like to thank the NHRA for giving us this opportunity. We have seen our sport develop in leaps and bounds over the past few years and the NHRA involvement is a prime reason that we have seen Sport Compact drag racing become a professional sport that sponsors and fans want to support. We are still growing but as long as the NHRA gives us a great series and unique showcase events such as the US nationals and the Fall Nationals at Ennis, Texas I am sure that it will continue to be a winner for everyone involved.”

Rado continued by thanking his sponsors;

"I am very fortunate to be able to work with the best group of sponsors in the sport. Without them it would be impossible for us to do what we do, so I want to thank all of them for everything they do for us. Scion, you guys rock! Thanks for a great racecar, everyone at WORLD electronics, especially my Mom, Dad and Sisters. Bullseye Power, and Dan Portera, thanks for a great turbo, ACT clutches, JE Pistons, Bosch, Ferrea, Weisman and Momo. Thanks for your great products. Your support is important to the entire team and is much appreciated. Finally, I also want to give a mention to all of my guys, Frankie Piccone, Eric ‘The angry bunny’ Plebani, Gary Kubo, Tyler Cooley and Robert Mclellan. You guys are the best."

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SCION PARTNERS WITH RIDEMAKERZ TO BUILD CUSTOMIZABLE xB'S FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2007 - Scion today announced its partnership with RIDEMAKERZ™, an innovative new toy car customization retailer inspired by Build-A-Bear Workshop®. The Scion RIDE, based on the new xB urban utility vehicle and the latest model in the RIDEMAKERZ lineup, was unveiled at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. The partnership and product will please tuners, kids and parents alike.

"Scion is iconic for the ways in which our customers make customization happen, and we and RIDEMAKERZ both look at cars as canvases for self-expression. We now have the opportunity to take this experience to kids, as well," said Lisa Materazzo, Scion national marketing and communications manager. "SEMA represents the customization and originality that is possible within the automobile industry and Scion feels it is the perfect showground to celebrate our new venture with RIDEMAKERZ."

The two brands are complementary in their approach, with the "driver" in charge of uniquely customizing their "ride." RIDEMAKERZ invites guests, or "Customizers™," into the ultimate car-customizing shop where they travel through seven zones to create a one-of-a-kind RIDE. The zones, entitled CHOOZE, SONICIZE, MOTORIZE, MOBILIZE, CUSTOMIZE, PERSONALIZE and CRUIZE™, are used to select body style, paint job, sounds, engines, accessories, and decals. Between them all, RIDEMAKERZ estimates there are more than 649 million possible combinations, not including individual decal placement.

"We're thrilled to partner with Scion to help bring the car-customizing movement to the next generation," said Larry Andreini, ZEO (CEO) and founder of RIDEMAKERZ. "The process of building a kid-sized Scion and then personalizing it is pure fun. It sparks creativity and ‘engineuity' and lets kids, in particular, create their own cool, customized version of an extremely popular real life car. There's truly no experience like it."

The Scion RIDE is available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and Wasabi Green and measures approximately 12 inches long. Once the approximately 1:18 scale xB models are tricked out, Customizers create a personalized license plate and receive their own Certificate of Title, which includes a unique RIDE Identification Number (RIN). This number can be used to view and interact with their RIDE online at RIDEMAKERZ.COM. The pint-sized xB ranges in price from $22 for the Cannonball Black and Comet Blue versions to $25 for the Wasabi Green. Custom accessories range in price from $2.50 for grille guards and hood scoops to $15 for a deluxe "Muscle Kit" that includes a blown engine, spoiler, side pipes, muffler tips and roof vents. Radio-control can be added for $25.

SEMA attendees will be able to view a large-scale model of the Scion xB special edition RIDE in the Scion booth located in the Central Hall, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as enter a raffle for a chance to win a special edition RIDEMAKERZ xB designed and signed by Troy Sumitomo, from Five Axis, a renowned customization and fabrication shop in Huntington Beach, Calif. Similar to his "one off," life size creations, these one-of-a-kind mini models are a work of art.

Kids of all ages can build the new Scion RIDE on RIDEMAKERZ.COM (with a Z) and at Shops located at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. In November, RIDEMAKERZ will open two additional Shops at the Spotsylvania Towne Center in Fredericksburg, Va. and at Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis, Ind.

The RIDEMAKERZ experience is specifically designed to provide choice, unleash creativity, foster confidence, encourage cooperation, and instill a sense of community, which also are hallmarks of the Scion brand. Scion and RIDEMAKERZ appeal to the young, and young at heart, tapping into the innate desire to build and create, generating not only pride in affiliation, but also pride and ownership of one's own creation.

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SCION RACERS TAKE ENGLISHTOWN

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 8, 2007 - Scion drag racers Brad Personett, Kenny Tran and Leslie Armendariz had an exciting weekend at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact Fall Nationals, at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., when they won their segments in their tC sports coupes. Personett's victory marked his third consecutive Xplod Series Pro RWD world championship and seventh NHRA win this season.

Personett, in the Titan tC, started the weekend as the number one qualifier in the Pro RWD segment with an e.t. of 6.74 seconds at 210.47 mph. This was his sixth NHRA top qualifying spot of the season.

In the first round of eliminations, Personett ran a 7.369 e.t. at 139.54 mph. Personett faced Carlos Torres in the quarterfinals and won with an e.t. of 7.056 seconds at 174.08 mph. Personett took the race with a run of 6.755 seconds at 202.70 mph against Boris Rojas' e.t. of 7.506 seconds at 171.79 mph.

Tran was the number one qualifier in the Hot Rod class with a run of 8.073 seconds at 174.35 mph. Tran and the Q-Nitto tC, ran a 7.964 e.t. at 178.80 in the first round of eliminations. In the semifinals, Tran took Jimmy Jones with a pass of 8.007 seconds at 177.86 mph. Tran faced Stephanie Eggum in the finals and won with a 7.942 e.t. at 180.00 mph when Eggum's transmission broke. This was Tran's third NHRA win this season.

Armendariz, in her Horizon Motorsports tC, grabbed the top qualifying spot in the All Motor category for the third time this NHRA season with a run of 9.34 seconds at 143.72 mph. She defeated Julie Stepan in the first round of eliminations with a time of 9.494 seconds at 139.89 mph. Armendariz ran unopposed in the semifinals with an e.t. of 9.613 at 143.86 mph. She faced Norris Prayoonoto in the finals and won when he redlit.

Christian Rado qualified for fifth in the Pro FWD class with a 7.700 e.t. at 192.22 mph. Rado and the World Racing tC were defeated by Jason Hunt in the first round.

The Scion Racing team will race next at the seventh annual NHRA Sport Compact World Finals on October 20 and 21 at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW 2008 xD - THE THIRD VEHICLE IN THE LINEUP

TORRANCE, Calif., July 13, 2007 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 xD.

"The xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin."

Its urban personality is communicated as it hugs the road with its wide stance, thick muscular body, short overhangs, accentuated wheel flares and large tires. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits—horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.

The all-new xD is powered by a lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a first to the Toyota family. The xD engine produces 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm and comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The efficient 2008 xD is EPA-certified as a Low Emission Vehicle. It has EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway for the manual transmission model and 26/32 for the automatic. Starting with the 2008 model year, all estimated fuel economy ratings will be calculated using the new EPA methodology.

Engineers designed the xD with a short, wide frame in mind for better handling and comfort. In addition, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear for increased stability and a pleasing ride.

The xD rides on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R 16 tires, and stops with front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes. Customers will be able to choose from three standard wheel covers.

Inside, the simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster—digital clock and HVAC and audio controls—flows down the center. The xD's unique speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.

The interior of the xD was designed for convenience, utility, and comfort. xD features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions.

The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is unique to its segment and focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen.

The xD's optional Premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.

The xD comes mono spec like all Scion vehicles. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC). The xD has ample standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; and active headrests on driver and front passenger seating.

Scion also generously equipped the xD with more upscale standard features compared to other vehicles in its segment. These features include cruise control; power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; a tire pressure monitor system; tilt steering wheel with audio controls; first-aid kit; and multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle between the odometer, trip meters, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, drivable distance and average vehicle speed.

More than 40 Scion Genuine and TRD accessories will be available at launch for xD. New to the accessory line up for the 2008 model year is the Scion navigation system. The system features a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen. Scion's Optomize accessory program will offer the Five Axis body kit.

"The xD is an incredible package with a stylish presence and an abundance of standard features," said Templin. "It sets the bar for value while balancing impressive fuel economy and performance."

xD models with a manual transmission will have an MSRP of $14,550, while models with an automatic transmission will be $15,350. The xD will reach Scion dealers in early August.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for the 2008 xD will be $620. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2008 tC

TORRANCE, Calif., May 31, 2007 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced pricing today for the 2008 tC sports coupe and tC Spec Package models. The 2008 tC and tC Spec Package will be available at dealerships next month.

The core model tC receives freshened styling, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008. Exterior changes include a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille, projector-type low beam headlights with black trim, and rear tail lights similar in style to the tC’s headlights with round combination lamps. The tC also receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and a Pioneer subwoofer located under the cargo area.

Like all 2008 Scion models, the tC comes standard with seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and two complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services, at 5,000 and 10,000 miles, at any Scion or Toyota dealer. The factory recommended maintenance includes an oil change, a tire rotation, a visual brake inspection, and the topping off of washer fluid.

Apple iPod connectivity becomes standard on all 2008 Scion models. Scion’s standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit’s screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car’s stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit, steering wheel audio controls or iPod. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC’s Pioneer speakers.

Scion also offers a Pioneer Premium audio system that adds the ability to download “skins” to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer’s website. Pioneer software also allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The Premium audio system also has head unit outputs on the rear for the addition of external amps.

New to the accessory line up for the 2008 model year is the Scion navigation system. The system features a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen.

The tC Spec Package model, a blank canvas for the tuner community to express its creativity, also receives the grille, deep orange combination meter and silver-colored interior accents in addition to the new airbags and iPod connectivity across the Scion line-up.

The tC Spec Package will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,300 for a manual transmission and $16,100 for an automatic transmission, an increase of $300, or 2.0 percent and 1.9 percent respectively. With the additional standard equipment, the base MSRP for the core model tC is $17,000 for the manual transmission and $17,800 for the automatic transmission, an increase of $600, or 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent respectively. MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fees, which vary depending on location.

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FIVE AXIS LAUNCHES FULL LINE UP OF SCION STYLING ACCESSORIES
Parts Available through Scion’s OPTOMIZE Catalog

Huntington Beach, California – Five Axis Models is proud to announce the launch of a complete line of styling components that lives up to the legendary design house’s reputation for quality and innovation.

Five Axis is now embarking upon an ambitious new phase in its history. After years of requests from consumers, Five Axis has decided to make its world-class design and fabrication skills available to the mass market under the brand name FIVE AXIS DESIGN. Now tuning enthusiasts can restyle their cars with designs and finely crafted parts worthy of the Five Axis name, starting with the next generation 2008 Scion xB and xD.

The 2008 xB hit showroom floors earlier this month in full force with a larger stance and more powerful engine. The Five Axis lip kit is the perfect aesthetic enhancement to the new xB. The four-piece kit includes a front lip, rear skirt, and side rockers constructed out of OEM-grade polyurethane. With a team of world-class designers using state-of-the art engineering technology, Five Axis was able to create an aftermarket kit with OEM fit and finish. The styling is subtle and yet lends the xB a more aggressive stance that exudes an air of confidence.

The Five Axis xB kit is available nationwide throughout Scion’s dealership network. Consumers will be able to purchase their kits at Scion dealers through Scion’s OPTOMIZE accessories catalog. Scion dealers are also offering installation services. Five Axis stands behind the quality of its new products, offering a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of its lip kits.

