Hey Scion People - Scion today announced its partnership with RIDEMAKERZ™, an innovativenew toy car customization retailer inspired by Build-A-Bear Workshop®.The Scion RIDE, based on the new xB urban utility vehicle and thelatest model in the RIDEMAKERZ lineup, was unveiled at the 2007Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the premierautomotive specialty products trade event in the world.
The two brands are complementary in their approach, with the “driver”in charge of uniquely customizing their “ride.” RIDEMAKERZ invitesguests, or “Customizers™,” into the ultimate car-customizing shopwhere they travel through seven zones to select body style, paint job,sounds, engines, accessories, and decals. Between them all, RIDEMAKERZestimates there are more than 649 million possible combinations, notincluding individual decal placement.
The Scion RIDE is available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and WasabiGreen and measures approximately 12 inches long. Once theapproximately 1:18 scale xB models are tricked out, Customizers createa personalized license plate and receive their own Certificate ofTitle, which includes a unique RIDE Identification Number (RIN). Thisnumber can be used to view and interact with their RIDE online atRIDEMAKERZ.COM. The pint-sized xB ranges in price from $22 for theCannonball Black and Comet Blue versions to $25 for the Wasabi Green. Custom accessories range in price from $2.50 for grille guards andhood scoops to $15 for a deluxe “Muscle Kit” that includes a blownengine, spoiler, side pipes, muffler tips and roof vents. Radio-control can be added for $25.
SEMA attendees will be able to view a large-scale model of the ScionxB special edition RIDE in the Scion booth located in the CentralHall, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as enter a rafflefor a chance to win a special edition RIDEMAKERZ xB designed andsigned by Troy Sumitomo, from Five Axis, a renowned customization andfabrication shop in Huntington Beach, Calif. Similar to his “one off,”life size creations, these one-of-a-kind mini models are a work ofart. Kids of all ages can build the new Scion RIDE on RIDEMAKERZ.COM (witha Z) and at Shops located at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach,S.C. and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. In November,RIDEMAKERZ will open two additional Shops at the Spotsylvania TowneCenter in Fredericksburg, Va. and at Castleton Square Mall inIndianapolis, Ind.
The RIDEMAKERZ experience is specifically designed to provide choice,unleash creativity, foster confidence, encourage cooperation, andinstill a sense of community, which also are hallmarks of the Scionbrand. Scion and RIDEMAKERZ appeal to the young, and young at heart,tapping into the innate desire to build and create, generating notonly pride in affiliation, but also pride and ownership of one’s owncreation.

Onwards,Scion