Scion, an entry-level Toyota nameplate not sold in Canada, has marked its five-year anniversary of sales in the United States.. Click image to enlarge

Torrance, California – Scion, an entry-level Toyota nameplate not sold in Canada, has marked its five-year anniversary of sales in the United States. The brand continues to draw the youngest median age in the automotive industry; at launch, its goals were to bring young consumers into the Toyota family and implement a new business model for selling cars.

“In five short years, Scion has succeeded in hitting these marks,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice-president. “It has the youngest median age in the automotive industry, 31, and nearly 72 per cent of owners are new to the Toyota family. These are the elements we measure to determine if the brand is successful. In addition, we’re proud to have an enthusiastic owner base and to bring new products, processes and marketing to the automotive market, more than just new products to the automotive market.”

The brand launched in 105 California dealerships on June 9, 2003 with the xB utility vehicle and xA subcompact hatchback. In June 2004, the national rollout was completed with 783 dealers and the introduction of the tC sports coupe. As of June 2008, 982 of the 1,231 Toyota dealers nationwide are Scion dealers as well, and the company has sold over 620,000 units as of May 2008.