“We’re very excited about the new xB lip kits,” said Sumitomo. “Our clients and friends in the industry have encouraged us to do this for a long time,” he continued “and with the launch of the next-generation Scions we felt it was the perfect time for us to launch the Five Axis Designs line.” Scion management is also quite excited about the new products. “Scion is all about customization and innovation. Our partnership with Five Axis allows us to broaden our accessory line up and satisfy the demands of our core enthusiasts” said Steve Hatanaka, Scion’s Accessories Manager. “Troy and his team are certainly at the leading edge of what Scion personalization can look like. I’m excited to see how the Scion community embraces the Five Axis line.”

Five Axis will follow-up the xB kit with a kit for the all-new xD as well as interior and exterior accessories later this summer.

ABOUT FIVE AXIS

Led by Troy Sumitomo, the team at Five Axis has fabricated fantastic project vehicles for automotive and consumer products clients for over a decade. In recent years Five Axis has designed and built world-famous cars like Scion’s DJ xB, Widebody tC, and Speedster xA. Five Axis has also collaborated with Toyota’s design team at CALTY Design Research to build Scion’s advanced concept cars, the t2B and the Fuse. The widely acclaimed Toyota FT-HS sports coupe concept was also the result of a close collaboration between CALTY and Five Axis.

Located in Huntington Beach, California, Five Axis’ headquarters is a 21,000 square foot facility in which all design and fabrication takes place. Five Axis boasts state-of-the art equipment and technology including the five axis CNC mill from which the company’s name was derived. Whether the Five Axis team is designing its latest creation or prototyping the future of the automotive world, they pride themselves on three things: innovative solutions, a passion for craftsmanship, and strict attention to detail.

www.5axismodels.net

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SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW 2008 xB

TORRANCE, Calif., April 5, 2007 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 xB.

“Owner feedback was a tremendous asset in helping us build the second-generation xB,” said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. “Scion created an xB that is larger and more powerful than the previous generation with a healthy dose of attitude.”

The all-new xB is powered by a 2.4 L dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) which produces 158 horsepower, 55 more than the previous generation. The xB features either a five-speed manual transmission or a fourspeed automatic with sequential shifting, a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion line-up.

Riding on an all-new chassis, this xB is now a foot longer and almost three inches wider than its predecessor.

The 2008 xB comes generously equipped with standard features including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); four-wheel disc brakes; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); tire pressure monitor system; driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; 16-inch steel wheels, one inch larger than its predecessor, with wheel covers; cruise control; 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system with iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port; tilt steering wheel with audio controls; multi-informational display; remote keyless entry; power steering, windows, and door locks; air conditioning; power side mirrors with turn signal indicators; and driver’s seat armrest.

xB models with a manual transmission will have an MSRP of $15,650, an increase of $1,620 or 11.5 percent. The MSRP for automatic transmission models will be $16,600, an increase of $1,770 or 11.9 percent. The new xB will reach Scion dealers in early May.

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BRAD PERSONETT AND KENNY TRAN WIN IN SECOND RACE OF SEASON LESLIE ARMENDARIZ SETS E.T. RECORD

TORRANCE, Calif., April 2, 2007 - Brad Personett and Kenny Tran, in their tC sports coupes, won their segments this past weekend at the Palm Beach National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact Nationals at Moroso Motorsports Park in Jupiter, Florida.

Tran had a best-ever pass and was number one qualifier in the Hot Rod class with a run of 8.108 seconds at 177.72 mph. Tran and the Jotech tC raced past Stephanie Eggum in the finals. Tran ran another personal best of 8.09 seconds at 181.45 mph to Eggum's 8.35 seconds at 181.48 mph for his first NHRA win of the season.

Personett, in the Titan Pro Compact tC, was the number one qualifier in his segment with an e.t. of 6.831 seconds at 209.49 mph. In the finals, Personett won and established a new national e.t. record with a pass of 6.81 e.t. at 195.69 mph while Gary White's car broke at the line.

Leslie Armendariz, in her All Motor tC, started the weekend with a qualifying run of 9.46 seconds at 142.47 mph. Armendariz backed up her first run in her second qualifying pass with a 9.456 e.t. at 143.06 mph to set new e.t. and mph national records. However, on Sunday the Horizon Motorsports tCs transmission broke and racing ended for Armendariz. Armendariz's mph national record was eclipsed by Jeremy Lookofsky who ran at 146.31 mph in the finals.

Christian Rado qualified for second in the Pro FWD class with a 7.884 e.t. at 184.80 mph. Rado and the World Racing tC defeated Gary Gardella in the first round, but lost with a 7.95 e.t. to Jason Hunts 7.55 e.t. in the semifinals.

The next stop for the Scion Racing team will be the Virginia NHRA Sport Compact Nationals on April 21 and April 22 at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Va.

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SCION TO REVEAL TWO ALL-NEW MODELS AT 2007 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2007 -- – Scion will stage the world premiere of two all-new 2008 models at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. These two vehicles are the successors to the current generation xA and xB.

The Scion press conference will take place on Thursday, February 8 at 9:00 A.M. CT in the Grand Ballroom in McCormick Place and be simulcast live to the Scion display area at the show.

Scion will also have a press conference in Scion City, in the virtual world Second Life, to introduce the computer simulated versions of the two all-new 2008 vehicles. The virtual presentation will run parallel to the live press conference at McCormick Place. To participate in the virtual press conference, media must be a member of the Second Life community and register at www.scion.com/secondlifemedia by 5 P.M. CT on Friday, Feb. 2. Registration for the virtual press conference will begin on Thursday, Feb. 25 and is limited to the first 500 media.

Second Life registration is free and can be done at www.secondlife.com. Scion City was launched in November 2006 and allows the Second Life community to test drive and purchase Scion vehicles, learn about the brand and participate in lifestyle and owner events.

A video clip of the Chicago press conference will be available for viewing the following day the Scion.com website.

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tC RELEASE SERIES 3.0 ON DISPLAY AT THE 2007 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2007 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the tC Release Series 3.0 (tC R.S. 3.0) will be on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and hit dealer showrooms beginning in mid-February.

The 2007 tC Release Series 3.0 will come in a frosty Blizzard Pearl white and be decked out with a front and rear KenStyle® ground effects kit. Other tC R.S. 3.0 exterior features include darkened headlights, and a custom wide intake-style upper grille with a honeycomb insert that matches the lower grille. This package also has Scion Genuine Accessory clear LED taillights with unique gray trim.

The tC R.S. 3.0 has black Alcantara® seats detailed with a gray perforated center seating surface on a white background. Alcantara® is a suede-like material often found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. A Blizzard Pearl RAZO® weighted shift knob with black leather insert is also standard.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This unique vehicle is completed by an individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge.

Only 2,500 units of the tC Release Series 3.0 will be built. The tC R.S. 3.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,580 over the base price. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,400 for the manual transmission model and $17,200 for the automatic transmission model.

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10.24.06 : MEET THE PRESS

Scion announces safety recall on certain 2005 and 2006 Scion tC sports coupes

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Safety Recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involving approximately 30,000 tC sports coupes from the 2005 and 2006 model year. The affected tC sports coupes were produced from March 2004 to early March 2006. There have been no accidents, deaths or injuries reported related to this condition. The Scion tC is only sold in the U.S. market.

The seat-mounted side airbag and side curtain airbags on certain tCs may inadvertently deploy if the door for that side of the vehicle is closed very forcefully while the tC’s ignition is in the “ON” position or within 90 seconds of turning the ignition key from the “ON” position to the “OFF” position. There have been 17 cases of this condition reported.

Scion will mail owners of the involved vehicles a Safety Recall notification via first class mail early next month. Owners are requested to contact their local Scion dealer for replacement of the driver and passenger side airbag sensors upon receiving their notification. Replacement will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.

Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Scion Customer Experience Center at 1-866-707-2466.

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10.23.06 : MEET THE PRESS

Personett, Durst-Armendariz and Rado run in the finals at Nitto NHRA Pomona Sport Compact World Finals

Scion Racing had some of its best runs this past weekend at the sixth annual Nitto National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sport Compact World Finals at the Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Three Scion Racing drivers drove to second place at Pomona including Brad Personett who also took his second NHRA Sport Compact Pro RWD points championship in a row.

Personett, in his Titan tC, continued his strong run this season as the number one qualifier for the tenth time in the Pro RWD category with a 6.570 e.t. at 216.13 mph. Personett made it to the finals and had an e.t. of 6.544 at 216.72 mph, but placed second next to Gary White when he redlit. Personett's run at Pomona wrapped up a season that included seven NHRA wins and ten top qualifying times.

Christian Rado, in his WORLD Racing tC, qualified first in the Pro FWD category with an e.t. of 7.650 at 160.29 mph. Rado finished second with an e.t. of 7.736 at 185.66 mph to Ed Bergenholtz who ran a 7.607 e.t. at 190.00 mph.

Kenny Tran qualified second in the Hot Rod class with a run of 8.387 seconds at 168.39 mph, a personal best. In the semifinals Tran, in his Jotech Racing tC, raced a 9.262 e.t. at 116.55 mph, but lost to Ron Lummus' 8.364 e.t. at 172.81 mph.

Leslie Durst-Armendariz and the Horizon Motorsports tC qualified second in the All Motor group with a personal best e.t. of 9.569 at 141.67 mph. She raced Saul Salceda in the finals but redlit when she ran a 9.508 e.t. at 141.28 mph.

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10.13.06 : SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR xB RELEASE SERIES 4.0 – THE FINAL LIMITED PRODUCTION FOR 2006.

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 13, 2006 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the fourth and last limited production Scion for 2006, the xB Release Series 4.0 (xB R.S. 4.0), will hit dealer showrooms next month.

The 2006 xB Release Series 4.0 will come in Maziora Torched Penny exterior paint. Maziora, by Nippon Paint Co. Ltd., is a polarized paint line that changes color depending on the viewing angle or light reflection. Maziora was also recently featured on a Japanese domestic special edition bB and has been used on project and show cars.

The xB R.S. 4.0 features color-keyed taillights, rear spoiler and Modellista speed grille; rear bumper protector; and Release Series wheel covers. Interior features include Release Series badged floor mats and multi-color under-dash light and cup holder kit. A color-keyed Razo shift knob is standard on manual transmission models. An individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,500 units of the xB Release Series 4.0 will be built. The xB Release Series 4.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,930 over the base price of the xB for models with automatic transmission and $1,980 for models with a manual transmission. The base MSRP for the xB starts at $14,030.

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09.11.06 : SCION, A MARQUE OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES U.S.A., INC. AND DENTSU AMERICA, INC. ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF "SCION PSP PERSONALIZATION"

TORRANCE, Calif., September 11, 2006 -- Scion worked with its agency partner Dentsu Labs, a division of Dentsu America, Inc. to create a seasonal vignette of edgy editorial multimedia aimed to please Scion enthusiasts and PSP owners alike. In keeping with its mission to find unique and culturally relevant ways to reach their audience, Dentsu partnered with diffuse™ - a platform for bundling and disseminating portable mixed media content - to distribute Scion PSP Personalization as a simple, self-contained experience.

Scion PSP Personalization is available as a direct download for PC/MAC desktops by visiting www.scion.com.

"Scion is all about personalization, and our Gen Y audience is on the leading edge of personalized media like the PSP," said Scion interactive marketing manager Adrian Si. "Seeing the rapidly growing popularity of PSP and the relative lack of content out there, we identified this as fun viral opportunity that filled a consumer need."

Said Ashley Anderson, Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Labs: "What I love about this project is that we are able to showcase multiple types of media on one medium that all channel personalization. In addition, all the content looks outstanding on the PSP screen.

