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Toyota Motor North America Reports February 2019 Sales Tacoma sales increased 10.2 percent; up for the 16th consecutive month Highlander sales up 8.9 percent; a best-ever February Lexus RXh sales up 52.5 percent; a best-ever February Lexus Luxury SUV sales up 7.0 percent; a best-ever February March 01, 2019 February 2019 Sales Chart PLANO, Texas (March 1, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported February 2019 sales of 172,748 vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent from February 2018 on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted February sales of 152,626 units, down 6.3 percent on a volume and DSR basis. Lexus posted February sales of 20,122 vehicles, up 4.4 percent on a volume and a DSR basis. February 2019 Highlights Corolla sales up 16.0 percent Highlander sales increased 8.9 percent; a best-ever February C-HR sales increased 7.3 percent; a best-ever February Tacoma up 10.2 percent; a best-ever February Land Cruiser sales increased 52.5 percent LX sales up 6.8 percent ES sales increased by 23.8 percent in February RC sales up 50.0 percent NXh sales up 39.8 percent; a best-ever February RXh sales up 52.5 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 112.3 percent Lexus Luxury SUV sales up 7.0 percent; a best-ever February *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume. Toyota_Motor_North_America_Reports_February_2019_Sales_Chart_Final.pdf
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A few days before I got the 2016 Scion iM to do a week-long evaluation, news came out that Toyota would be closing the brand this fall. Most of the lineup, including the iM, would move over to Toyota. It feels somewhat weird to do a review on a brand that is essentially a dead man walking. But with the iM moving to the Corolla family, it would give us an idea of whether or not we recommend it. The Scion iM is a rebadged Toyota Auris that is sold in Europe and Japan. There isn’t a lot of differences between two models aside from new mesh inserts for the front and 17-inch alloy wheels. The overall design is polarizing. The front is long and low, with a narrow grille and bumper that looks like it has fangs. Around back is an interesting shape for the tailgate. Moving inside, the roots of Corolla show up. For example, the iM’s dashboard and certain equipment such as the steering wheel come from the Corolla. Many of the materials are hard plastics, while the door panels have some fabric covering certain parts. Considering the price tag of the iM, this isn’t a big deal. Scion should be given some credit for making the iM’s interior have some style such as a strip of faux leather running along the glove box and contrast stitching on the seats. In terms of comfort, the iM is mixed. On short trips, the front seats provide decent support. Longer trips reveals the lack of thigh support. The back seat is small with limited head and legroom. Cargo space is towards the small side with only 20.8 cubic feet, trailing the Volkswagen Golf (22.8 cubic feet) and Ford Focus hatchback (23.3 cubic feet). Standard on the iM is a seven-inch touchscreen radio. It is your standard Toyota touchscreen system with a simple, if somewhat dated interface. The system is quick to respond when going between the various functions. Navigation is available as an option. Power for the iM comes from the Corolla LE Eco, a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. This can either be paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT like our tester. Power delivery is not impressive as the engine can’t keep up with traffic and produces more sound than speed. Your foot will be near the floor if you want to try and get up to speed at a somewhat decent rate. The CVT seems to mesh with the engine better than the six-speed manual we drove last year. It is smart to know when it needs to increase or decrease engine rpm for various driving situations. In terms of fuel economy, the iM equipped with a CVT is rated at 28 City/37 Highway/32 Combined. We didn’t get close to any of those numbers as we only recorded 25.3 MPG for the week. A lot of this can be attributed to the iM coming during one of the coldest weeks in Detroit where temperatures were between -10’ to 20’ Fahrenheit. Before I would go anywhere, I would start up the vehicle to let it warm up for a few moments. If it was a bit warmer, I wouldn’t be surprised I could get the EPA numbers. One item I couldn’t fully report on during the iM first drive was how it rode. The particular vehicle I drove was fitted with some TRD suspension parts, giving me some different impressions from other folks that drove the standard model Now I can report on the iM’s ride and say it is pretty good. The iM provides a very forgiving ride on rough surfaces. This is partly due to the iM using an independent rear suspension and not the solid-axle setup found in the Corolla. We do wish Scion had put some sound deadening material in the iM as road noise comes in clear. Around corners, the iM doesn’t embarrass itself. There is little body roll and it feels composed. Steering is the weak point as it has rubbery feeling. The one place where Scion iM comes out on top is price. The 2016 iM starts at $19,255 for the manual and $19,995 for the CVT. Our tester with a few accessories came to an as-tested price of $20,334. That includes the touchscreen radio, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, LED taillights, keyless entry, and a backup camera. No other car in the class comes close. At the moment, we wouldn’t recommend the Scion iM. The engine is the big weakness as it can’t keep up with traffic and produces more sound than actual power. We also wished there was a little bit more cargo room. The low price does make it tempting, but a slightly used compact would be a better choice. As Scion drives off into the sunset and the iM heads over to Toyota, the automaker has its work cut out. There is a good car in the iM, but it needs a fair amount of changes. Whether Toyota does them or not remains to be seen. Cheers: Price, Ride Quality, Out There Styling Jeers: Lethargic Engine, Steering, Interior Space Disclaimer: Scion Provided the iM, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iM Trim: N/A Engine: 1.8L DOHC 16-Valve, Valvematic Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @ 6,100 Torque @ RPM: 126 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/32 Curb Weight: 3,031 lbs Location of Manufacture: Base Price: $19,200 As Tested Price: $20,334 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floormats and Cargo Mat - $185.00 Rear Bumper Protector - $89.00 Wheel Locks - $65.00 View full article
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A few days before I got the 2016 Scion iM to do a week-long evaluation, news came out that Toyota would be closing the brand this fall. Most of the lineup, including the iM, would move over to Toyota. It feels somewhat weird to do a review on a brand that is essentially a dead man walking. But with the iM moving to the Corolla family, it would give us an idea of whether or not we recommend it. The Scion iM is a rebadged Toyota Auris that is sold in Europe and Japan. There isn’t a lot of differences between two models aside from new mesh inserts for the front and 17-inch alloy wheels. The overall design is polarizing. The front is long and low, with a narrow grille and bumper that looks like it has fangs. Around back is an interesting shape for the tailgate. Moving inside, the roots of Corolla show up. For example, the iM’s dashboard and certain equipment such as the steering wheel come from the Corolla. Many of the materials are hard plastics, while the door panels have some fabric covering certain parts. Considering the price tag of the iM, this isn’t a big deal. Scion should be given some credit for making the iM’s interior have some style such as a strip of faux leather running along the glove box and contrast stitching on the seats. In terms of comfort, the iM is mixed. On short trips, the front seats provide decent support. Longer trips reveals the lack of thigh support. The back seat is small with limited head and legroom. Cargo space is towards the small side with only 20.8 cubic feet, trailing the Volkswagen Golf (22.8 cubic feet) and Ford Focus hatchback (23.3 cubic feet). Standard on the iM is a seven-inch touchscreen radio. It is your standard Toyota touchscreen system with a simple, if somewhat dated interface. The system is quick to respond when going between the various functions. Navigation is available as an option. Power for the iM comes from the Corolla LE Eco, a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. This can either be paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT like our tester. Power delivery is not impressive as the engine can’t keep up with traffic and produces more sound than speed. Your foot will be near the floor if you want to try and get up to speed at a somewhat decent rate. The CVT seems to mesh with the engine better than the six-speed manual we drove last year. It is smart to know when it needs to increase or decrease engine rpm for various driving situations. In terms of fuel economy, the iM equipped with a CVT is rated at 28 City/37 Highway/32 Combined. We didn’t get close to any of those numbers as we only recorded 25.3 MPG for the week. A lot of this can be attributed to the iM coming during one of the coldest weeks in Detroit where temperatures were between -10’ to 20’ Fahrenheit. Before I would go anywhere, I would start up the vehicle to let it warm up for a few moments. If it was a bit warmer, I wouldn’t be surprised I could get the EPA numbers. One item I couldn’t fully report on during the iM first drive was how it rode. The particular vehicle I drove was fitted with some TRD suspension parts, giving me some different impressions from other folks that drove the standard model Now I can report on the iM’s ride and say it is pretty good. The iM provides a very forgiving ride on rough surfaces. This is partly due to the iM using an independent rear suspension and not the solid-axle setup found in the Corolla. We do wish Scion had put some sound deadening material in the iM as road noise comes in clear. Around corners, the iM doesn’t embarrass itself. There is little body roll and it feels composed. Steering is the weak point as it has rubbery feeling. The one place where Scion iM comes out on top is price. The 2016 iM starts at $19,255 for the manual and $19,995 for the CVT. Our tester with a few accessories came to an as-tested price of $20,334. That includes the touchscreen radio, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, LED taillights, keyless entry, and a backup camera. No other car in the class comes close. At the moment, we wouldn’t recommend the Scion iM. The engine is the big weakness as it can’t keep up with traffic and produces more sound than actual power. We also wished there was a little bit more cargo room. The low price does make it tempting, but a slightly used compact would be a better choice. As Scion drives off into the sunset and the iM heads over to Toyota, the automaker has its work cut out. There is a good car in the iM, but it needs a fair amount of changes. Whether Toyota does them or not remains to be seen. Cheers: Price, Ride Quality, Out There Styling Jeers: Lethargic Engine, Steering, Interior Space Disclaimer: Scion Provided the iM, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iM Trim: N/A Engine: 1.8L DOHC 16-Valve, Valvematic Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @ 6,100 Torque @ RPM: 126 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/32 Curb Weight: 3,031 lbs Location of Manufacture: Base Price: $19,200 As Tested Price: $20,334 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floormats and Cargo Mat - $185.00 Rear Bumper Protector - $89.00 Wheel Locks - $65.00 -
