Akio Toyoda Speaks on the Future of Scion

Hold on.

According to Automotive News, Toyoda says that “… Toyota has limited resources. We need to prioritize. I have been telling them they will have to wait a few years”. New investments into Lexus and development of fuel-efficient engines have put strain on their resources. He also mentioned that Toyota is still recovering from the unintended-acceleration recalls, the global financial meltdown, and of course, the massive earthquake of 2011. Toyota execs have no plan to jettison the brand, though.  Toyoda says that new models will be build using a new modular development strategy. Still, it’ll be a few years before those new cars start showing up.

Another interesting thing he mentioned is that Scion has moved away from their original mission. “The concept of the Scion has changed since its launch. It was supposed to do what the Toyota brand couldn’t,” said Toyoda. Scion was supposed to be the un-Toyota Toyota.  The FR-S and the iQ are kind of a return to that idea.

What do you think they’ll come out with in the future? Personally, I think a replacement for the tC is going to be inevitable. I would love to see more rear-wheel drive cars as well. Currently, the FR-S is the only way to get into a RWD car cheaply (that isn’t a Miata). Having a small sedan with a similar powertrain would be cool as well. Also, true replacement for the xD would be great. Honestly, I just want to see them get creative.

via [AutomotiveNews]