The Scion PSP Personalization pack is notable for:
> first of its kind packaged media download for PSP featuring Scion content
> seasonal vignette for fall 2006 featuring edgy editorial, imagery, wallpapers, videos, and music
> easy seamless download and install for PSP owners - bundled into a single PSP installer download for PC and MacOSX.

Said Neil Voss, Founder of Diffuse Media Group, "Typically, media for PSP and other mobile devices is distributed and acquired piece-meal. People have to go from place to place and collect and gather media across different formats, then manually convert and copy it to their desired platform. Diffuse allows users to download a simple, lightweight installer that manages the media installation process, making it easier for publishers to release cohesive, self-contained products".

"By bundling media together and providing a simple and relevant process of acquiring and installing it, diffuse aims to create a stronger and more tangible experience out of content that is growing increasingly fragmented and ephemeral"."

Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind; Scion’s mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three groundbreaking models. The xA is a taut subcompact five-door. The xB, an urban utility vehicle and the tC sports coupe. For more information, visit www.scion.com

Dentsu America, Inc., based in New York, with offices in Chicago, San Jose, and Los Angeles, is the North American flagship agency of Dentsu Inc. Dentsu Labs is its interactive design division. For more information, visit www.dentsuamerica.com or www.dentsulabs.com

Diffuse™ (diffuse media group) is a provider of solutions for the new generation of media: media 2.0. Diffuse microplatform technologies enable publishers to combine imagery, wallpapers, videos, games, demos, music and other multimedia into cohesive releases targeted at desktop and portable platforms, and allows them to track and manage their distribution effectiveness online. For more information, visit www.diffuse.us.

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01.13.06 : TORRANCE, CA: TOYOTA ANNOUNCES PRICE ADJUSTMENTS ON EIGHT 2006 MODELS MID-YEAR PRICE ADJUSTMENT ON TWO SCION MODELS

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced new manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for eight models in its Toyota and Scion vehicle lineup.

The price adjustment for the eight models reflects an average MSRP increase of $144, or 0.7 percent. Toyota models, and their average MSRP increase, include: the Corolla compact sedan, $100 or 0.6 percent; the legendary Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle, $100 or 0.2 percent; the Matrix crossover utility vehicle, $150 or 0.9 percent; the Avalon full-size sedan, $150 or 0.5 percent; the Sienna van, $150 or 0.7 percent on CE and LE models, and $300 or 0.7 percent on XLE and XLE Limited models; and the Tacoma pickup truck, $200 or 0.9 percent.

Scion models receive the following average MSRP increase: xA subcompact, $50 or 0.4 percent and the tC sports coupe, $100 or 0.6 percent.

The exterior of the FUSE was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the FUSE has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.

The price adjustments for these models will take effect in early February.

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12.09.05 : TORRANCE, CA: SCION ANNOUNCES MID-YEAR PRICE ADJUSTMENT FOR xB

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 09, 2005 - Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced mid-year price adjustments for the 2006 Scion xB, which receives an updated interior and new exterior colors.

The 2006 Scion xB urban utility vehicle will have new seat fabric and a steering wheel with integrated audio controls. Two exterior colors, Camouflage Green and Black Cherry Pearl, will be replaced with Salsa Red Pearl and Shadow Mica. Shadow Mica is new to the Scion line-up.

With the additional standard equipment, prices for the xB increase only $150 on both models. The MSRP for the Scion xB will be $14,030 with a manual transmission and $14,830 with an automatic transmission, reflecting a 1.1 and 1.0 percent increase, respectively.

Production of mid-2006 xBs began earlier this week and vehicles will start arriving at Scion dealerships on the West Coast at the end of the month.

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09.05.06 : BRAD PERSONETT TAKES HIS TITAN MOTORSPORTS SCION tC TO THE WINNERS CIRCLE AT THE MAC TOOLS US NATIONALS

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2006 - This past Labor Day weekend, Scion's Brad Personett took his Pro RWD Titan Motorsports tC to the winners circle for the second time in a row at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Powerade Drag Racing Series, Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at the Indianapolis Raceway Park in Clermont, Indiana. He defeated Matt Scranton in the finals with a 6.439 e.t. at 218.80 mph versus Scranton's redlight and 7.009 e.t.

Personett faced Manny Cruz in the first round of eliminations and won with a run of 6.520 seconds at 217.49 mph. Cruz ran an 11.204 e.t.

In addition to his win, Personett was the number one qualifier and set the national record twice: the first time with a 6.455 e.t. in a qualifying round, which he backed up on Saturday with a 6.49 e.t. Personett improved with his second qualifying run on Sunday morning for a time of 6.412 seconds.

ABOUT BRAD PERSONETT / TITAN MOTORSPORTS

Defending NHRA Sport Compact Class champion Brad Personett, in Titan Motorsports' Pro RWD/Pro Compact tC, has won ten national events, and has had five NHRA Sport Compact National wins for the 2006 season.

The Titan Motorsports' 2005 tC houses a modified 2JZ-GTE Toyota engine producing 1,800 horsepower. This winning racer features G-Force transmission, a Precision Turbo GT55 turbo, RC Engineering injectors, MoTeC CDI8 ignition management system, a Fidanza flywheel, MoTeC M800 engine management system, Strange struts, carbon front and rear brakes, and Koni shocks. The tC has been racing to victory on Goodyear 1022 34.5 x 16 x 16 tires and Weld Racing Mangnum Drag wheels.

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07.11.06 : SCION RACING ADDS FOURTH DRIVER TO ITS TEAM AT NHRA LAS VEGAS SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS

TORRANCE, Calif., July 11, 2006 - Scion Racing, now in its second year on the NHRA Sport Compact Class circuit, has announced the addition of veteran racer Kenny Tran to its talented team of drivers. Tran will make his debut in a Q - Nitto Scion tC at the NHRA Las Vegas Sport Compact Nationals, July 14-15, in the Hot Rod Class.

Tran began his professional racing career in 1997 and went on to compete in the NHRA Sport Compact and NOPI Race Wars series. Tran finished third in the Hot Rod point standings for the fourth time in his career in 2005.

The Q - Nitto tC is a methanol-powered race-modified 2.4-liter 3RZFE Garrett / Precision turbocharged Toyota engine expected to produce over 1,100 horsepower. Tran's Hot Rod Scion racer features Precision - Garrett GT42R ball bearing turbo with full race manifold, a Peterson mechanical pump with eight 1600 cc precision injectors, Precision liquid-air intercooler, Tin Works manifold, Accufab throttle body, MoTeC M800 and ADL engine management systems, custom Brink suspensions with Strange shocks and carbon brakes, and Xtrac sequential gear box. The car will burn up the track on Nitto Drag Slicks 28 x 10.5 x 15 tires and American Racing TrakStar Lite wheels.

Tran will be joined in Las Vegas by his fellow Scion Racing drivers, including Christian Rado, in WORLD Racing's Pro FWD tC; Leslie Durst, in Horizon Motorsports' All-Motor tC; and defending NHRA Sport Compact Class champion Brad Personett, in Titan Motorsports' Pro RWD/Pro Compact tC.

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05.01.06 : SCION LAUNCHES OPTIMIZE – A NEW ACCESSORIES AND APPAREL PROGRAM

TORRANCE, Calif., May 1, 2006 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today the launch of its new aftermarket accessory program, Optomize. As Scion’s second accessory program, Optomize focuses on bringing cutting-edge products and convenience to the customer at the dealership.

Optomize will allow customers to personalize their vehicle at the time of purchase with over 150 name-brand accessories in addition to products already offered by Scion Genuine Accessories. Accessories offered by Optomize will be covered by the individual manufacturer’s warranty and will vary from product to product.

"Scion is about personalization and with Optomize we’re making it easier than ever for owners to customize their cars," said Steve Hatanaka, Scion accessories operations manager. "We know our customers will be happy with the selection and continue to be creative with their vehicles."

The program will focus on aesthetic accessories and offer products that tuners can easily install such as shift knobs, rear view mirrors, cell phone holders, and racing pedals. In addition, Optomize will also offer car care, boutique items, Scion clothing and logo goods.

Some brands featured by the Optomize program include Alpine, ARC, Broadway, Detailn Gear, Eagle One, GReddy, Fizz, H3R Performance, Kozak, Levoc, Lonza, Mackin Industries, Meguiar’s, Mothers, Napolex, Pilot Automotive, Racingcode, Razo, Sparco, Street Image, Tein, The Absorber and turn3.

Optomize will launch at participating Scion dealerships in early May.

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04.12.06 : SCION UNVEILS FUSE SPORTS COUPE CONCEPT AT 2006 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the 2006 New York Auto International Show.

Developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota’s North American design studio located in Newport Beach, Calif. and Scion’s Advanced Product Strategy Team, and built by Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif., the all-new FUSE was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.

"The idea of the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe is a reflection of the boundless limits and creative envelope that embodies all the vital personalization components of a Scion product," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "Since the launch of Scion three years ago, designers have learned a great deal about what inspires and motivates Scion buyers through its unique vehicle lineup and instilled them into the FUSE."

The exterior of the FUSE was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the FUSE has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.

At first glance, the menacing presence and dark undertones of the FUSE subtly hint there is more than meets the eye. The front of the FUSE glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude. A massive rectangular air intake hints at potential for a large intercooler.

From the back, wide-body rear flares span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical taillamps. The dual exhaust also serves as fog and reverse lamps as lighting encircles each exhaust tip. Wheels are 20-inch custom-machined with LED’s on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.

On top, two horizontal glass panels run the length of the roof, and slide open in both directions offering all occupants access to a personal sunroof. The rear window tapers down to a speed-activated spoiler.

True to the Scion tradition, the FUSE is equipped with extreme levels of personalization accessories. Headlights and fog lamps can be programmed to illuminate in various colors. Videos or images can be downloaded and viewed on a concealed LCD screen behind the front badge. And then there is the interior.

Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long wheelbase and high beltline of the FUSE to help create the interior theme, which revolves around providing the driver with an intense driving environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small key-shaped sensor unhinges butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.

The influence of the "racing tub" in the overall design is obvious. It provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating technical elements of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences from race cars and video game controllers in one innovative driver module. A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point of the cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.

The FUSE interior concept is referred to as "one plus stuff." The design focuses on the driver by offering surprising versatility in the form of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In its video mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends. In driving mode, the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.

Utility is maximized in a cargo mode where the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface. And, multi-functioning rear cargo access allows stowage of larger items. The FUSE cabin seats four comfortably, however when the car is parked, additional room is available with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the foot over an infrared sensor located on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down into a curb-high bench. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment. Enhancing the social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which is integrated into the rear center console.

Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats, doors and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with soft-to-the-touch "Mythos" fabric that wraps around passengers for maximum comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a "vehicle system/communication interface" touch control board that is similar in appearance to a telephone keypad.

"The FUSE is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe," said Templin. "Like previous Scion concepts, the FUSE delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed."

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03.22.06 : SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR tC RELEASE SERIES 2.0 – TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE 2006 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., March 22, 2006 -- Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the second limited-production Scion for 2006, the tC Release Series 2.0 (tC R.S. 2.0), hits dealer showrooms beginning in mid-April.

The 2006 tC Release Series 2.0 will come in a brilliant Blue Blitz Mica. This limited edition tC features a stainless steel mesh upper and lower front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels that come with a satin metallic finish. The tC’s only factory option, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, is standard equipment on the R.S. 2.0.

Inside, the tC’s front and rear seats are trimmed with black Alcantara®, a suede-like material that provides passengers better friction grip and is more commonly found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. The tC R.S. 2.0 comes standard with a Pioneer Premium AM/FM/CD audio system with iPod connectivity and color-changing LED display.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the upgraded head unit and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This tC also is equipped with XM Satellite Radio and comes with a paid three-month subscription, wherever XM service is available. An individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,600 units of the tC Release Series 2.0 will be built. The tC Release Series 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,960 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,300.

