http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1163...s_biz_focus_hs

Scion, Toyota Motor Corp.'s youth-focused small-car brand, has decided it is too hot for its own good.

The brand is on track to beat its 150,000-car-a-year sales goal by 25,000 vehicles in 2006. That is a big reason why Toyota has surpassed DaimlerChrysler AG this year to become the No. 3 auto maker in the U.S. in sales.

But instead of riding that momentum to increase sales still further, Scion plans to throttle back production to keep sales from going above 150,000 vehicles next year. It is part of marketing strategy to keep the brand special and, above all, cool.

 

I like that idea, a lot.

 

good

 

very good indeed

 

sweet

 

They have professed to that goal since their inception, and I'm happy to see them sticking to it.

They have a particular 'vision' of the niche Scions should fill, and limited production/limited availability is a definite part of that.

That also goes along with the limited three year run of each model, so the line stays 'fresh' and doesn't become boring. For example, the roughly 180,000 xBs that will exist by end of production in December will be all there will ever be (and the number will be going down by normal attrition ).

When I need to replace my xB because it's little wheels have finally fallen off, I hope there is an equally honest, interesting, and fun Scion to replace it.

Tomas

 

Here's a little later, but more detailed, posting of this information:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=148231

Sorry to lock this up.

Tomas