Badge engineering. Mention this term to anyone in the automotive industry and you are sure to get a look of disgust. This comes from past attempts where a number of automakers seemed to rightly mess it up. The classic example is GM’s A-Body vehicles from the eighties where each brand’s version looked very close to one another. This led to the infamous Fortune Magazine cover showing this. But when done correctly, badge engineering can actually do a lot of good. You’re probably wondering how badge engineering can be done correctly. One way is to bring over a model not sold in the country. A recent example is the Scion iA which is a Mazda2 in different clothing. Anyone who knows cars will instantly recognize the iA as a rebadged Mazda. The overall shape lines up perfectly with the larger 3 and 6 sedans. That’s not to say it is a bad thing. Mazda has been on a roll producing some of the sharpest looking vehicles in the industry and this model is no exception. Such details as a flowing character line and sculpting on doors make the iA a standout in a crowded class. Scion has done the requisite changes to transform the 2 into the iA with badge swaps and inserting a new front grille. The grille is the weak point in the iA’s as it doesn’t look quite right. Scion’s designers thought it would be a good idea to squish the tC’s grille and place it on the iA. The end result is polarizing, but not in a good way. The iA’s interior is all Mazda with simple dashboard design with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials. Standard is a 7-inch touchscreen with Mazda’s infotainment system and control pod in the center console. The only real changes that you can pick out are the Scion emblem on the steering wheel and a different color palette for the infotainment system. Getting yourself situated in the iA is quite easy with a small number of manual adjustments for the seat and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. Once adjusted, the seat provides excellent levels of comfort and support. Controls are within easy reach for driver and passenger and feel quite solid. Space in the back seat of the iA is what you expect in subcompact; decent amount of head and legroom for passengers under 5’7”. Trunk space measures out to 13.5 cubic feet, making it slightly better than other subcompact sedans. The infotainment system is somewhat infuriating to use with the touchscreen as it doesn’t seem to act like other touchscreen systems. A perfect example is listening to something on your iPod. You can pause or skip tracks by using the touchscreen. But if you want to pick a different album or artist, you can’t choose it by using the touchscreen. You’re better off using the dial controller in the center console to move around and control the system. Power comes from a 1.5L inline-four with 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque (@ 4,000 rpm). There is the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Our test iA came with the manual. The modest power output of the engine does very well in the city as it gets up to speed at a good rate. The expressway is another story as the 1.5L struggles to get up to speed, even with your foot planted on the floor. The six-speed manual makes the engine slightly more flexible when it comes to making a pass, but you’ll still be pushing the pedal almost to the floor. The manual itself is quite enjoyable. Movement of the shifter is quite smooth and feels precise when it comes to putting it in gear. Fuel economy is rated at 31 City/41 Highway/35 Combined. I got an average of 37 MPG in mixed driving conditions. As it's a Mazda2 in disguise, the Scion iA is no slouch when it comes to driving fun. Around corners, the iA’s suspension feels sorted with barely any body roll and the willingness to change direction quickly. Steering is direct and provides the driver a decent level of road feel. Ride quality is smooth and the iA wasn’t unsettled by any bumps. One item I do wish Mazda and Toyota could work on is noise isolation. There is a good amount of road and wind noise coming into the cabin. One item that sets the Scion iA apart from the competition is a low-speed collision avoidance system that comes standard. A radar system mounted on top of the windshield monitors the road and if it detects an obstruction, it will warn the driver. In certain situations, the system can activate the brakes to prevent or reduce the amount of damage in an accident. The 2016 Scion iA proves that when done correctly, badge engineering does a lot of good. For Mazda who supplies the vehicle, it helps bring in some money so they can keep producing some of best driving vehicles on sale. For Scion (and soon to be Toyota), it gives them a subcompact sedan that is at the top of the class. The iA offers an engaging drive, extensive list of standard features, impressive fuel economy numbers, and good value. Our iA manual came with an as-tested price $16,495 with destination. The only option not on our vehicle was navigation for an additional $419. While the Scion brand will be going away, the iA will be sticking around as a Toyota (creatively named the Toyota Yaris iA). No matter what the badge might say, it will still be regarded as one the best decisions Toyota has ever made. Cheers: Smooth Six-Speed Manual, Fun to Drive, Automatic Braking System Standard Jeers: Small Back Seat, Engine's Performance is Weak Outside the City, Road & Wind Noise Disclaimer: Scion Provided the iA, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iA Trim: N/A Engine: 1.5L DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Manual Horsepower @ RPM: 106 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 103 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 31/41/35 Curb Weight: 2,385 lbs Location of Manufacture: Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico Base Price: $15,700 As Tested Price: $16,495 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: N/A View full article
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Badge engineering. Mention this term to anyone in the automotive industry and you are sure to get a look of disgust. This comes from past attempts where a number of automakers seemed to rightly mess it up. The classic example is GM’s A-Body vehicles from the eighties where each brand’s version looked very close to one another. This led to the infamous Fortune Magazine cover showing this. But when done correctly, badge engineering can actually do a lot of good. You’re probably wondering how badge engineering can be done correctly. One way is to bring over a model not sold in the country. A recent example is the Scion iA which is a Mazda2 in different clothing. Anyone who knows cars will instantly recognize the iA as a rebadged Mazda. The overall shape lines up perfectly with the larger 3 and 6 sedans. That’s not to say it is a bad thing. Mazda has been on a roll producing some of the sharpest looking vehicles in the industry and this model is no exception. Such details as a flowing character line and sculpting on doors make the iA a standout in a crowded class. Scion has done the requisite changes to transform the 2 into the iA with badge swaps and inserting a new front grille. The grille is the weak point in the iA’s as it doesn’t look quite right. Scion’s designers thought it would be a good idea to squish the tC’s grille and place it on the iA. The end result is polarizing, but not in a good way. The iA’s interior is all Mazda with simple dashboard design with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials. Standard is a 7-inch touchscreen with Mazda’s infotainment system and control pod in the center console. The only real changes that you can pick out are the Scion emblem on the steering wheel and a different color palette for the infotainment system. Getting yourself situated in the iA is quite easy with a small number of manual adjustments for the seat and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. Once adjusted, the seat provides excellent levels of comfort and support. Controls are within easy reach for driver and passenger and feel quite solid. Space in the back seat of the iA is what you expect in subcompact; decent amount of head and legroom for passengers under 5’7”. Trunk space measures out to 13.5 cubic feet, making it slightly better than other subcompact sedans. The infotainment system is somewhat infuriating to use with the touchscreen as it doesn’t seem to act like other touchscreen systems. A perfect example is listening to something on your iPod. You can pause or skip tracks by using the touchscreen. But if you want to pick a different album or artist, you can’t choose it by using the touchscreen. You’re better off using the dial controller in the center console to move around and control the system. Power comes from a 1.5L inline-four with 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque (@ 4,000 rpm). There is the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Our test iA came with the manual. The modest power output of the engine does very well in the city as it gets up to speed at a good rate. The expressway is another story as the 1.5L struggles to get up to speed, even with your foot planted on the floor. The six-speed manual makes the engine slightly more flexible when it comes to making a pass, but you’ll still be pushing the pedal almost to the floor. The manual itself is quite enjoyable. Movement of the shifter is quite smooth and feels precise when it comes to putting it in gear. Fuel economy is rated at 31 City/41 Highway/35 Combined. I got an average of 37 MPG in mixed driving conditions. As it's a Mazda2 in disguise, the Scion iA is no slouch when it comes to driving fun. Around corners, the iA’s suspension feels sorted with barely any body roll and the willingness to change direction quickly. Steering is direct and provides the driver a decent level of road feel. Ride quality is smooth and the iA wasn’t unsettled by any bumps. One item I do wish Mazda and Toyota could work on is noise isolation. There is a good amount of road and wind noise coming into the cabin. One item that sets the Scion iA apart from the competition is a low-speed collision avoidance system that comes standard. A radar system mounted on top