A 2006 tC Release Series 2.0 will be on display in the Scion booth at the New York International Auto Show.

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10.18.05 : SCION ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON SELECTED tCs

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 18, 2005 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Special Service Campaign with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign involves certain 2005 and early 2006 model year Scion tC sport coupes in the U.S.

The tC is equipped with a glass wind deflector which tilts upward when the moonroof is opened. In certain 2005 and early 2006 model year tC vehicles, there is a possibility that if impacted by a projectile, such as road debris, while driving with the wind deflector in the upward-tilted position at highway speeds, the wind deflector may shatter and separate from the frame. In the worst case, pieces of the wind deflector glass that have separated from the frame may fall upon the vehicle occupants causing driver distraction and/or injury.

Although Scion has only received three reports from NHTSA, customers may reduce the likelihood of this occurring on their vehicle by not opening the moonroof until the Special Service Campaign modification has been performed.

Scion will mail owners of the involved vehicles a Special Service Campaign notification via first class beginning in late October. Owners are requested to contact their local Scion or Toyota dealer for diagnosis and repair upon receiving their notification. The protective wind deflector laminate installation will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.

Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Scion Customer Experience Center at 1-866-707-2466.

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10.17.05 : TRD SUPERCHARGER NOW AVAILABLE FOR SCION tC SPORTS COUPE

TORRANCE, Calif., October 17, 2005 – Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Scion announced today that a TRD supercharger for the Scion tC sports coupe will be available through dealerships beginning today. The TRD supercharger will help the stock tC’s 160-horsepower engine put out up to 200 horsepower and increase maximum torque up to 13 percent.

This all-new TRD supercharger is compatible with both 2005 and 2006 model year Scion tC sports coupes with manual transmissions. This centrifugal supercharger, which produces seven pounds of boost, was chosen for its compact configuration, ease of installation on the tC and smooth power delivery characteristics.

"The supercharger, when installed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealer, falls under the same powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, or the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater. When not installed by a dealer, the supercharger is covered by a 12-month, 12,000-mile parts-only warranty.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the TRD supercharger is $3,200, not including installation.

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10.05.05 : TOYOTA PRO/CELEBRITY SCION tC MAKES ITS DEBUT AT 2005 CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., October 5, 2005 - Toyota Motorsports and Scion announced today the Scion tC sports coupe will be the new official vehicle of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. The 2006 Pro/Celebrity Race celebrates the 30th anniversary of this charity event held annually as part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Race weekend. It also marks the first time in the race's history that a vehicle other than Celica will be featured.

"Being such an integral part of the Pro/Celebrity race and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is a great opportunity for Scion and the tC," said Mark Templin, vice president, Scion. "The tC will be right at home and able to showcase its performance capabilities on the historic street course."

The race-ready, identically-prepared tCs will produce 170-horsepower at 5,700 rpm. They will be equipped with performance enhancements that include a DC Sports stainless steel exhaust and ceramic header, Centerforce single-disc racing clutch, Progress Technology racing coil-over shocks and springs, Stop-Tech brakes and full roll cage."

The Scion tC sports coupes are being prepared to debut in time to celebrate the anniversary of one of America's favorite motorsports events," said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. "The 2006 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race will feature race-ready Scion tCs in which celebrities will compete for a chance at year-long bragging rights and charity donations made on their behalf. In addition, we are pleased to have recently announced an extension of our title sponsorship of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach through 2010."

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race has evolved into one of the longest-running, corporate sponsored events of its kind, pitting celebrities from music, sports, television and film against professional drivers. The event benefits "Racing for Kids," a non-profit, national fund-raising program that supports children's hospitals throughout the United States.

Toyota will donate monies, on behalf of each Pro/Celebrity driver, to "Racing for Kids," including additional funds to the race winner's charity of choice. All funding will benefit two hospitals in Southern California, Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach and Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). In conjunction with the ninth annual "People Pole Award" sponsored by People magazine, an additional donation will be made to the pole winner's preferred charity. Since 1991, Toyota Motorsports has donated more than $1.3 million to children's charity organizations.

The race will be held Saturday, April 8, 2006 on the 1.97 mile, 11-turn street course in downtown Long Beach, Calif., as part of the 32nd Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. An all-new Toyota Pro/Celeb Scion tC is currently on display at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif.

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09.30.05 : SCION LAUNCHES ONLINE MACROMEDIA FLASH CONTEST "SCION F8"

TORRANCE, Calif., September 30, 2005 - Scion today announced Scion F8, a new online contest using Macromedia® Flash® Professional 8 software that will reach out to creative computer aficionados. Participants who enter the contest by registering and submitting entries at www.scionF8.com have the chance to win a new 2006 Scion.

"In the past, Scion has invited amateur DJs and emcees to show us their spinning and rapping skills in our 'Free Up Your Mix' and 'Next Up' contests. This time, we want to reach out to artists in the interactive community," said Adrian Si, Scion interactive marketing manager.

The Scion F8 Contest, designed and developed in conjunction with L.A.-based interactive ad agency DNA Studio, is the first of its kind from an automobile manufacturer. It allows contestants to download a 30-day trial version of Macromedia Flash 8 and challenges them to create a unique Flash piece. Contestants must incorporate pre-approved assets that include footage of Scion vehicles, music, logos and images.

Scion and five judges will choose the top 10 entries. The five judges consist of Flash experts who have, in one way or another, influenced this field of design. Entries will be judged on artistic vision and technical merit. The contest launched on September 26, 2005 and contestants have until November 7, 2005 to submit their entry.

In addition to the Grand Prize, there will also be one first prize winner, who will receive a Macromedia Studio 8 package and eight finalists who will receive Scion gift packs that include Scion apparel, bags and accessories.

Flash is the industry standard for creating and delivering effective, rich interactive content to a worldwide audience of more than 600 million users via Macromedia Flash Player. With Flash Professional 8, designers and developers can integrate animation, video, text, audio and graphics into engaging user experiences that span a wide variety of digital devices, from desktops to mobile phones.

'Flash has become ubiquitous in the online world and is a rich, creative outlet," said Si. "We felt this was a great opportunity to connect with developers and designers, and let them express their views of Scion and their personal interests in a unique way."

To view Macromedia Flash demonstrations submitted by the judges and official contest rules, please visit www.scionF8.com.

DNA Studio is a creative shop with clients such as Anheuser-Busch, Sony Pictures, Cingular Wireless, Best Buy, AOL and The Coca-Cola Company. DNA is dedicated to delivering advertising and marketing-driven results through compelling interactive and non-traditional advertising and design. For more on DNA Studio, please visit www.dnastudio.com.

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06.03.05 : SCION RACING MAKES ITS DEBUT AT MOROSO MOTORSPORTS PARK

TORRANCE, Calif., June 3, 2005 - Scion is entering the motorsports arena with Scion Racing and has partnered with Sport Compact drag racing stars Christian Rado of WORLD Racing and Leslie Durst of Horizon Motorsports. Rado and Durst, both 29, will campaign Scion tC competition vehicles in a series of NHRA and NDRA national events beginning in 2005. Rado's tC will make its competition debut in the Pro Outlaw Front Wheel Drive (FWD) class at the June 4-5 NDRA Xbox Event at Florida's Moroso Motorsports Park. The 2,000-lb., silver streak mica tC is powered by a racemodified 2.7-liter 3RZFE Toyota engine producing 1,200 horsepower on methanol. The tC race car was recently on display at SEMA's International Auto Salon Show in Atlantic City, N.J. Details on his Pro FWD Scion racer can be seen on his Web site, www.world-racing.com. Christian began racing in 2001, which was the inaugural year for NHRA Sport Compact drag racing. He competed in his WORLD Racing Celica and still holds the Atco Pro FWD track record of 8.478 seconds and 176.14 mph.

Durst, of Long Beach, Calif., Turbo magazine's 2003 Rookie of the Year, has an All-Motor/Pro Stock class competition tC in the works for the 2006 season. The stock 2.4-liter 2AZFE tC engine has been race-modified to produce approximately 320-hp on methanol. This coupe sports a full tube chassis and will be shown at the November 2005 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. When completed, Durst expects the All-Motor/Pro Stock tC to run in the high 9-second range.

In just three years at the All-Motor starting line, Durst has scored an impressive run of both high speed and elapsed time records, including clocking the class' first 9-second run and setting the Pomona (Calif.) Raceway track record of 9.934 seconds, both of which were set in 2003. In 2004, she set top speed runs of 132.88 mph and 130.28 mph at NHRA events in Englishtown, N.J., and Las Vegas, respectively. She has a racing partnership with her dad, Mike Durst, who also serves as her crew chief.

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03.23.05 : SCION ANNOUNCES THE FIRST LIMITED EDITION tC

NEW YORK, March 23, 2005 - The Scion tC sports coupe, on sale since July 2004, takes on a whole new personality as a limited edition. The 2005 tC Release Series 1.0 is on display during media days at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

The 2005 tC Release Series 1.0 is the fourth limited edition vehicle for Scion. The tC Release Series sits on P225/40ZR18 tires wrapped around 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish. The front fascia receives unique upper and lower grilles. Underneath the hood, a battery tie down, billet oil filler cap and front strut tie bar – all red – add a touch of color to the engine bay. Black sport seats with red highlights carry the Absolutely Red exterior into the passenger cabin. A cargo mat and brushed aluminum Release Series 1.0 door sills come standard.

Embroidered tC Release Series 1.0 carpeted floormats and a small numbered plaque applied to the interior of each Release Series car add to the uniqueness of the limited edition.

Only 2,500 units of the tC Release Series 1.0 will be available at Scion dealers nationwide beginning in April. The tC Release Series 1.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,775 over the base price of the tC. Joining the Absolutely Red tC on display at the show is the 2005 xB Release Series 2.0. All xB Release Series 2.0 vehicles have an eye-catching, bright Solar Yellow exterior. Exterior features include color-keyed side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, color-keyed rear spoiler, a tunable sport muffler and a metal sport mesh grille.

Inside, stainless steel xB Release Series 2.0 appliqués line the door sills, and black fabric with yellow accents are designed to match the brilliant yellow exterior paint. As a reminder of the exclusivity of this vehicle, a small numbered plaque is applied to the interior of each Release Series car.

Scion will only produce 2,500 units of the xB Release Series 2.0. This second limited edition xB carries an MSRP of $1,375 over the base price of the xB and is currently available at dealerships nationwide.

The xB Release Series 2.0 is on display in Level 1 at the Javits Convention Center.

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03.09.05 : SCION VIDEOGAME TOURNAMENT? PLAY SOME GAMES, WIN A SCION!

Starting March 19, the National VGL Console Video Gaming Tournament Tour (or NVGLCVGTT) will kick off at Scion dealerships in 37 different cities throughout the U.S.

http://cars.ign.com/articles/594/594659p1.html

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01.10.05 : SCION ANNOUNCES THIRD LIMITED EDITION VEHICLE - THE 2005 xB RELEASE SERIES 2.0

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2005 -- Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that a limited-production xB Release Series 2.0 will go on sale this March.

The 2005 xB Release Series 2.0 is the third limited edition vehicle for Scion, and like its predecessors - the Hot Lava xB Release Series 1.0 and the Absolutely Red xA Release Series 1.0 - this xB will offer unique interior and exterior appearance enhancements.

All xB Release Series 2.0 vehicles will have an eye-catching, bright Solar Yellow exterior. Exterior features include color-keyed side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, color-keyed rear spoiler, a tunable sport muffler and a metal sport mesh grille.

Inside, stainless steel xB Release Series 2.0 appliqués line the door sills, and black fabric with yellow accents are designed to match the brilliant yellow exterior paint. As a reminder of the exclusivity of this vehicle, a small numbered plaque will be applied to the interior of each Release Series car.

