South Florida Media Gets Sneak Preview of All-New Scion Vehicles
MIAMI, June 25 -- Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and its first two production models, xA and xB, were shown to members of the Southeast Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO) today, providing a preview of how Scion hopes to meet the new car demands of an emerging culture known as Gen Y. Scion is currently on sale in California only, but will be rolled out across the southeast and east coast in February 2004.
"This was an exciting event and we appreciate the opportunity to get a preview of the new Scion models," said Ron Beasley, South Florida Director of SEAMO. "Rarely does an auto manufacturer preview a new model here so early and Toyota is to be commended for going the extra mile to bring the Scion to Coconut Grove and allowing the press to report on this new line."
"Scion's target buyer is information rich, time poor and highly technology savvy," said Bill Ussery, southeast regional public affairs manager for Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. "Scion is much more than just another car trying to cater to this influential generation; it's all about the process surrounding the discovery, consideration, purchase and personalization of your car."
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.
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.
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.
The base MSRP for the Scion xA is $12,480 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.
SEAMO, an organization of automotive journalists and industry public elations, advertising, marketing and communications executives, is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030625/FLW010-aNewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030625/FLW010-b
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EDITORS' ADVISORY: For editorial images and a detailed list of available accessories and specifications of the Scion xA and xB, please visit http://pressroom.scion.com or http://www.wieck.com