of the windshield monitors the road and if it detects an obstruction, it will warn the driver. In certain situations, the system can activate the brakes to prevent or reduce the amount of damage in an accident. The 2016 Scion iA proves that when done correctly, badge engineering does a lot of good. For Mazda who supplies the vehicle, it helps bring in some money so they can keep producing some of best driving vehicles on sale. For Scion (and soon to be Toyota), it gives them a subcompact sedan that is at the top of the class. The iA offers an engaging drive, extensive list of standard features, impressive fuel economy numbers, and good value. Our iA manual came with an as-tested price $16,495 with destination. The only option not on our vehicle was navigation for an additional $419. While the Scion brand will be going away, the iA will be sticking around as a Toyota (creatively named the Toyota Yaris iA). No matter what the badge might say, it will still be regarded as one the best decisions Toyota has ever made. Cheers: Smooth Six-Speed Manual, Fun to Drive, Automatic Braking System Standard Jeers: Small Back Seat, Engine's Performance is Weak Outside the City, Road & Wind Noise Disclaimer: Scion Provided the iA, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iA Trim: N/A Engine: 1.5L DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Manual Horsepower @ RPM: 106 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 103 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 31/41/35 Curb Weight: 2,385 lbs Location of Manufacture: Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico Base Price: $15,700 As Tested Price: $16,495 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: N/A -
For something a bit surprising. This morning, Toyota has announced that the Scion brand will be shuttered and the current lineup will transition over to the Toyota brand for the 2017 model year. News of this was first reported by CarBuzzard where a meeting was held yesterday with Scion employees notified of the decision. “This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America and the founding vice president of Scion in a statement. Scion was first introduced back in 2002 as a brand that was very different from Toyota as it was aimed at young buyers. It was fun and offered unique vehicles (the xA and xB at launch). The brand also did things a bit differently with a unique marketing campaign and a no haggle policy. Toyota hoped customers who bought Scions would transition into Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the future. But a number of issues plagued Scion which ultimately led to its downfall, The average age of Scion buyer was around 49 years old, not the young crowd Scion was hoping for (some reports put it at 15 percent of Scion customers were under the age of 35). Scion not updating their lineup at a decent rate and letting models languish Massive sales decline from 175,000 vehicles in 2006 (their best year) to 56,167 vehicles for 2015 But it seemed last year Toyota was going to give the brand so much needed attention with the launch of the iA (Mazda2 sedan) and iM (Toyota Auris). There was also a new subcompact crossover that would be joining the lineup for 2017, the C-HR. But sadly, it was a little too late. The damage was done and Toyota realized there wasn't any way to save the brand. The twenty-two dedicated team members for Scion will be able to transition into positions at Toyota. “Scion has had some amazing products over the years and our current vehicles are packed with premium features at value prices. It’s been a great run and I’m proud that the spirit of Scion will live on through the knowledge and products soon to be available through the Toyota network,” said Andrew Gilleland, Scion vice president. Source: CarBuzzard.com, Motor Trend, Road & Track, Scion Picture: William Maley for Cheers & Gears Press Release is on Page 2 Scion Brand to Transition to Toyota Valuable Insights Will Aid Toyota in Attracting New, Young Customers TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2016 – Scion, established as a separate brand in 2003 as a laboratory to explore new products and processes to attract youth customers, is now transitioning back to the Toyota brand. Scion achieved its goals of developing unique products and processes, and bringing in new, younger customers to Toyota. With more than a million cars sold, 70 percent of Scions were purchased by customers new to Toyota and 50 percent were under 35 years old. “This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network,” said Jim Lentz, founding vice president of Scion and now CEO, Toyota Motor North America. “I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers. I’m very proud because that’s exactly what we have accomplished. “We could not have achieved the success we have had without the incredible support of Scion’s customers, dealers and team members, so supporting them throughout this transition process will be one of our top priorities,” said Lentz. Toyota’s decision was made in response to customers’ needs. Today’s younger buyers still want fun-to-drive vehicles that look good, but they are also more practical. They, like their parents, have come to appreciate the Toyota brand and its traditional attributes of quality, dependability and reliability. At the same time, new Toyota vehicles have evolved to feature the dynamic styling and handling young people desire. Scion has consistently been the youngest brand in the auto industry with an average age of 36 years old. At 29, the tC sports coupe has the lowest-average age buyer in the industry. The most recent additions to the line-up, the iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback, are bringing in new buyers with 70 percent being first-time new car purchasers. Additionally, more than 50 percent of iM and iA buyers are under 35 years old. As part of the brand transition, beginning in August 2016, MY17 Scion vehicles will be rebadged as Toyotas. The FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will become part of the Toyota family. The tC sports coupe will have a final release series edition and end production in August 2016. The C-HR, which recently debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, will be a part of the Toyota line-up. The service and repair process for Scion customers will be unaffected by this change as customers will continue to visit Toyota dealerships’ service departments. “We appreciate our 1,004 Scion dealers and the support they’ve given the brand,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “We believe our dealers have gained valuable insights and have received a strong return on their investment. During this time of transition, we will work closely with them to support this process and help communicate this change to customers.” Scion’s 22 dedicated team members, who represent sales, marketing, distribution, strategy, and product and accessories planning, will have the opportunity to take on new jobs at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. in Torrance. Scion regional representatives will assume different responsibilities in their respective Toyota sales offices. “Scion has had some amazing products over the years and our current vehicles are packed with premium features at value prices,” said Andrew Gilleland, Scion vice president. “It’s been a great run and I’m proud that the spirit of Scion will live on through the knowledge and products soon to be available through the Toyota network.” Scion Accomplishments: Scion Processes - Scion served as a laboratory for products and key sales and marketing processes that have provided valuable lessons for other Toyota brands: Pure Pricing – dealers set a price for a car and customers did not need to negotiate Mono-Spec cars – providing cars with only two options: transmission and color Personalization – offering a large array of accessories to help customers customize their vehicles Pure Process – transparent financing process Pure Process Plus – an online system so much of the car-purchase process could be completed online Scion Service Boost – pre-paid maintenance plan Release Series – dynamic life cycle management through special features and options Grassroots marketing – initial Scion brand was “discovered” by customers through unique events Scion Products -- Scion has had some outstanding products that have made an impact in the industry including the original “box,” the xB and the FR-S affordable sports car. The tC sports coupe has consistently attracted the youngest buyer in the industry. Scion Executives -- Scion served as an important training ground for Toyota vice presidents, many of whom have been promoted to other roles: Jim Lentz -- Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America Mark Templin – Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation, Executive Vice President, Lexus International Jack Hollis – Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing Doug Murtha – Group Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Toyota Motor North America Andrew Gilleland – current Vice President, Scion -
For something a bit surprising. This morning, Toyota has announced that the Scion brand will be shuttered and the current lineup will transition over to the Toyota brand for the 2017 model year. News of this was first reported by CarBuzzard where a meeting was held yesterday with Scion employees notified of the decision. “This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America and the founding vice president of Scion in a statement. Scion was first introduced back in 2002 as a brand that was very different from Toyota as it was aimed at young buyers. It was fun and offered unique vehicles (the xA and xB at launch). The brand also did things a bit differently with a unique marketing campaign and a no haggle policy. Toyota hoped customers who bought Scions would transition into Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the future. But a number of issues plagued Scion which ultimately led to its downfall, The average age of Scion buyer was around 49 years old, not the young crowd Scion was hoping for (some reports put it at 15 percent of Scion customers were under the age of 35). Scion not updating their lineup at a decent rate and letting models languish Massive sales decline from 175,000 vehicles in 2006 (their best year) to 56,167 vehicles for 2015 But it seemed last year Toyota was going to give the brand so much needed attention with the launch of the iA (Mazda2 sedan) and iM (Toyota Auris). There was also a new subcompact crossover that would be joining the lineup for 2017, the C-HR. But sadly, it was a little too late. The damage was done and Toyota realized there wasn't any way to save the brand. The twenty-two dedicated team members for Scion will be able to transition into positions at Toyota. “Scion has had some amazing products over the years and our current vehicles are packed with premium features at value prices. It’s been a great run and I’m proud that the spirit of Scion will live on through the knowledge