Only 2,500 units of the xB Release Series 2.0 will be available at Scion dealers nationwide. The xB Release Series 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,375 over the base price of the xB.

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08.03.04 : SCION ANNOUNCES FIRST FULL MONTH OF NATIONWIDE SALES FOR SCION xA, xB AND ALL-NEW tC

TORRANCE, Calif., August 3, 2004 - Scion, the new line of cars from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported July sales of 14,793 units. July represented the first full month of nationwide sales for all three Scion vehicles - the xA subcompact, xB urban utility vehicle and the all-new tC sports coupe. Calendar-year-to-date sales for Scion totaled 46,016.

"The Scion business model has gone national and it's off to a great start," said Jim Farley, vice president of Scion. "The combination of upscale products at affordable prices served up in a buyer-friendly environment is striking a chord with consumers."

The 160-horsepower tC sports coupe, designed exclusively for Scion and the U.S. market, posted July sales of 6,297 units. The Scion xB enjoyed a best-ever month with 5,815 units sold, while xA sales remained steady at 2,681 units.

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05.25.04 : SCION tC: YOUTHFUL LOOKS, TOYOTA ENGINEERING

The new Scion tC offers the best of all worlds: Toyota engineering, Lexus-like refinement and a fun-quotient tailor-made for Generation Y.

http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_scion_tc_youthful/index.htm

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03.02.04 : BEST GAS MILEAGE CARS

These cars top the rankings in the United States Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency's 2004 Fuel Economy Guide. These are the cars that got the best gas mileage, according to government tests...

http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/gasmileage/

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03.02.04 : SCION REPORTS STRONG FEBRUARY AFTER BEGINNING NATIONAL ROLLOUT

TORRANCE, Calif., March 2, 2004 - Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported February sales of 4,544 units, after almost a full month of sales in 24 states. The sleek xA hatchback posted sales of 1,409 units, while the boxy xB urban utility vehicle reported sales of 3,135 units. Scion was created to suit the demands of an emerging culture of influential new car buyers known as Generation Y.

"Our launch in California nine months ago helped us make improvements in the dealership experience, training methods, grassroots marketing and accessory development for this second phase in our three-phase launch," said Jim Farley, Scion vice president. "What we learn in this phase will help us in June when we go on sale nationally, along with the release of our third car, the tC sports coupe."

Scion has been on sale in California since June 9, 2003 and began its national rollout on February 3, 2004 with sales in the Gulf States, Southeast and East Coast regions. Scion's two products, the xA and the xB, are currently on sale in a total of 497 dealerships in California, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

"For Toyota, Scion is a laboratory for change," continued Farley. "We will evolve according to what we hear from our dealers and from the trendsetters of Gen Y to ensure continuous improvement of the entire brand experience."

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02.03.04 : ORLANDO GRADUATE STUDENT WINS NEW SCION xB AND $5,000 IN ACCESSORIES. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS LAUNCHES ALL-NEW PRODUCT LINE

Deerfield Beach, Fla. - Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) today announced the launch of an all-new vehicle product line called Scion and the recipient of its Win a Scion Sweepstakes. Clayton Yonce, 23, of Orlando, Fla., has won a Scion xB and $5,000 to customize it with Scion-installed accessories. The xB is one of two, exciting new Scion models going on sale today at 105 Scion dealerships throughout the southeast.

A prize patrol surprised Yonce at his Orlando area home with a 2004 Scion xB, valued at $13,680, and a voucher for $5,000 to spend as he wishes accessorizing the car and "making it his own." Yonce will choose from a wide array of more than 70 interior and exterior accessories such as a rear spoiler, color steering wheel, bazooka subwoofer and an illuminated cup holder. The SET accessories will be installed at its vehicle processing facility in Jacksonville, Fla. More than 20,000 people entered to win the xB, and an xA that will be awarded later in February, through a sweepstakes geared to attract youthful, trendsetting consumers.

Yonce, a graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Central Florida said, "This is about the best thing that could have happened! My car has more than 165,000 miles on it, so I could certainly use a new set of wheels. There's nothing like the new Scion - I really like it because it's different. Plus, it has a great sound system."

Yonce, who is working on his master's degree in industry organizational psychology, registered for the Scion Sweepstakes when a friend e-mailed him a link to the application. In addition to the on-line registration process, "street teams" drove the new vehicles to various events throughout the southeast and gathered applications.

"The immediate success of Scion generated a major buzz throughout the country when it was launched in California last year and we anticipate the same reaction in the southeast," said SET's Vice President Scion Implementation David Vincent. "Giving away a vehicle through the Sweepstakes is our way of saying thanks to the thousands of consumers who have shown interest in the brand. Clayton is the perfect example of the customer we're trying to reach - he's young, Web savvy, and is really looking forward to customizing his xB to reflect his own personality. The accessories package will allow him to personalize his car which will be unlike any other on the road today."

Scion, which means "descendant," is a new automotive brand presented by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Beginning today, the Scion xA and xB models will be available in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and North and South Carolina. A third model, the tC, will be available in June. Scion will be sold at participating Toyota Scion dealerships, from specially designed and dedicated showrooms within the stores or from free-standing showrooms on the dealer's lot. Scion also features its own unique badge or logo which can be viewed at www.scion.com.

Scion offers distinctive products and a unique sales process that represents a whole new culture for Toyota. A new buying process will reveal a straightforward, easy-to-understand approach. Its "Pure Price" solution and affordability makes it the perfect choice for its intended youthful buyers. The base MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) for manual transmission excluding freight starts at $13,680 for an xB and $12,480 for an xA.

Unique styling, incredible interior space and versatility are synonymous with Scion. Both the xA and xB come packed with a high level of standard interior and exterior features that make them fun to drive including a custom-built Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and Scion Sound Processing (SSP) made especially for Scion with a CD player that reads MP3 files and a head unit that's satellite radio capable, choice of three wheel cover designs, fender-mounted turn indicators, air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power door locks, power mirrors, cargo area cover, sport bucket front seats and 60/40 split folding rear seats, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering wheel, and intermittent front wipers.

Both the xA and xB models are equipped with a 1.5 liter engine. Scion comes with the same great warranty that customers have come to expect from Toyota including basic coverage of three years/36,000 miles, Powertrain coverage of five years/60,000 miles and corrosion/perforation coverage of five years/unlimited miles.

Southeast Toyota Finance offers attractive and affordable financing options designed for Scion customers, including young buyers with little or no established credit. Basic financing information is available at www.scion.com.

Attention to detail and a commitment to safety ensure that Scion meets a high standard. Some standard safety features include driver and passenger front airbags, driver and passenger three-point seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, three-across rear headrests, three-across three-point rear seat belts, and a first aid kit. Scion xA is one of the few subcompacts that offers side curtain airbags.

For more information about Scion visit its Web site at www.scion.com or call Scion Customer Experience at 1-866-70-SCION, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. EST.

Ranked first among Toyota's American distributors in sales and customer satisfaction, Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, (SET) (www.buyatoyota.com) is the largest, exclusive franchised distributor of Toyotas in the world. The company distributes vehicles, parts and accessories to 166 Toyota dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and South Carolina. Major divisions include Vehicle Processing, Parts Supply and Distribution, and Parts and Service Support and are located in Deerfield Beach and Jacksonville, Fla. and Commerce, Ga. Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, SET is a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, Inc., a $7.6 billion diversified automotive corporation ranked by Forbes magazine as the 15th-largest privately held company in the U. S. and by a survey in Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.

To view Yonce's reaction to his winnings visit: http://www.jmfamily.com/scion_sweepstakes.zip

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01.16.04 : DETROIT AUTO SHOW 2004 - HIGHLIGHTS

In June, the Gen Y-oriented Scion marque from Toyota will be rolled out throughout the US. And alongside the xA hatch and the xB, er, box, there will be the tC coupe...

http://archive.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/detroit/highlights/index4.html

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01.05.04 : SCION STAGES WORLD PREMIERE OF ALL-NEW tC SPORTS COUPE AT 2004 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new tC sports coupe at a press conference today at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

"In June, the all-new 2005 tC will join the entry-level xA and the urban utility xB, coinciding with Scion's national rollout," said Jim Farley, Scion vice president. "The tC was developed specifically for Scion and the U.S. market with an aim to deliver a level of style, performance and value that will be flat-out impossible to beat."

The design target for the tC was to offer a sporty coupe with sophisticated styling and surprising versatility. The sleek tC sits low and wide. Configured as a three-door hatch with a panorama glass moonroof, the tC has the formal look of a coupe with a trunk. Body panel gaps have been narrowed, as have the pillars, for improved visibility. Further adding to the tC's sleek appearance, the windshield wipers are set low so the driver has an unobstructed view. Outside mirrors have built-in turn signal lights, and the hatch incorporates a power release. Standard keyless entry and remote hatch operation can all be managed from a newly designed gray and black key, unique to Scion.

The tC's sophisticated styling exudes a Scion family identity. Traces of Scion DNA can be found in the interior with use of amber illumination, metal-tone trim and innovative instrumentation panel grains. A material that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper was developed for the tC dash. Exterior Scion cues include taut, clean lines from front to rear, accentuated rocker panels and wheel arches, and a sporty mesh grille.

Like its Scion siblings, the tC will be equipped with many subtle hints of refinement, such as the use of dampers on interior moving parts, normally found in more upscale vehicles. The temperature control dial is made of genuine cast aluminum. The front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash, and narrowed gaps on interior components measure near those of the all-new Camry Solara coupe.

The tC will offer incredible utility in a very spacious cabin. The driver's seat will have both a height and thigh adjustment, along with a walk-in function with memory. Rear 60/40-split seats will be equipped with three headrests and three-point seat belts in all seating positions. The rear seats will recline 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. Finally, when both the front passenger and rear seats are folded flat, tC will provide more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo.

Performance will match the tC's sleek styling. The tC will be a tenacious road handler as it will be equipped with a double-wishbone rear suspension, front MacPherson struts, 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-lock Brakes system.

Power will be delivered through an all-aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will produce 160 horsepower. The engine will be mated with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. For added performance, a dealer-installed supercharger package developed by Toyota Racing Development will be offered later in the year. The turn-key performance option with an output of approximately 200 horsepower can be purchased with the vehicle, or added later. And like all things Scion, it will be surprisingly affordable.

Like the xA and xB, the Scion tC will be offered in mono-spec trim. Standard features will include the panorama moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels with graphite appearance finish, air conditioning, cruise control, a high-output Pioneer sound system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and a center console with armrest. Sound absorption materials help maintain low NVH levels that are more common in a class-above car.

"When Scion goes on sale nationally in late June, Scion showrooms are expected in approximately 60 percent of all Toyota dealers," said Farley. "The launch of the 2005 tC sport coupe will complete the third leg of Scion's original three-vehicle strategic launch plan. But, it will not be the last."

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07.30.03 : 2004 SCION xB - A BOX OF POSSIBILITIES

"On the day I received my first-ever set of car keys, the first thing I did - after driving around town like a free bird - was place a bumper sticker on the rear chrome bumper...

http://www.carsmart.com/content/research/index.cfm?id=10007;CRSM

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06.20.03 : TOYOTA'S FASHIONABLE YOUNGSTERS ENTER THE SCENE

Not typically a risk-taker, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. is taking a pretty big risk with Scion, its new youth-oriented brand. But it's a calculated one...

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Sedans_Coupes_and_Hatchbacks/2004_Scion_xA_and_xB.S180.A6132.html

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03.24.03 : WHAT IS A SCION?

Someone you know owns a Toyota and they probably love it. They're also probably significantly older than you --the owners, not the cars..

http://cars.ign.com/articles/390/390607p1.html

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06.09.03 : ALL-NEW SCION VEHICLES GO ON SALE TODAY IN 105 CALIFORNIA DEALERSHIPS

Scion's first two production models, xA and xB, go on sale today in California at 105 dealerships. Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was created to suit the demands of an emerging culture of new car buyers known as Gen Y.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for both vehicles acknowledge the target buyer's budget while giving them an unprecedented level of value and quality products.

