Murtha: Three New Scion Models by 2017
Scion's VP of sales says the three new models will "continue what [Scion] started 11 years ago.”
The Scion FR-S is the brand’s most recent–and most popular–model.
In an interview with Bloomberg at the New York International Auto Show, Scion VP of sales Doug Murtha outlined plans for three new Scion models to hit the market as the brand continues its push to reclaim much of the excitement surrounding it when Scion launched a little more than 11 years ago.
The way Murtha phrases it, it almost sounds as if the introduction of three new Scion models could very well spell the end of some of its current lineup.
Related: 2014 Scion tC Trims and Specs
“Beginning in November in Los Angeles, we’re going to show the first of three new products that will come to market within a 24-month period,” Murtha told Bloomberg. “Beyond that, there are no real specifics on what’s going to sunset and what’s going to stick around.”
Whatever the plans for Scion’s future lineup, it’s almost a lock that the FR-S sport car will not be going anywhere despite declining sales. Whether it’s due for a refresh or a complete redesign remains to be seen, as does what becomes of the xB wagon, xD hatchback, tC compact sport coupe, and iQ minicar.
Murtha also indicated the possibility that Toyota’s collaboration with Mazda—wherein Mazda will manufacture SKYACTIV® engines for a Mazda2-inspired subcompact—could result in a Scion-badged model.
“That’s definitely a scenario,” Murtha said. “Obviously, something in that product category would be a candidate for us.”
Scion’s most recent additions to the lineup occurred in 2012 when the iQ and FR-S joined the xB, tC, and xD. The FR-S has been critically lauded in the years since it was first introduced, recently earning the title of Best Sports Car for the Money from U.S. News & World Report.
Related: 2014 Scion tC Trims and Specs
The introduction of three new Scion models between 2015 and 2017 could go a long way to rejuvenate the brand. What would you like to see Scion do in their quest to stay current?
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