and products soon to be available through the Toyota network,” said Andrew Gilleland, Scion vice president. Source: CarBuzzard.com, Motor Trend, Road & Track, Scion Picture: William Maley for Cheers & Gears Press Release is on Page 2 Scion Brand to Transition to Toyota Valuable Insights Will Aid Toyota in Attracting New, Young Customers TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2016 – Scion, established as a separate brand in 2003 as a laboratory to explore new products and processes to attract youth customers, is now transitioning back to the Toyota brand. Scion achieved its goals of developing unique products and processes, and bringing in new, younger customers to Toyota. With more than a million cars sold, 70 percent of Scions were purchased by customers new to Toyota and 50 percent were under 35 years old. “This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network,” said Jim Lentz, founding vice president of Scion and now CEO, Toyota Motor North America. “I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers. I’m very proud because that’s exactly what we have accomplished. “We could not have achieved the success we have had without the incredible support of Scion’s customers, dealers and team members, so supporting them throughout this transition process will be one of our top priorities,” said Lentz. Toyota’s decision was made in response to customers’ needs. Today’s younger buyers still want fun-to-drive vehicles that look good, but they are also more practical. They, like their parents, have come to appreciate the Toyota brand and its traditional attributes of quality, dependability and reliability. At the same time, new Toyota vehicles have evolved to feature the dynamic styling and handling young people desire. Scion has consistently been the youngest brand in the auto industry with an average age of 36 years old. At 29, the tC sports coupe has the lowest-average age buyer in the industry. The most recent additions to the line-up, the iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback, are bringing in new buyers with 70 percent being first-time new car purchasers. Additionally, more than 50 percent of iM and iA buyers are under 35 years old. As part of the brand transition, beginning in August 2016, MY17 Scion vehicles will be rebadged as Toyotas. The FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will become part of the Toyota family. The tC sports coupe will have a final release series edition and end production in August 2016. The C-HR, which recently debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, will be a part of the Toyota line-up. The service and repair process for Scion customers will be unaffected by this change as customers will continue to visit Toyota dealerships’ service departments. “We appreciate our 1,004 Scion dealers and the support they’ve given the brand,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “We believe our dealers have gained valuable insights and have received a strong return on their investment. During this time of transition, we will work closely with them to support this process and help communicate this change to customers.” Scion’s 22 dedicated team members, who represent sales, marketing, distribution, strategy, and product and accessories planning, will have the opportunity to take on new jobs at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. in Torrance. Scion regional representatives will assume different responsibilities in their respective Toyota sales offices. “Scion has had some amazing products over the years and our current vehicles are packed with premium features at value prices,” said Andrew Gilleland, Scion vice president. “It’s been a great run and I’m proud that the spirit of Scion will live on through the knowledge and products soon to be available through the Toyota network.” Scion Accomplishments: Scion Processes - Scion served as a laboratory for products and key sales and marketing processes that have provided valuable lessons for other Toyota brands: Pure Pricing – dealers set a price for a car and customers did not need to negotiate Mono-Spec cars – providing cars with only two options: transmission and color Personalization – offering a large array of accessories to help customers customize their vehicles Pure Process – transparent financing process Pure Process Plus – an online system so much of the car-purchase process could be completed online Scion Service Boost – pre-paid maintenance plan Release Series – dynamic life cycle management through special features and options Grassroots marketing – initial Scion brand was “discovered” by customers through unique events Scion Products -- Scion has had some outstanding products that have made an impact in the industry including the original “box,” the xB and the FR-S affordable sports car. The tC sports coupe has consistently attracted the youngest buyer in the industry. Scion Executives -- Scion served as an important training ground for Toyota vice presidents, many of whom have been promoted to other roles: Jim Lentz -- Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America Mark Templin – Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation, Executive Vice President, Lexus International Jack Hollis – Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing Doug Murtha – Group Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Toyota Motor North America Andrew Gilleland – current Vice President, Scion View full article
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Toyota Motor Sales Posts January 2016 Results RAV4 continues surge, marks best January TMS light trucks set new January record Lexus LX, RX, and NX see strong gains TORRANCE, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2016) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today reported January 2016 sales. With two fewer selling days in January of 2016, sales were up 3.3 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Total sales volume for January was 161,283 units, a decrease of 4.7 percent from January 2015 on a volume basis. Toyota division January 2016 sales were up 4.1 percent on a DSR basis with sales of 140,350 units, down 3.9 percent in volume. “The industry is off to a healthy start in 2016,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota division. “For Toyota Division, RAV4 led the way with a record January and pick-up truck sales continued to rise, setting a new January Toyota division light truck record.” Lexus reported January 2016 sales of 20,933 units, a decrease of 9.5 percent on a volume basis. “The appetite for crossovers and SUVs in the luxury market has continued to drive customers to Lexus,” commented Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “In January, our new vehicle sales were propelled by the all-new RX crossover and the NX, which continue to exceed sales forecasts.” January 2016 Highlights: Combined TMS light truck sales of 84,841, up 4.4 percent RAV4 posts best-ever January with sales of 21,554 units; up 8.7 percent Highlander reports best January sales since 2008 of 11,258 vehicles 4Runner and Sienna up 7.9 and 23 percent respectively Tacoma is up 11.5 percent Camry sales up year-over-year NX up 11.4 percent RX up 5.9 percent at 6,956 units LX up 99.7 percent
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Toyota Motor Sales Results Up 10.8 Percent in December; 5.3 Percent for 2015 Toyota and Lexus post best-ever December sales TMS light trucks set new December record Toyota Division No. 1 retail brand in 2015 TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2016) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported December 2015 sales of 238,350, an increase of 10.8 percent from December 2014 on a volume basis. With two additional selling days in December of 2015, sales were up 2.9 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. For the year TMS reported sales of 2,499,313 units, a 5.3 percent increase. Toyota Division posted record December 2015 sales of 196,970 units, up 12.4 percent. For the year, Toyota Division sales of 2,154,712 were up 4.5 percent. “2015 was a standout year for the auto industry,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota division. “Best-ever light truck sales helped the Toyota division earn the retail sales crown for the fourth consecutive year.” Lexus reported all-time, any-month record sales in December of 41,380 units, a 3.8 percent increase. For the year, Lexus sales of 344,601 units were up 10.7 percent. “December closed out an all-time, best-ever year with sales we couldn’t have predicted,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager for the Lexus division. “Lexus’ SUV sales momentum and the strength of our product lineup has us well positioned for 2016.” “Next week in Detroit, we will debut a Lexus vehicle that opens a new chapter for an even brighter future,” Bracken added. December 2015 Highlights: Toyota and Lexus post best-ever sales December sales Combined TMS light truck sales set December record RAV4 posts best-ever December with sales of 31,866 units; up 38.6 percent Highlander reports best-ever December with sales of 16,100 units NX up 76.7 percent; 5,134 units sold LX up nearly 80 percent GS posts sales of 3,423 units Lexus Certified Used Vehicles reports best-ever month 2015 CY Highlights Best-ever year for Corolla, with sales of 363,332 units Best-ever year for RAV4 and Highlander, up 17.8 and 8.8 respectfully 4Runner sales up 26.2 percent Tacoma sales up 15.8, with sales of nearly 180,000 units Camry best-selling passenger car in America for 14th straight year Lexus luxury utility vehicles sales up 26.5 percent GX up 11.1 percent *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume
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Toyota Posts 12.4 Percent Increase in November 2015 Toyota Division light trucks post best-ever November RAV4 has best-ever November sales month Scion posts double-digit gains TORRANCE, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported November 2015 sales up 12.4 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis, with sales of 189,517 units. On a raw volume basis, with two less selling days in November 2015 than in November 2014, sales were up 3.4 percent. Toyota Division posted November 2015 sales up 11.7 percent on a DSR basis with sales of 160,177 units, up 2.8 percent on a volume basis. "The auto industry is on-track to exceed 2015 expectations," said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota Division. "With the best Black Friday weekend in eight years, Toyota’s record sales of RAV4 and Light Trucks overall contributed to double-digit growth in November." Lexus reported November 2015 sales up 16.1 percent on a DSR basis with sales of 29,340 units, up 6.8 percent on a volume basis. “Lexus had its best November sales in the brand’s history with record performances in sales, parts, service, customer care and vehicle quality,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Considering the industry momentum and the strong early sales pace of the 2016 RX, Lexus is well positioned to post its best-ever calendar year sales.” November 2015 Highlights: Camry posted sales of 30,945 units, up 7.3 percent All-new Scion iA and iM posted combined sales of 2,876 units Total Toyota Division light trucks up 5.5 percent; a best-ever November Highlander posted sales of 12,741 units 4Runner up 5.6 percent RAV4 up almost 30 percent; a best-ever November Tacoma posted sales of 13,465 units, up 3.4 percent RC up 45.7 percent Lexus luxury utility vehicles up over 37 percent NX posted sales of 3,284 units *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume
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AutoGuide recently found patent filing in Japan for a possible hardcore version of the Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GT86. The filing features renderings of a coupe with a new front end, large rear wing, and a new set of wheels. This looks similar to the Subaru STI Performance Concept shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. Now the filing has Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries - Subaru's parent company - listed as the creators. Not surprising since both have been working together on this coupe. One of the big questions lingering over this filing aside from when we could actual see this, is how much performance could this coupe have. The STI Performance Concept boasted around 300 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0L boxer-four. Source: AutoGuide View full article -
AutoGuide recently found patent filing in Japan for a possible hardcore version of the Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GT86. The filing features renderings of a coupe with a new front end, large rear wing, and a new set of wheels. This looks similar to the Subaru STI Performance Concept shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. Now the filing has Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries - Subaru's parent company - listed as the creators. Not surprising since both have been working together on this coupe. One of the big questions lingering over this filing aside from when we could actual see this, is how much performance could this coupe have. The STI Performance Concept boasted around 300 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0L boxer-four. Source: AutoGuide -
Toyota Exceeds Expectations by Topping 200,000 Sales in October Toyota and Lexus post best-ever October sales Highlander and RAV4 have best-ever October sales month Scion posts double-digit gains TORRANCE, Calif. (November 3, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported October 2015 sales of 204,045 units, an increase of 13 percent on a volume basis. With one more selling day in October 2015 than in October 2014, sales were up 9.0 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota Division posted October 2015 sales of 177,609 units, up 13 percent on a volume and 8.9 percent on a DSR basis. “October was a huge month for the industry, smashing expectations and continuing its hot streak,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota Division. “Toyota Division posted best-ever sales for the month led by October record-breaking sales of Highlander and RAV4.” Lexus reported October 2015 sales of 26,436 units, up 13.2 percent from October 2014 on a volume basis and 9.1 percent on a DSR basis. “We continue to see strong sales for our luxury utility vehicles as evident by a solid month posted by NX and GX. The LS flagship luxury sedan and RC F coupe also posted gains that helped propel us to a best-ever October,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We are most excited about the arrival of the all-new RX as it hits showrooms today. We expect this new model to continue energizing the brand as we close the year.” October 2015 Highlights: Corolla posted sales of 27,951 units, up 12 percent Camry October up nearly 5 percent Prius up 12.5 percent Mirai went on sale in October; posted sales of 34 units Scion iA and iM posted combined sales of 3,385 units Total TMS light trucks posted sales of 101,907 units, up almost 19 percent Highlander up 10 percent, a best-ever October 4Runner up over 36 percent RAV4 up 31.3 percent, a best-ever October Sequoia posted sales of 1,303 units, up 43 percent Tacoma up more than 17 percent All-new RC posted sales of 1,333 units Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 33.9 percent NX posted sales of 3,399 units GX up nearly 15 percent *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume
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Toyota Division Remains Retail Sales Leader in Third Quarter Highlander posts best-ever sales Scion iM and iA post combined sales of 3,388 units Lexus LUV up 36.4 percent TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported September 2015 sales of 194,370 units, an increase of 16.2 percent from September 2014 on a volume basis. With one more selling day in September 2015 than in September 2014, sales were up 11.5 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota Division posted September 2015 sales of 169,076 units, up 16.3 percent on a volume and 11.6 percent on a DSR basis. "Auto industry sales continue to accelerate at a strong pace,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Toyota Division sales were up over 16 percent in September, led by best-ever sales of RAV4 and Highlander.” Lexus reported September 2015 sales of 25,294 units, up 15.8 percent from September 2014 on a volume basis and 11.1 percent on a DSR basis. “Lexus’ robust sales performance continues to be driven by our luxury utility vehicles. The outgoing RX maintained its segment dominance while the GX enjoyed another solid month,” said Jeff Bracken group vice president and general manager of the Lexus division. “With this momentum and the arrival of new models like the 2016 RX, RC200t, IS200t and GS200t, Lexus is well positioned to finish the fourth quarter strong.” September 2015 Highlights: TCUV sales post best-ever third quarter Total Toyota passenger car up 19 percent Corolla up 29.7 percent with sales of 26,636 units Camry up 21 percent for the month Prius up 12.4 percent Scion iM and iA post combined sales of 3,388 units Total TMS light trucks up 13.2 percent Highlander up almost 18 percent; posts best-ever sales 4Runner up 31.5 percent RAV4 up almost 19 percent Sequoia up over 36 percent Tacoma and Tundra post combined sales of 19,637 units Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 36.4 percent All-new NX posts sales of 3,113 units All-new RC posts sales of 1,159 units GX up 2.6 percent; posts sales of 1,611 units RX up 4.1 percent *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume
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Last week, we introduced to the Scion iA. This model is part of a two-prong attack for Scion to get themselves out of the dark hole they currently find themselves in. The second prong to this attack is the Scion iM. Like the Scion iA, Scion turned to another maker - in this case Toyota - to see about using a current model to help revitalize their lineup. What they got was the European-market Toyota Auris hatchback as a replacement for the boxy xB. We came away impressed with the iA, will the iM be the same? The only real difference between the Auris sold around the world and the iM that will be sold in the states is the change from Toyota to Scion badging. Otherwise, the iM is one of the best-looking vehicles that Scion, let alone Toyota has brought out in a while. Such details as a narrow grille, 17-inch wheels with a black outline, and distinctive side sculpting give the iM a sleek look in a class that tends to play it safe. Moving inside, the iM isn’t going to set the world on fire in terms of looks. The dashboard is a simple design with a mix of hard and soft touch materials. Scion did a couple of things to the interior to make it look somewhat premium. Along the bottom edge of the dashboard on the passenger side and center stack, there is a piece of soft-touch plastic with stitching. Also, the center stack is finished with piano black plastic. Interior space is average for the class with the iM offering 90.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space. What that means is that you and a few your friends will be comfortable no matter where they sit and be able to carry all of their stuff. You’ll also be able to expand that space with a set of 60/40 split folding seats. Standard equipment is quite generous on the iM with automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors, 4.2-inch TFT screen in the instrument cluster, six-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen is easy to use thanks to a simple interface and clear graphics, but Toyota’s infotainment system could use an update to make it slightly modern. Power comes from the Corolla Eco’s 1.8L four-cylinder 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of either a six-speed manual or a CVT. For fuel economy, the iM is rated at 27 City/36 Highway/31 Combined for the manual, and 28 City/37 Highway/32 Combined for the CVT. The 1.8L has to be worked to get to its power zone. Now this would be great if the engine wanting to be worked with a nice engine note. This isn't happening in the iM as the engine sounds very unpleasant, telling you that you don't want to push the engine at all. Not helping matters is the standard six-speed manual transmission which has long throws and doesn’t feel precise when you put it into gear. Some people we talked to after the event said the CVT was the better as it seems more in tune with the engine’s behavior. We should state here that the particular iM we drove was equipped with some TRD parts - lowering springs and strut bar. This means we have some different ride impressions of this iM than other iMs available at the event. We’ll have some thoughts on the ride of the standard iM when we get one in for review in the future. On some back roads, the iM felt planted and showed little sign of body roll. However, the iM’s steering felt rubbery and didn’t have much feel. But for most owners, this isn’t such a big deal. In city and highway driving, the iM did a mostly decent job of dealing with bumps and imperfections. Some bumps did make it into the cabin, mostly due to the TRD suspension components fitted on our iM. Road and wind noise were about average for the class. The iM follows Scion’s ‘Mono spec’ mantra. That means every iA will come equipped with automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and a number of other features. The only real choices for a buyer are color, transmission, and if they want to spring for navigation. Pricing for the Scion iM starts at $19,255 for the manual, and $19,995 for the CVT. The prices put the iM in a good spot as many competitors such as the Mazda and Ford Focus are a bit more to match the iM in terms of features. After spending some time with the iM, we came away somewhat mixed. While Scion has done a lot in terms of filling the iM with a lot a value, the powertrain doesn’t seem quite in tune with the vehicle. Now a lot this comes down to the manual transmission which isn’t a good fit. Pair this with the TRD parts which tended to make the ride a little bit worse, and it has left us confused about our feelings. We’ll admit that Scion is on the right track with iM with trying to reach a more mainstream audience, but we need some more drive time with it before we say whether or not it's a good fit for Scion. Disclaimer: Scion Invited Cheers & Gears to a Two-Day Driving Event In Grand Rapids Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iM Trim: N/A Engine: 1.8L DOHC, VALVEMATIC, 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive; Six-Speed Manual, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @ 6100 Torque @ RPM: 126 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/36/31 (Manual), 28/37/32 (Automatic) Curb Weight: 2,943 lbs (Manual), 3,031 lbs (Automatic) Prices: $19,255 (Manual), $19,995 (Automatic) - Prices includes a $795 Destination Charge On Sale: September 1st -