"Scion's target buyer is information rich, time poor and highly technology savvy," said Jim Farley, vice president of Scion. "Scion caters to this influential generation with unique products, a distinctive dealership environment and a revolutionized sales process, all complemented by an astonishing sticker price."

Simplicity is important to Scion's target buyers, and the extensive standard specifications list was derived with this key objective in mind. Both the xA and xB are mono-spec vehicles and a customer must only make a few key choices when purchasing a Scion: model, transmission, color and accessories.

Both the muscular five-door xA and the sharp-edged xB are powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence, or VVT-i, that produces 108 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 105 lb-ft. of torque at 4,200 RPM. The xA offers exceptional fuel economy with EPA estimates of 32 miles-per-gallon in the city and 38 on the highway for both manual and automatic transmissions. The xB is just as fuel conservative with EPA mileage estimates of 31 miles-per-gallon in the city and 35 on the highway when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission.

The xA and xB are offered at an attractive price position with standard equipment that includes:
> Air conditioning,
> Six-speaker premium Pioneer AM/FM/CD sound system that is satellite ready and MP3 compatible,
> Power windows with one-touch driver's side auto down,
> Power door-locks and outside mirrors,
> A choice of one of three wheel cover designs

Standard safety equipment for both vehicles includes Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, driver and front passenger airbags, head restraints, a first-aid kit and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions. xB also features Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist as standard equipment, while xA offers side and side curtain airbags as an option.

In addition to the host of standard equipment, consumers can choose from a wide array of approximately 40 accessories with which to customize their vehicle. These range from appearance enhancements, such as alloy wheels, carbon fiber appliques, sport pedals, shift knobs and interior lighting kits to underhood items, such as cold air intake or a strut tower brace. These Scion accessories are covered under the standard Scion limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Also, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has created a line-up of Scion performance parts that includes 18- or 19-inch wheels and tires, a lowering kit and sport exhaust. For xB, TRD also offers a performance clutch and quick shift kit.
Scion's target buyers made it clear that they want a dealer involved with the sales transaction and purchase experience, resulting in enhancements to the consumer Web site, scion.com, and to the entire shopping and purchasing process.

Consumers can visit the vehicle configuration section of the scion.com Web site to build and accessorize their Scion. This information can then be saved, printed out or emailed to a Scion dealer of their choice.

In California, about 65 percent of Toyota Division dealers have installed the Scion showroom within their current dealership. The rest either expanded their showroom or built a separate facility. The Scion dealership environment caters to buyers who want resources to answer their questions with freedom to explore at their own pace. Together, scion.com and the dealership showroom let customers explore at their leisure.

Scion "Pure Price" solution is another way Scion will meet the buyers' desire for consistency and transparency. It means that the dealership's advertised price equals the actual transaction price. This principle should apply to accessories, finance and insurance.

"Scion is more than just product," continued Farley. "We believe that by reflecting the buyers' expectations for consistency between scion.com and the dealership, and ensuring transparency and time efficiency, we will make an emotional connection at the dealership. This connection translates into a lifetime advocacy for our retailers and for us as a manufacturer."

Since personalization and emotional elements are key in the Scion purchase and ownership experience, this new brand's advertising campaign explores all avenues of creative expression and will properly represent the tag line of "what moves you."

This phrase has both rational and emotional elements, posing a provocative question to consumers. Thought-provoking messages will be consistent throughout print, wall projections, postings, billboards and magazine outserts. Scion has also produced four television spots, two of which are used for cinema. These commercials, which can be seen on late-night television and select cable stations, integrate the vehicles, music and artistic expression without voiceovers, so that viewers do not just see an ad for a car. Both can currently be seen in California only and then nationwide towards the end of this year.

Finally, Toyota Financial Services offers a finance program called Scion Solutions, specifically for Scion target customers. Many finance programs within Scion Solutions provide special rates and terms on retail purchases and leases including a college graduate retail and lease program, an iFinance program that caters to customers with limited credit who do not have co-signers and a Gen-One program for customers with no established credit and who do not have co-signers. Rates for Scion Solutions will model Scion dealers' "pure price" philosophy - if a customer knows their credit score, they will be able to obtain their "hassle free" finance rate online.

This "pure price" philosophy, the unique products and the new dealership experience are all supported by base MSRPs of $12,480 for xA and $13,680 for xB. The xA and xB, equipped with automatic transmissions, are $13,280 and $14,480, respectively. Also included in the MSRP are three complimentary oil changes.

Currently, out of 133 Toyota dealers in California, 105 or 80 percent have signed on to represent Scion. In February 2004, the market will expand to cover the south, southeast and east coast. A few short months later, Scion will simultaneously complete the national rollout and launch the third Scion vehicle, which will be stylish, sleek and sporty. This staggered rollout allows sufficient time for ramp-up of production and further refinement of Scion's new distribution and sales processes.

"Scion is not Toyota's sole youth strategy. However, it is a vital and important part of it," said Farley. "Scion is a laboratory for change and innovation that will continue to explore new ways to stay relevant and spark the interest of this new generation for many years to come. And finally, Scion will be imitated. Our competitors will quickly realize that the real risk is to do nothing."

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01.02.03 : SCION LAUNCHES FIRST TWO PRODUCTS - xA AND xB - AT 2003 GREATER LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today unveiled at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show the xA and xB, the first two production models from the newest brand in the automotive industry. Both models will launch initially in California this June and will carry Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) below $16,000.

Scion is about personalization. It’s about providing buyers with a personalized dealership experience, a personalized ordering process and personalized vehicles,” said James Farley, vice president, Scion.

Scion xA

The xA makes its North American debut as a muscular subcompact five-door that features an athletic stance, sculpted wheel arches and tightly connected visual cues that flow dramatically from front to rear. The xA is powered by a 108 horsepower 1.5-liter engine. Buyers can select either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic.

The xA has a wide front grille and strong rocker panel extensions that enhance the horizontal, muscular stance and visually draw the vehicle closer to the ground. Buyers can choose from a palette of six exterior colors.

Inside, the xA is visually appealing, with metal-tone instrument panel trim and matching ventilation controls on the center console, stylized black-on-white gauges and textured treatments on the doors, dashboard and seats. The xA’s interior is as functional as it is eye-catching. There are numerous storage bins including an illuminated translucent storage compartment in the center cluster and hidden under-floor storage in the cargo area, which gives owners maximum flexibility for carrying large and small items. The xA also features a standard cargo area cover to ensure that items are stored safely out of sight.

The Scion xA is packed with standard features, which include:
> Power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors,
> Air conditioning,
> Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
> Sport seats,
> 60/40-split folding rear seat,
> And a first aid kit.

Scion xB

The Scion xB is a production version of the bbX concept that first debuted at last year’s New York Auto Show. This subcompact is an aggressively styled vehicle that demands to be noticed. The xB weighs in at just over 2,400 pounds and shares the same engine and transmission combinations as the xA

On the outside, the xB hunkers down low over its wheels and rises tall and wide with flat panels and 90-degree angles. This achieves maximum space from minimal exterior dimensions. It sits on P185/60R15 tires and 15-inch wheels with a slightly lowered suspension for a firm feel with confident handling. The xB features large door openings, tall seat-height and sprawling head and legroom.

The interior is multi-purpose and uniquely combines class-leading materials and finish, with surprising versatility. The instrument panel is covered in a fresh, cross-grain vinyl that provides a modern look, while the center stack housing audio and ventilation controls feature metal tone trim. The speedometer and odometer are more centrally located for easier readability and feature black-on-white gauges, while auxiliary controls feature amber illumination.

Driver and passenger enjoy front sport seats. The second row seats fold flat in a 60/40 configuration and are removable, along with the spare tire, providing a completely flat floor for hauling cargo. Ample storage compartments throughout the cabin add even more roominess.

Standard features for xB are plentiful and include:
> Power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors,
> Vehicle Stability Control,
> Air conditioning,
> ABS,
> Sport seats,
> A ground effects kit,
> And keyless entry.

Scion Standard Features and Available Accessories
Each Scion vehicle will leave the factory without an audio head unit or wheel covers, although these items are already included into the vehicle’s base MSRP. Buyers can choose from three wheel cover designs, or upgrade to alloy wheels at only an incremental amount. Buyers can also choose the standard AM/FM/CD audio unit, or upgrade to a unit with a six-disc changer and pay the difference. Since music plays a key role with Scion’s target audience, Pioneer was chosen to provide both vehicles with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system featuring Scion Sound Processing (SSP). This digital sound processing feature lets Scion drivers choose between three settings – SSP Neutral setting keeps the music in the background, SSP Hear enhances the sounds with crisp highs and lows, and SSP Feel has a sound curve that lets passengers not only hear the music, but feel it.

The standard and optional audio equipment will satisfy the most techno-savvy consumers. The standard CD player will read MP3 files and the audio head unit is satellite-radio-ready, for those who want to add this feature. The available six-disc CD changer features audio display illumination that changes among 10 colors at the touch of a button. The most demanding audiophiles may even choose an available subwoofer. Both vehicles were developed with an increase in sound absorption materials, ensuring a quiet cabin for listening to music or conversing with passengers.

In addition to wheel covers and audio, Scion has developed approximately 40 accessories for each vehicle that will be covered under the standard Scion limited warranty when dealer- or port-installed. These items range from fog lamps, rear spoilers and interior mats to two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheels, strut tie bar braces and auxiliary interior lighting kits, accommodating a broad spectrum of customer tastes.

Scion Showroom

The Scion dealership environment caters to younger buyers who want the resources to answer their questions, but who also need the freedom to explore at their own pace. The Scion showroom accomplishes this through three key areas – a product area, a discovery zone and consultation space – each with a specific focus:
> The product area includes demonstrations of the vehicle’s features on plasma screens, accessory display cases, freestanding paint and fabric selector stands and, in many showrooms, a Scion vehicle, so consumers can experience Scion’s versatility first-hand.
> The discovery zone is supported by self-service Internet kiosks and printer stands, where users can log onto the Scion Web site, custom-equip the car of their choice and then save or print out the data for reference. This streamlines the purchase process and facilitates a more personalized shopping experience.
> Lastly, the consultation space involves a certified sales staff for assistance and guidance available for shoppers who have any additional questions.

Almost 80 percent of California Toyota dealers have committed to sell Scion. Most dealers will dedicate space for Scion in their existing facilities, while some will add floor space to their stores, and others will create stand-alone showrooms.

Each Scion dealer will undergo extensive training beginning later this month to learn more about this unique target audience and how to provide a sales process tailored to their needs. For example, in addition to the normal two-day off-site training, all dealership staff will participate in six days of on-site training. This includes anyone at the store who will make contact with a Scion customer.

“ Scion will offer new products, a new culture and a new approach to selling that is fresh and custom tailored to meet the needs of an emerging generation of new car buyers,” said Farley.

The Scion xA and xB will go on sale this June exclusively in California. In February 2004, the market will expand to cover the south, southeast and east coast. A few short months later, Scion will simultaneously complete the national rollout and launch the third Scion vehicle. This staggered rollout allows sufficient time for ramp up of production and further refinement of Scion’s new distribution and sales processes.

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11.06.02 : SIX UNIQUELY MODIFIED SCION VEHICLES ON DISPLAY AT SEMA

Scion, when it launches in June 2003 in California, will have special appeal to car enthusiasts whose interests range from a few simple cosmetic enhancements to full performance customization. Unique examples of six Scion vehicles that have undergone an assortment of modifications from aftermarket suppliers are on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) convention in Las Vegas. The six modified Scion vehicles can be seen in the companies’ respective displays through the remainder of the SEMA convention.

