While it’s still about seven months from introduction in the Midwest, Toyota is showing its new Scion vehicles off and talking about early consumer reaction to the affordable cars.
In June, California dealers began delivering the Scion xA and xB. Scion sales through October toaled 7,690, 2,830 of the xA and 4,860 of the xB.
The newcomer is available in two models. Both will be registered as passenger cars, though they look like the many sport-utility or multipurpose trucks offered by other makers. One huge difference: Fuel economy ratings of up to 38 m.p.h. (xA) on the highway from the 1.5-liter engine. The xA is a rounded five-door, five-passenger vehicle that functions like a tiny station wagon. The xB is larger, intentionally boxy, seats five, has removable rear seats and features enough front-seat head room for the Cat in the Hat and a relatively small pro basketball player.
Farley said there have been surprises coming from customers and intenders. He said Scion anticipated the majority of its sales would be with manual transmissions. The first wave went about 66 percent for automatics. Farley also said Scion figured the lower-priced, sleeker xA would outsell the angular xB. So far, the xB has been the favorite.
A third, sporty Scion model comes out in June, when the make goes on sale in the Midwest. Texas and Florida and some southern coastal states will get the second wave of introductions by February. When all is said and done, Toyota expects 700 of its U.S. dealers will offer Scion products. And when it has been on the market for a full 12 months in 2005, Scion sales are expected to reach 100,000.
Another surprise, Farley said, was consumer interest in a hybrid Scion.
“We’re looking at it very carefully,” he said, though the Scion executive would not commit to when a hybrid might come to market. Scion xA prices are between $12,480 and $13,280, and the larger xB runs $13,280 to $14,480. Anti-lock brakes, air conditioning and power windows are standard equipment. All-wheel- or four-wheel-drive is not available.
Farley said some have flown in to California from Scionless parts of the country to take delivery and drive their vehicles home. One enthusiast came from Germany, he said.
“I have no idea how he’ll be able to register it,” he added.