Last week, we introduced to the Scion iA. This model is part of a two-prong attack for Scion to get themselves out of the dark hole they currently find themselves in. The second prong to this attack is the Scion iM. Like the Scion iA, Scion turned to another maker - in this case Toyota - to see about using a current model to help revitalize their lineup. What they got was the European-market Toyota Auris hatchback as a replacement for the boxy xB. We came away impressed with the iA, will the iM be the same? The only real difference between the Auris sold around the world and the iM that will be sold in the states is the change from Toyota to Scion badging. Otherwise, the iM is one of the best-looking vehicles that Scion, let alone Toyota has brought out in a while. Such details as a narrow grille, 17-inch wheels with a black outline, and distinctive side sculpting give the iM a sleek look in a class that tends to play it safe. Moving inside, the iM isn’t going to set the world on fire in terms of looks. The dashboard is a simple design with a mix of hard and soft touch materials. Scion did a couple of things to the interior to make it look somewhat premium. Along the bottom edge of the dashboard on the passenger side and center stack, there is a piece of soft-touch plastic with stitching. Also, the center stack is finished with piano black plastic. Interior space is average for the class with the iM offering 90.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space. What that means is that you and a few your friends will be comfortable no matter where they sit and be able to carry all of their stuff. You’ll also be able to expand that space with a set of 60/40 split folding seats. Standard equipment is quite generous on the iM with automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors, 4.2-inch TFT screen in the instrument cluster, six-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen is easy to use thanks to a simple interface and clear graphics, but Toyota’s infotainment system could use an update to make it slightly modern. Power comes from the Corolla Eco’s 1.8L four-cylinder 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of either a six-speed manual or a CVT. For fuel economy, the iM is rated at 27 City/36 Highway/31 Combined for the manual, and 28 City/37 Highway/32 Combined for the CVT. The 1.8L has to be worked to get to its power zone. Now this would be great if the engine wanting to be worked with a nice engine note. This isn't happening in the iM as the engine sounds very unpleasant, telling you that you don't want to push the engine at all. Not helping matters is the standard six-speed manual transmission which has long throws and doesn’t feel precise when you put it into gear. Some people we talked to after the event said the CVT was the better as it seems more in tune with the engine’s behavior. We should state here that the particular iM we drove was equipped with some TRD parts - lowering springs and strut bar. This means we have some different ride impressions of this iM than other iMs available at the event. We’ll have some thoughts on the ride of the standard iM when we get one in for review in the future. On some back roads, the iM felt planted and showed little sign of body roll. However, the iM’s steering felt rubbery and didn’t have much feel. But for most owners, this isn’t such a big deal. In city and highway driving, the iM did a mostly decent job of dealing with bumps and imperfections. Some bumps did make it into the cabin, mostly due to the TRD suspension components fitted on our iM. Road and wind noise were about average for the class. The iM follows Scion’s ‘Mono spec’ mantra. That means every iA will come equipped with automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and a number of other features. The only real choices for a buyer are color, transmission, and if they want to spring for navigation. Pricing for the Scion iM starts at $19,255 for the manual, and $19,995 for the CVT. The prices put the iM in a good spot as many competitors such as the Mazda and Ford Focus are a bit more to match the iM in terms of features. After spending some time with the iM, we came away somewhat mixed. While Scion has done a lot in terms of filling the iM with a lot a value, the powertrain doesn’t seem quite in tune with the vehicle. Now a lot this comes down to the manual transmission which isn’t a good fit. Pair this with the TRD parts which tended to make the ride a little bit worse, and it has left us confused about our feelings. We’ll admit that Scion is on the right track with iM with trying to reach a more mainstream audience, but we need some more drive time with it before we say whether or not it's a good fit for Scion. Disclaimer: Scion Invited Cheers & Gears to a Two-Day Driving Event In Grand Rapids Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iM Trim: N/A Engine: 1.8L DOHC, VALVEMATIC, 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive; Six-Speed Manual, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @ 6100 Torque @ RPM: 126 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/36/31 (Manual), 28/37/32 (Automatic) Curb Weight: 2,943 lbs (Manual), 3,031 lbs (Automatic) Prices: $19,255 (Manual), $19,995 (Automatic) - Prices includes a $795 Destination Charge On Sale: September 1st View full article
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It seems not a day goes by without someone saying that 'crossovers are the hot thing'. Yes, we are part of this group. Just consider the automakers who are currently selling a subcompact; Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Juke. There is one automaker missing from this list, Toyota. However, the Japanese automaker could be joining in the near future. A spy photographer caught a fully camouflaged Toyota subcompact crossover testing in the deserts of the American southwest. The overall shape seems to inspired from the C-HR concept shown at the Paris Motor show last year. Comparing the two, we can see some similarities such as a long hood and sloping roofline. The subcompact crossover will use a new modular platform and come with a turbocharged four-cylinder with a CVT. No word if a manual transmission will be on offer. One item still up in the air is whether or not this subcompact crossover will be sold as a Toyota or Scion in the U.S. Some believe it could be destined for Scion as some of the photos show a xB following the test mule. Another item that is not known at this time, when we will see the subcompact in production form. Source: Autoblog -
Scion appears to be growing up. The brand which launched in 2003 with non-mainstream vehicles, a unique buying process, and a marketing campaign aimed at young buyers was a breath of fresh air. But the industry collapse back in 2008 and an aging lineup has seen Scion lose their key audience and drift into obscurity. So what does a brand aimed at young people that is treading water do? For Scion, it was time to get creative and work somewhat outside the box. Thus at New York, Scion introduced the iA and iM. What makes both of these vehicles different is they are actually rebadged version of other models. The iA is the sedan version of the new Mazda2, while the iM is the European Toyota Auris. So how do both of these new models stack up? First up is the 2016 Scion iA. For the most part, the iA is quite the sleek looking vehicle with sharp lines and a distinctive profile. This is due to the Scion iA being a slightly restyled Mazda2, which itself is quite the good looking subcompact. The one part where Scion had responsibility in the design was creating a unique front fascia. It looks like Scion squished the tC's front clip into the space for the front fascia. Many journalists who saw the iA thought it was ugly. But Scion explained they wanted something that was polarizing to stand out in a somewhat crowded class. They got that with the Scion iA for better or worse. Inside, the Scion iA is pure Mazda. This means we’re treated to a simple dashboard design with a fine mix of hard plastics, paired with soft-touch materials and stitching on the dashboard.. Also, the iA gets Mazda’s latest seven-inch infotainment system with a screen on top of the dash and set of controls on the center console. This system is easy to use and simple to navigate around. In terms of seating, the front passengers get a set of supportive bucket seats. The back seat is standard for the class with enough head and legroom for most passengers. However, you should tell your passengers to put the seat rests up Otherwise, they’ll be wondering why the backseat is trying to eat their back. Power comes from a 1.5L four-cylinder with 106 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of either six-speed manual or automatic. In terms of fuel economy, the iA is rated by the EPA at 31 City/41 Highway/35 Combined for the manual, and 33 City/42 Highway/37 Combined for the automatic. For the suspension, the iA employs a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam axle in the rear. As for braking, the iA uses disc brakes around. On to the drive! The Scion iA seems perfectly suited for the city as the 1.5L engine is more than capable of getting up speed at a decent rate. On the expressway and country roads, the engine struggles to get up to speed. This is somewhat surprising when you take into account the iA's curb weight of 2,416 pounds for the automatic. At least the six-speed automatic is smooth and quick. But the iA begins to redeem itself when it comes to ride and handling. Ride quality was very composed and was rarely unsettled by any potholes or bumps. Handling reveals a bit of Mazda influence with iA feeling planted when pushed. The steering has a good feel and weight when you are hustling around. Like other Scions, the iA will be offered in what the brand calls ‘Mono spec’ - which means there is one configuration that boasts a lot of standard equipment including air conditioning, Bluetooth, the seven-inch infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a low-speed pre-collision system. The only things a buyer needs to pick is whether to go with the manual or automatic transmission, color, and whether or not to go for the optional navigation system. Pricing starts at $16,495 for the manual, and $17,595 for the automatic (prices include a $795 destination charge). Scion appears to be going in gracefully with maturing if the 2016 iA is any indication. Teaming up with Mazda to build this subcompact sedan proved to be right call since a lot this vehicle just works and drives pretty well. If you can get over the front end, then the Scion iA is worth a look. Disclaimer: Scion Invited Cheers & Gears to a Two-Day Driving Event In Grand Rapids Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iA Trim: N/A Engine: 1.5L DOHC, Direct-Injected, 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive; Six-Speed Manual, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 106 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 103 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 31/41/35 (Manual), 33/42/37 (Automatic) Curb Weight: 2,385 lbs (Manual), 2,416 lbs (Automatic) Prices: $16,495 (Manual), $17,595 (Automatic) - Prices includes a $795 Destination Charge On Sale: September 1st View full article