Ground Zero
Ground Zero, an aftermarket company based in Japan, modified a Japan-spec bB (Black Box) that has been on sale in Japan since February 2000. Ground Zero took a Japan-spec bB and added a suspension package with Billet front struts, rear air suspension, two compressors, which feed a three-gallon tank, and an Air Box 18-function remote control. Chameleon paint and a Spirit Body Kit that includes front, rear, side aprons and spoiler give the vehicle a stealth look. Euroline wheels from Work include 18 x 8.0 front wheels and 18 x 8.5 rear wheels matched with 215/35R18 Toyo tires provide a solid stance.

Scion xA

Motegi Racing Performance Wheels
Motegi Racing Performance Wheels, located in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., focuses on providing sport compact enthusiasts with the wheel sizes, finishes and styles that best personalize their vehicles. Motegi chose to transform their Scion into a Race Kart Transporter to convey their image of versatile performance.

Motegi started with their area of expertise and installed 18 x 7.5-inch MRM wheels in Gun Metal Finish to match the vehicle’s silver exterior. To enhance performance, Motegi wrapped the wheels with Toyota T1-s Proxes 215/35ZR18 tires. Area 51 provided a supercharger designed specifically for this Scion that results in a 40 percent increase in horsepower over the stock four-cylinder engine. This led to the need for an increase in stopping power, accomplished by 12-inch Wilwood cross-drilled rotors and four-piston racing calipers. Performance enhancements were topped off with a Magnaflow six-inch Street Sound muffler for a more aggressive exhaust note.

To make sure the vehicle is fun even when it’s not moving, Audio Options installed a complete Pioneer sound system, driven by a Pioneer AVH-P7490DVD head unit with a seven-inch monitor and integrated DVD player. A two-channel GM-X962 amplifier and a four-channel GM-X564 amplifier are mounted in a custom fiberglass enclosure with two custom-fabricated 12-inch TS-WX121 subwoofers. Passengers can pass the time playing Playstation 2 video games or watching their favorite DVDs on an overhead Pioneer AVR-W6100 flip-down monitor. A race kart was added to appeal to those enthusiasts whose interests include racing. A custom-fabricated rack system by Area 51 allows the Motegi Race Kart to roll out of the rear of the car straight onto the track.

Paisley Racing
Paisley Racing, a division of Paisley Automotive, is one of the premier suppliers in drag racing. True to their name, Paisley Racing concentrated on various speed-inducing parts for their blue Scion. They started by installing a Blitz supercharger and a Nitrous Express direct port nitrous system, with a Blitz ECU at the heart of the operation. Next, they added Blitz lowering springs, exhaust and automatic transmission cooler, with performance monitored by special metallic-trimmed gauges on the dash. Road-gripping Toyo FZ4 225/40R18 tires on three-piece SSR Professor SP1 18-inch alloy wheels give the vehicle a mean stance. To show the growing popularity of the brighter, attention-grabbing lights, Paisley installed McCullough high-intensity discharge headlights.

The interior features MOMO front seats, custom-matching rear seats, seatbelts and pedals for a look that is conducive to driver and passenger comfort and pleasing to the eye. A complete, high-end Pioneer audio/video system includes four TS-D160R 6.5-inch speakers, four TS-W1041C 10-inch subwoofers and four GM-X962 760-watt two-channel amplifiers, for those who appreciate superior sound quality. Sensory overload is achieved with an AVH-P7490DVD in-dash TV/DVD player, two AVD-W6000 6.5-inch monitors and two AVR-W6100 overhead monitors. All of these modifications further underscore the versatility inherent in Scion.

Eighteen-inch Volk GT-N wheels are mated with extra sticky BFGoodrich Scorcher T/A tires. A Wilwood Superlite six-piston Big Brake Kit is employed up front to complement the Dynalite four-piston rear disc brake conversion. JSP Motorsport aerodynamic carbon fiber splitters and TG Race Designs graphics complete the exterior package.

The Stewart Company
The Stewart Co. is a manufacturer’s representative firm in Torrance, Calif. that represents approximately 12 suppliers who manufacture OEM accessories for Toyota. The Stewart Co. wanted to use their silver Scion vehicle as a tool to study potential new design and manufacturing processes for products that could be easily installed at dealers and ports and would appeal to the youth market.

Cosmetically, the Stewart Co. added color-coordinated Aeroequip Inoac (AIC) equipment that includes a front and rear spoiler, front grille and Aero Kit, giving the Scion a more aggressive appearance. This Stewart Co. Scion also comes with Sumitomo/3M carbon fiber window surrounds and 3M perforated window film, bumper pad and thumbprint body graphics, showing that it’s one of a kind. Knowing that the Scion is targeted toward a market with active lifestyles, Stewart Co. included Safariland custom seat covers and Pretty Products custom floormats to protect the interior, while adding a personal touch of color and design.

No youth-oriented vehicle is complete without a sound system, and this one features a Pioneer that includes a DEH-P8400MP head unit, a GM-X962 two-channel amp, four TS-D160R 6.5-inch speakers and a TS-WX121 enclosed subwoofer, complete with an Audiovox DVD entertainment system.

For speed and performance, Stewart Co. turned to Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for a turbocharger and high performance lowering springs that drop the vehicle 1.5-inches. Valor Manufacturing Inc. provided a cat-back exhaust that uses a tip design not seen anywhere else in the industry. Wilwood high performance four-wheel disc brakes peek through Ensure Co. LTD’s 17-inch Primax alloys wrapped with 205/40ZR17 Nitto tires.

One of Scion’s approaches is to appeal to this new generation’s elevated sense of style through marketing relationships with brands they already trust. A key element will be to offer buyers every opportunity for personalization with thousands of ways to configure Scion vehicles. Currently, Scion is actively working to develop partnerships with innovative and progressive companies.

Scion will initially go on sale in California with two vehicles. One is based on the bbX concept, and the second vehicle will be unveiled at January’s Los Angeles Auto Show. By June 2003, Scion will have launched nationwide and a third vehicle will be added to the line-up.

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11.06.02 : SCION UNVEILS DEALER SHOWROOM ENVIRONMENT AND ANNOUNCES VEHICLE PERSONALIZATION OPPORTUNITIES

Scion, an all-new line of cars from Toyota, today introduced the design of the Scion dealer showroom during a press conference at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) convention. Also, the new car marque announced additional key aftermarket parts suppliers and provided more detail about how Scion vehicles can be personalized. Six Scion vehicles are on display at the SEMA show, each customized by different companies to show the infinite modification possibilities that are the core of the Scion culture.

“At Scion, we’re all about listening and responding to the changing needs of up-and-coming drivers whose interests, tastes and experiences are unlike any generation before,” said Jim Lentz, vice president, Scion. “This generation appreciates a genuine approach that enables empowerment, permits discovery and appeals to their desire for personalization.

Scion will benchmark a new culture and approach for vehicle purchases and ownership when it goes on sale in California in June 2003. Two key components to Scion’s unique approach are to offer buyers every opportunity for personalization and to create an inviting and interactive dealership setting.

A new dealership environment will give customers the freedom to browse, investigate and research Scion at their own pace. In most cases, the Scion showroom will reside inside existing Toyota dealerships. The setting will be low-key and buyer-friendly.

Each showroom will be divided into three main components to create a distinctive dealership environment – a product area, a discovery zone and consultation space. The product area will feature an information wall with a display case of various optional accessories and a color and trim stand. Many showrooms will also display a Scion vehicle with various accessories already installed. A discovery zone is supported by self-service Internet kiosks. Lastly, certified salespeople will be available to offer assistance and guidance in the consultation space. These highly interactive surroundings will deliver a customer-controlled atmosphere.

To date, 80 percent of California dealers have committed to selling Scion vehicles and several plan to have stand-alone showrooms.”

Beyond the dealer showroom, Scion understands that a connection must be made with this savvy new buyer on many levels. Scion’s mission is to develop a relationship with a generation that doesn’t like gimmicks, has high expectations and commands their own style.

One of Scion’s approaches is to appeal to this new generation’s elevated sense of style through marketing relationships with brands they already trust. A key element will be to offer buyers every opportunity for personalization with thousands of ways to configure Scion vehicles. Currently, Scion is actively working to develop partnerships with innovative and progressive companies.

Scion has already established key partnerships with brands like Pioneer, the official audio supplier that will equip Scion’s line-up with superior sound systems. All Scion vehicles will have a standard six-speaker, AM/FM CD audio system featuring Scion Sound Processing.

In addition to Pioneer, Scion has been approached by a wide range of aftermarket manufacturers to supply a large and colorful palate of cosmetic, functional and performance enhancement accessories.

Scion vehicles will come from the factory essentially mono spec, with many comfort and convenience features as standard equipment. In addition to the standard six-speaker audio system, all Scion vehicles will also come with air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and sport seats. The buyer will simply select the model and color they want and then begin exploring various ways of customizing their Scion.

A variety of personalization opportunities are available for all customers, ranging from options for those who want to add just a little bit of flair to their vehicles, to accessories for those who want to maximize customization with both performance and style enhancements.

OBX and Area 51 are the latest companies to sign on as Scion partners to supply parts for Scion production models. OBX supplies parts for those modifiers looking to boost their vehicle’s appearance and/or performance. They focus on high quality, innovative aftermarket automotive accessories for import and domestic vehicles. Area 51, an all-purpose tuner company, offers passionate car aficionados a forum for extreme car modifications. Their primary focus is on aftermarket fabrication and racing segments, striving to become the next generation of automotive performance excellence.

OBX has already developed sport pedals for a sportier look and improved pedal feel, optional shift knobs in either carbon fiber or aluminum and are exploring other distinctive accessories.

Area 51 is developing a supercharger for the bbX to maximize the engine’s performance and improve engine output. They also will manufacture a strut tie-bar brace that attaches to each front strut tower in the engine compartment. This will enhance handling by stiffening the sub frame and preventing distortion of the lower suspension, while providing a sportier look under the hood.

Ground Zero, Stewart Co., Motegi Performance Racing Wheel, Paisley Racing, Pioneer and Primedia are six companies that have chosen the Scion to showcase an array of accessories. Most of these companies have partnered with other popular and well-respected aftermarket suppliers including HKS, GReddy and Blitz in an effort to further highlight the concept vehicle’s already aggressive stance. Diverse modifications to the Scion vehicles displayed at SEMA range from aero kits, body graphics and custom seating to 18-inch alloy wheels, cat-back exhaust systems and extensive Pioneer audio/visual enhancements.

The six modified Scion vehicles can be seen in the companies’ respective displays through the remainder of the SEMA convention. “Scion continues to serve as a listening post for the most discriminating young buyers, and we’ll be ready to adjust our strategy as needed,” added Lentz. “We must continue to strive to connect with this new generation with a genuine approach. This approach will come from marketing relationships that benefit the buyers with brands they already know and trust.”

Initially, two vehicles will be available, one based on the bbX concept and the second vehicle will be unveiled at January’s Los Angeles Auto Show. In February 2004, sales will expand into the northeast, mid-Atlantic states, southeast and the southwest. Four months later, in June 2004, Scion will complete its national rollout and launch a third Scion vehicle.

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07.15.02 : SCION ANNOUNCES MARKETING PARTNERS

Last March, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled Scion at the New York International Auto Show, as a new line of vehicles aimed at a new generation of consumers who actively seek-out the latest trends in style and innovation. Today, Scion has named advertising agencies ATTIK and Oasis as its primary partners in connecting with this emerging market force.

In a break from traditional marketing techniques, Scion has adopted an unbundled marketing approach, utilizing a variety of partners to develop and implement marketing strategies targeting an extremely diverse and elusive consumer base. Each partner will add a different element of insight and creativity. ATTIK's San Francisco office will lead the development of Scion's overall advertising strategy and creative direction. Oasis, based in New York, will oversee all creative for Scion's Web site, which will play an integral role in Scion's marketing strategy. Technical development for the site will be provided by DHAP.