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Scion appears to be growing up. The brand which launched in 2003 with non-mainstream vehicles, a unique buying process, and a marketing campaign aimed at young buyers was a breath of fresh air. But the industry collapse back in 2008 and an aging lineup has seen Scion lose their key audience and drift into obscurity. So what does a brand aimed at young people that is treading water do? For Scion, it was time to get creative and work somewhat outside the box. Thus at New York, Scion introduced the iA and iM. What makes both of these vehicles different is they are actually rebadged version of other models. The iA is the sedan version of the new Mazda2, while the iM is the European Toyota Auris. So how do both of these new models stack up? First up is the 2016 Scion iA. For the most part, the iA is quite the sleek looking vehicle with sharp lines and a distinctive profile. This is due to the Scion iA being a slightly restyled Mazda2, which itself is quite the good looking subcompact. The one part where Scion had responsibility in the design was creating a unique front fascia. It looks like Scion squished the tC's front clip into the space for the front fascia. Many journalists who saw the iA thought it was ugly. But Scion explained they wanted something that was polarizing to stand out in a somewhat crowded class. They got that with the Scion iA for better or worse. Inside, the Scion iA is pure Mazda. This means we’re treated to a simple dashboard design with a fine mix of hard plastics, paired with soft-touch materials and stitching on the dashboard.. Also, the iA gets Mazda’s latest seven-inch infotainment system with a screen on top of the dash and set of controls on the center console. This system is easy to use and simple to navigate around. In terms of seating, the front passengers get a set of supportive bucket seats. The back seat is standard for the class with enough head and legroom for most passengers. However, you should tell your passengers to put the seat rests up Otherwise, they’ll be wondering why the backseat is trying to eat their back. Power comes from a 1.5L four-cylinder with 106 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of either six-speed manual or automatic. In terms of fuel economy, the iA is rated by the EPA at 31 City/41 Highway/35 Combined for the manual, and 33 City/42 Highway/37 Combined for the automatic. For the suspension, the iA employs a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam axle in the rear. As for braking, the iA uses disc brakes around. On to the drive! The Scion iA seems perfectly suited for the city as the 1.5L engine is more than capable of getting up speed at a decent rate. On the expressway and country roads, the engine struggles to get up to speed. This is somewhat surprising when you take into account the iA's curb weight of 2,416 pounds for the automatic. At least the six-speed automatic is smooth and quick. But the iA begins to redeem itself when it comes to ride and handling. Ride quality was very composed and was rarely unsettled by any potholes or bumps. Handling reveals a bit of Mazda influence with iA feeling planted when pushed. The steering has a good feel and weight when you are hustling around. Like other Scions, the iA will be offered in what the brand calls ‘Mono spec’ - which means there is one configuration that boasts a lot of standard equipment including air conditioning, Bluetooth, the seven-inch infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a low-speed pre-collision system. The only things a buyer needs to pick is whether to go with the manual or automatic transmission, color, and whether or not to go for the optional navigation system. Pricing starts at $16,495 for the manual, and $17,595 for the automatic (prices include a $795 destination charge). Scion appears to be going in gracefully with maturing if the 2016 iA is any indication. Teaming up with Mazda to build this subcompact sedan proved to be right call since a lot this vehicle just works and drives pretty well. If you can get over the front end, then the Scion iA is worth a look. Disclaimer: Scion Invited Cheers & Gears to a Two-Day Driving Event In Grand Rapids Year: 2016 Make: Scion Model: iA Trim: N/A Engine: 1.5L DOHC, Direct-Injected, 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive; Six-Speed Manual, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 106 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 103 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 31/41/35 (Manual), 33/42/37 (Automatic) Curb Weight: 2,385 lbs (Manual), 2,416 lbs (Automatic) Prices: $16,495 (Manual), $17,595 (Automatic) - Prices includes a $795 Destination Charge On Sale: September 1st -
Toyota Reports More Than 200,000 in Sales for Fifth Consecutive Month Toyota Division is No. 1 retail brand in July TMS light trucks set July sales record Camry No. 1 selling car in America TORRANCE, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported July 2015 sales of 217,181 units, an increase of 0.6 percent from July 2014 on a volume basis. With the same amount of selling days in July 2015 as in July 2014, sales were up 0.6 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota Division posted July 2015 sales of 187,365 units, down 0.6 percent on a volume and DSR basis. "July auto sales showed no signs of slow down for the industry," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Led by Tacoma sales, the Toyota division light trucks posted a best-ever July." Lexus reported July sales of 29,816 units, up 9.1 percent from July 2014 on a volume basis and DSR basis. “We continue to see strong demand for luxury utility vehicles. In fact, this past July marked the GX model’s best July sales since 2005,” said Jeff Bracken Lexus group vice president and general manager. “On the heels of strong sales of NX, and with a new LX and RX models arriving to showrooms in the coming months, we are very excited about the future of our lineup of luxury utility vehicles.” July 2015 Highlights: Camry was best-selling car in July; posted sales of 38,435 units Corolla posted sales of 30,249 units Total TMS light trucks up 8.6 percent, a July record Highlander up more than 12 percent 4Runner up almost 26 percent RAV4 posted sales of 26,709 units Combined Tacoma and Tundra pickup sales up almost 17 percent Lexus luxury utility vehicles up nearly 28 percent All-new NX posted sales of 4,337 units GX up about 20 percent with sales of 2,337 units, best July since 2005
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Scion has announced pricing information for their upcoming iA subcompact sedan and iM compact hatchback that will be hitting dealers later this summer. First up is the iA which begins at $16,495 for the six-speed manual and $17,495 for the six-speed automatic. Prices include a $795 destination charge. Underneath the Scion badges is the Mazda2 sedan which packs a 1.5L four-cylinder producing 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. Need a bit more space? Then you want to look at the iM which is a rebadged version of the Toyota Auris sold in Europe. Pricing starts at $19,255 for the six-speed manual or $19,995 for the CVT. Power will come from a 1.8L four-cylinder with 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. Source: Scion Press Release is on Page 2 Two Scion Models Gearing to Go: All-New 2016 Scion iM and Scion iA Priced to Please SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 29, 2015 – The next great adventure is well within reach. The all-new 2016 Scion iM hatchback and 2016 Scion iA sedan both deliver versatility and premium features that will fuel drivers’ fun, with outstanding prices to fit their finances too. Both vehicles race into showrooms Sept. 1, 2015. With an MSRP of $18,460 for the manual transmission and $19,200 for the CVTi-S model, the Scion iM is a fun-to-drive hatchback with the space and technology necessary for impromptu escapes from the daily grind. Its sporty sibling, the Scion iA, is Scion’s first sedan and well-priced at $15,700 for the 6-speed manual transmission and $16,800 for the 6-speed automatic. A $795 delivery, processing and handling fee is not included in the MSRP. With Scion’s no hassle, no haggle Pure Price, the same price posted in the dealership is the price customers pay. Scion iM: Space and Spunk for Drivers on the Go The iM draws some style inspiration from Scion’s FR-S sports car with the hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and side bezels. But this hatchback makes its own unmistakable statement with its dynamic profile, piano black grille treatment, sporty body aero kit and LED daytime running lights. Buyers can turn up visual impact with available colors: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Spring Green Metallic and Electric Storm Blue. The 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine uses Valvematic continuously variable valve timing technology to offer a broad torque curve, so the iM feels responsive in all situations. The chassis, with double-wishbone rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, is ready to smooth out bumps and curves. The standard 6-speed stick shift promises an engaging driving experience, while the optional automatic features an intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission with both a Sport Mode and manual shifting capability. Both transmission options hit a sweet spot of performance and efficiency, with an EPA rating of 28 city/37 highway/ 32 combined for the CVTi-S and 27 city/36 highway/31 combined for the manual transmission. A premium feel at a value comes from the iM’s lengthy list of standard amenities: 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit with standard HD Radio and Aha™ Rear-view backup camera Real leather-wrapped steering wheel Scion’s first 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display Dual-zone automatic A/C control Color-keyed heated power-folding exterior mirrors Hill Start Assist Scion iA: Athletic and Agile Choice for the Road Ahead Scion’s first sedan enters the world with some serious style. The iA cuts a striking profile with daring curves, hexagon lower grille and sophisticated touches, including a piano black bumper treatment, chrome grille surround and chrome tailpipe. The spacious trunk gives it a distinctive look in the segment. The color choices deliver a range of vibrant intensity: Stealth black, Abyss, Graphite, Pulse, Sapphire, Sterling and Frost. Don’t be fooled by its size, the iA is big in both spirit and technology. The basic ingredients: a high-strength body structure, quick-revving, high-compression 1.5-liter engine with 106 horsepower; choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions; and standard 16-inch alloy wheels. The Scion iA zips as it sips with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 33 city/42 highway/37 combined MPG for the automatic version 31 city/ 41 highway/ 35 combined for the manual. A Sport Mode feature is available with the flip of a switch. The Scion iA re-defines “entry-level” at every turn. The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are tuned for a just-right balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride. Steering and brake system tuning, in particular, received attention befitting of a sports sedan. The Scion iA uses a rigid steering mount, which provides a direct yet light feel also unexpected in low-priced, high-MPG rated models. Scion’s famous mono-spec strategy brings together standard features to impress: Keyless entry with push-button start Low-speed Pre-collision system Rear-view backup camera 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with voice recognition Tilt and telescopic steering wheel Power exterior mirrors Versatile 60/40 split rear seat back View full article
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Scion has announced pricing information for their upcoming iA subcompact sedan and iM compact hatchback that will be hitting dealers later this summer. First up is the iA which begins at $16,495 for the six-speed manual and $17,495 for the six-speed automatic. Prices include a $795 destination charge. Underneath the Scion badges is the Mazda2 sedan which packs a 1.5L four-cylinder producing 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. Need a bit more space? Then you want to look at the iM which is a rebadged version of the Toyota Auris sold in Europe. Pricing starts at $19,255 for the six-speed manual or $19,995 for the CVT. Power will come from a 1.8L four-cylinder with 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. Source: Scion Press Release is on Page 2 Two Scion Models Gearing to Go: All-New 2016 Scion iM and Scion iA Priced to Please SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 29, 2015 – The next great adventure is well within reach. The all-new 2016 Scion iM hatchback and 2016 Scion iA sedan both deliver versatility and premium features that will fuel drivers’ fun, with outstanding prices to fit their finances too. Both vehicles race into showrooms Sept. 1, 2015. With an MSRP of $18,460 for the manual transmission and $19,200 for the CVTi-S model, the Scion iM is a fun-to-drive hatchback with the space and technology necessary for impromptu escapes from the daily grind. Its sporty sibling, the Scion iA, is Scion’s first sedan and well-priced at $15,700 for the 6-speed manual transmission and $16,800 for the 6-speed automatic. A $795 delivery, processing and handling fee is not included in the MSRP. With Scion’s no hassle, no haggle Pure Price, the same price posted in the dealership is the price customers pay. Scion iM: Space and Spunk for Drivers on the Go The iM draws some style inspiration from Scion’s FR-S sports car with the hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and side bezels. But this hatchback makes its own unmistakable statement with its dynamic profile, piano black grille treatment, sporty body aero kit and LED daytime running lights. Buyers can turn up visual impact with available colors: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Spring Green Metallic and Electric Storm Blue. The 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine uses Valvematic continuously variable valve timing technology to offer a broad torque curve, so the iM feels responsive in all situations. The chassis, with double-wishbone rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, is ready to smooth out bumps and curves. The standard 6-speed stick shift promises an engaging driving experience, while the optional automatic features an intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission with both a Sport Mode and manual shifting capability. Both transmission options hit a sweet spot of performance and efficiency, with an EPA rating of 28 city/37 highway/ 32 combined for the CVTi-S and 27 city/36 highway/31 combined for the manual transmission. A premium feel at a value comes from the iM’s lengthy list of standard amenities: 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit with standard HD Radio and Aha™ Rear-view backup camera Real leather-wrapped steering wheel Scion’s first 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display Dual-zone automatic A/C control Color-keyed heated power-folding exterior mirrors Hill Start Assist Scion iA: Athletic and Agile Choice for the Road Ahead Scion’s first sedan enters the world with some serious style. The iA cuts a striking profile with daring curves, hexagon lower grille and sophisticated touches, including a piano black bumper treatment, chrome grille surround and chrome tailpipe. The spacious trunk gives it a distinctive look in the segment. The color choices deliver a range of vibrant intensity: Stealth black, Abyss, Graphite, Pulse, Sapphire, Sterling and Frost. Don’t be fooled by its size, the iA is big in both spirit and technology. The basic ingredients: a high-strength body structure, quick-revving, high-compression 1.5-liter engine with 106 horsepower; choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions; and standard 16-inch alloy wheels. The Scion iA zips as it sips with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 33 city/42 highway/37 combined MPG for the automatic version 31 city/ 41 highway/ 35 combined for the manual. A Sport Mode feature is available with the flip of a switch. The Scion iA re-defines “entry-level” at every turn. The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are tuned for a just-right balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride. Steering and brake system tuning, in particular, received attention befitting of a sports sedan. The Scion iA uses a rigid steering mount, which provides a direct yet light feel also unexpected in low-priced, high-MPG rated models. Scion’s famous mono-spec strategy brings together standard features to impress: Keyless entry with push-button start Low-speed Pre-collision system Rear-view backup camera 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with voice recognition Tilt and telescopic steering wheel Power exterior mirrors Versatile 60/40 split rear seat back -
Toyota Reports Nearly 210,000 Sales in June Toyota Division is No. 1 retail brand in June TMS light trucks set June sales record Lexus posts 11.1 percent increase TORRANCE, Calif. (July 1, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported June 2015 sales of 209,912 units, an increase of 4.1 percent from June 2014 on a volume basis. With one more selling day in June 2015 than in June 2014, sales were down 0.1 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted June 2015 sales of 183,791 units, up 3.1 percent on a volume basis and down 1 percent on a DSR basis. For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,231,440 units, up 5.6 percent versus the same period in 2014 on a DSR basis. With the same amount of selling days in the first half of 2015 compared to 2014, sales were up 5.6 percent on an unadjusted raw-volume basis. "Light trucks have boosted the industry to its best first half since 2005,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Toyota Division was the number one retail brand in June, led by strong Tacoma, RAV4 and Highlander sales.” Lexus reported June sales of 26,121 units, up 11.1 percent from June 2014 on a volume basis and 6.6 percent on a DSR basis. “The demand for luxury utility vehicles continues to grow and has helped put Lexus and its dealers on a record sales pace for the year,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The new NX compact crossover continues to be one of the hottest new models on the market.” June 2015 Highlights: Camry posted sales of 37,408 units Corolla posted sales of 30,645 units Total Toyota light trucks up 16.5 percent, a June record Highlander up almost 20 percent RAV4 sales rose 15.1 percent to 24,843 units Combined Tacoma and Tundra pickup sales up 22.4 percent Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 24.6 percent All-new NX posted sales of 3,503 units GX up 17.3 percent with sales of 2,079 units
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Toyota Is No. 1 Retail Brand In May 2015 Combined Camry and Corolla sales top 80,000 units TMS light trucks set May sales record Lexus posts 10.2 percent increase TORRANCE, Calif. (June 2, 2015) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported May 2015 sales of 242,579 units, a decrease of 0.3 percent from May 2014 on a volume basis. With one less selling day in May 2015 than in May 2014, sales were up 3.6 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted May 2015 sales of 212,908 units, down 1.6 percent on a volume basis and up 2.2 percent on a DSR basis. "Strong May results boosted the industry to the best sales pace since last summer,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Toyota Division light trucks reported a best ever May, helping Toyota to over 200,000 units for the month.” Lexus reported May sales of 29,671 units, up 10.2 percent from May 2014 on a volume basis and 14.5 percent on a DSR basis. “For the five month period from January to May, Lexus has seen the demand for luxury utility vehicles grow to 48 percent compared to 43 percent of total sales volume during the same period last year,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The momentum provided by strong luxury utility vehicle sales coupled with the growing consumer awareness of our newer models, such as the NX crossover and RC coupe, have us excited for the summer sales season.” May 2015 Highlights: Camry posted sales of nearly 44,000 units Corolla posted sales of 36,768 units Total Toyota light trucks up 13.4 percent, a May record Highlander up 25.2 percent RAV4 sales rose 22.8 percent to 28,808 Combined Tacoma and Tundra pickup sales exceeded 29,000 units, up 15.4 percent Lexus luxury utility vehicles set a new May record, up 23 percent RX posted sales of 8,000 units All-new NX posted sales of 4,014 units GX up 11.4 percent with sales of 2,182 units