ATTIK and Oasis join URB Magazine and Enterprise Communications in helping forge this new marketing approach for Scion.

"For the last four years, we have been carefully listening to this new generation of consumers now reaching driving age and entering the car market," said Jim Lentz, Vice President, Scion. "It will be the task of ATTIK and Oasis to establish Scion as a new line of lifestyle products and a new way of doing business to appeal to this emerging buyer group."

Scion will be structured as a dealer-within-a-dealer. All Toyota dealers will be offered the opportunity to sell the Scion line. Scion will be offered in a clearly dedicated environment and will feature its own certified sales staff. The environment will be low-key and buyer-friendly and will state clearly that this is not business as usual.

Scion will launch its first two vehicles in June 2003 at participating dealers in California. Roll-out to other states will occur gradually, with full U.S. distribution targeted for June 2004, the same time that a third Scion vehicle will be introduced.

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03.27.02 : SCION LAUNCHES OPTIMIZE – A NEW ACCESSORIES AND APPAREL PROGRAM

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the launch of Scion during a press conference today at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. Formerly the genesis marketing group, Scion will be responsible for the launch of a new line of vehicles it plans to market to the next generation of new-car buyers. Two show-car concept vehicles displayed at the show, the bbX and ccX, offer a strong hint of the direction Scion will take with its new line of products.

"For some time, Toyota's genesis group has been carefully listening to, and studying ways, to connect with the net-generation reaching driving age and entering the car market," said Jim Press, TMS executive vice president and COO. "It's an important emerging consumer group that will total over 60 million potential customers by 2010. With Scion, Toyota is taking a major pro-active step to reach out and connect with them."

The Scion (pronounced SY-en) name is significant. Meaning descendant, or heir, the name Scion is designed to stand alone as a distinctive new line of products and a new way of doing business. Yet, it is also a name meant to convey a clear link to the Toyota-brand heritage.

"Toyota's formation of genesis in 1999 marked the beginning of a quest to connect with an emerging new buyer group in the marketplace," said Jim Lentz, TMS vice president, Scion. "The Scion brand will act as a compliment to the Toyota-brand banner by targeting an important portion of this consumer group who actively seek out the newest trends in style and innovation."

"Scion will target consumers who are well aware of, and may even covet, Toyota's strong heritage of quality," added Lentz. "But they are also consumers who require unique product concepts that are high in personal expression that can be accessed and purchased on their own terms. Although this group represents only a slice of the net-gen as a whole, its influence is substantial and therefore, extremely important. So important, that we have dedicated an all-new line of products and services that will not only attract them, but will retain them."

The Scion way of doing business will be defined by a philosophy that combines three essentials; style, versatility, and surprise. These three elements will be fundamental, not only to Scion products, but to the Scion purchase process as well.

Scion will be structured as a dealer-within-a-dealer. All Toyota dealers will be offered the opportunity to sell the Scion line. Scion products will be offered in a clearly dedicated environment. It will feature its own dedicated sales staff, but will share on-sight service facilities with the Toyota brand. On-sight inventories will be small. Dealers will draw from a shared inventory pool designed to ensure low-overhead costs while promoting just-in-time delivery on a regional basis.

The Scion dealer environment will be low-key and buyer-friendly. It will feature stylish décor and a polished industrial feel. It will also include highly interactive surroundings aimed at individualizing and personalizing the shopping and purchase process.

With an aim to create the promise and the reality of a truly customer-controlled atmosphere, the Scion dealer environment will allow shoppers to browse, investigate, research, or just discover Scion, entirely at their own pace. Sales people will offer assistance and guidance. However, at Scion, their role will be clearly defined as just one of the many resources available during the shopping and purchase process.

The internet will also be an important tool in this process. The Scion Web Site will be highly interactive, targeted and constantly evolving. It will invite the user to stay and explore, rewarding those who take the time to experiment with surprising discoveries. Equally important, the internet will act as a two-way conduit between buyer and seller. It will be designed as an important listening post, where customer feedback and suggestions will be closely monitored.

As with the dealer environment and the sales process, the Scion product lineup will be kept simple. All vehicles will be offered as single, fully-equipped, mono-spec models.

The Scion product lineup will reflect the style, versatility, and surprise that is the core of its business philosophy. They will be lifestyle products designed to connect on an emotional and practical level with an influential buyer base.

Scion will launch in June 2003 with two vehicles. One vehicle will be an adaptation of the bbX show car now on display at the New York International Auto Show. It is based on a vehicle currently available in Japan called the "Black Box," a vehicle marketed to Japan's youngest buyers as a melding of entertainment-art and basic transportation. The bbX is a multi-purpose concept that combines aggressive styling, expansive people and cargo-hauling capability, and a thoughtful approach to versatility.

Each of the two Scion vehicles that will be available at launch will offer an array of standard equipment including air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, six-speaker Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system, sport seats, and many more comfort and convenience features. Each of these vehicles will carry an MSRP considerably less than $18,000.

Due to limited product volume initially, and the start-up logistics of regional inventory pooling, Scion will launch in California-only for the first eight months. After that, dealerships in the Gulf States, Southeast, Central Atlantic, and Northeast regions will be phased in. Within 12 months of the initial launch, Scion will be available nationwide. This national availability will coincide with availability of a third model. Production volume for the first three products will be approximately 100,000 units, annually.

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03.27.02 : TOYOTA'S SCION WORLD PREMIERE FEATURES CCX CONCEPT VEHICLE AT THE 2002 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The Toyota Concept Coupe Crossover (ccX) was shown today at the debut press conference for Scion, an all new line of vehicles that will be offered by Toyota beginning in June '03. The ccX concept was offered as an example of where the Scion product strategy is headed. It is a multi-purpose vehicle that explores new directions in styling and versatility and reflects Scion's dedication to satisfying the evolving needs of younger consumers.

"The ccX is a glimpse at one direction being explored by the company to address new buyer demands," said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., senior vice president and COO. "Its unique look expresses individuality. And its thoughtful approach to versatility allows the customer to decide how the vehicle fits into their lifestyle."

Designed in Japan, the ccX was built in Italy at Forum Ricerche E Progetti. The Silver exterior features strong sweeping character lines, sharp surface edges, a tall sloping roofline, and rounded front and rear contours that create an aggressive sports coupe appearance.

ccX is equipped with projector-type headlights and fog lamps with LED-type illuminated turn signals located below the headlights and also integrated into the power rear view mirrors. Convenience is addressed with a hand-sensitive door entry system that automatically opens the doors for easy entry.

Inside, bbX offers tremendous headroom and legroom. Large door openings and tall seat-height provide effortless ingress and egress. The show car also boasts sport seats, power windows, locks and mirrors and eye-catching blue metallic trim on the steering wheel, dash area and inside doors.

Techno-savvy consumers will appreciate the high-quality, high-output digital audio/video system by Pioneer. The bbX show car interior was designed and equipped as a rolling sound studio, with 1350 watts of maximum power, an in-dash DVD/CD player, headrest-mounted monitors for rear passengers and a large subwoofer enclosure in the cargo area.

Production versions of the U.S.-spec bbX will arrive at dealerships with a generous level of standard equipment, including air conditioning, power convenience features and a six speaker sound system with a Pioneer AM/FM/CD.

Scion marketers have engaged a wide range of aftermarket manufacturers to supply a large palette of cosmetic, functional and performance accessories. Resources for personalization will be made available to Scion buyers through the Scion Web site and at the dealerships.

A production version of bbX will be one of two Scion vehicles that will be on sale beginning in June 2003.

Contact:
Toyota Product News

bbX Concept Vehicle Specifications

Engine
1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder, 16-Valve, DOHC

Powertrain
Front-Wheel-Drive

Four-Speed Automatic ECT Transmission

Wheels
17" Aluminum Alloy

Tires
215/45-R17 tires

Dimensions (inches)

Overall Length 157.0

Overall Height 63.0

Overall Width 68.0

Wheelbase 98.4

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03.27.02 : TOYOTA'S SCION WORLD PREMIERE FEATURES CCX CONCEPT VEHICLE AT THE 2002 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The Toyota Concept Coupe Crossover (ccX) was shown today at the debut press conference for Scion, an all new line of vehicles that will be offered by Toyota beginning in June '03. The ccX concept was offered as an example of where the Scion product strategy is headed. It is a multi-purpose vehicle that explores new directions in styling and versatility and reflects Scion's dedication to satisfying the evolving needs of younger consumers.

"The ccX is a glimpse at one direction being explored by the company to address new buyer demands," said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., senior vice president and COO. "Its unique look expresses individuality. And its thoughtful approach to versatility allows the customer to decide how the vehicle fits into their lifestyle."

Designed in Japan, the ccX was built in Italy at Forum Ricerche E Progetti. The Silver exterior features strong sweeping character lines, sharp surface edges, a tall sloping roofline, and rounded front and rear contours that create an aggressive sports coupe appearance.

ccX is equipped with projector-type headlights and fog lamps with LED-type illuminated turn signals located below the headlights and also integrated into the power rear view mirrors. Convenience is addressed with a hand-sensitive door entry system that automatically opens the doors for easy entry.

The ccX features two large, power sunroofs, each made up of four glass panels. The roof panels tilt up individually, and then slide fore and aft toward the center of the roofline, creating large openings over the entire passenger compartment and cargo area. In this configuration, the user enjoys convertible-type open air motoring, along with the added capability of carrying bulky objects in back. The vertical glass rear panel is a two-piece unit that can be retracted into the bumper and out of the way for easy access to the rear cargo area.

On the inside, ccX features a waterproof floor made from a combination of metal and rubber materials that includes four water drain plugs to allow for easy cleaning. The ccX accommodates four passengers comfortably with see-through bucket seats made of washable blue neoprene fabric and mesh netting. The front seats include five-point harness belts and sliding storage trays underneath. The rear seatbacks fold forward to provide ample cargo space and feature fold-up metal dividers to protect the front seatbacks from heavy or sharp-edged cargo.

The blue instrument cluster is center-dash mounted for reduced driver fatigue and better visibility. The blue theme carries through to the auxiliary illumination that runs vertically down each side of the center console, bordering a seven-inch multi-display monitor that displays DVD entertainment, navigation and audio systems.

A remote control panel for the monitor and cell phone is conveniently located on the center console and is protected by a sliding acrylic blue cover. Blue LED-type lights are strewn across the front and rear roof lining to enhance the atmosphere of the performance-inspired cabin.

The rear cargo area is equipped with six hidden tie-down hooks for convenient hauling and an electric-powered removable cooler that plugs into a conveniently located 12-volt power source.

A large engine well houses a performance-tuned 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The engine is linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive ccX rides on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 225/45/R18 tires.

"The ccX embodies a multitude of innovative solutions that enable the consumer to determine how the vehicle best suits his or her individual needs," said Press. "It reflects a new approach to future small car development at Toyota."

Contact:
Toyota Product News

Concept Crossover Coupe (ccX) Specifications

Engine
2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder, 16-Valve, DOHC

Powertrain
Front-Wheel-Drive

Four-Speed Automatic ECT Transmission

Brakes
11-inch discs

Wheels
18" Aluminum Alloy

Tires
225/45/R18 tires.

Dimensions (inches)

Overall Length 170.5

Overall Height 56.9

Overall Height (roof open) 61.2

Overall Width 70.5

Wheelbase 102.4

Front Track 60.7

Rear Track 60.0

Curb Weight (lbs) 2,810

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SCION'S EVOLUTION OF THE TRADITIONAL CAR BUYING PROCESS

Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, will sell its first two production models, xA and xB, in approximately 105 California dealership showrooms beginning in June...

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