Scion iQ makes Canadian Debut

Scion unveiled its newest member at the Montreal International Auto Show. The iQ is the world’s first premium micro-subcompact and goes on sale in Canada later this year.

“iQ is the boldest example to date of the Scion brand philosophy,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion Canada. “It is the ultimate small, urban-friendly and fuel efficient vehicle that is also big on style, features, functionality, and safety.”

Inside, outside and under the hood, iQ carries the idea that big ideas come in small packages. At only 305 cm in length, iQ offers a turning radius of 3.9 metres, making it easy to maneuver and park. At the same time, wide-door opening and long-slide front seats make it easy for front and rear occupants to get in and out.

The 1.3 litre Dual VVT-i engine is equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a class-leading 90 horsepower. iQ is also expected to achieve fuel consumption of just over 5 litres per 100km - comparable to vehicles of similar size that offer less passenger and cargo-capacity - coupled with a Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions rating.

When it comes to safety, iQ is bigger than most, with 10 standard airbags, including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag, and Scion’s Star Safety System™, which includes six active braking technologies.

Like all Scion’s, iQ will be outfitted with a long list of standard features, full fledged audio system, and will be highly customizable. Register for Updates or LIKE us on Facebook to be amongst the first to receive iQ updates.

Scion Returns to Igloofest

Scion returns to the 5th edition of Igloofest, Montreal’s signature outdoor winter dance party, as the exclusive sponsor of the 2011 Scion Podcast Series.

Featuring leading artists in the Canadian and international electronic music scenes, including Akufen, Kid Sister, Egyptrixx, Isolée, Carl Craig, Poirier, and many more, Scion presents live recordings from each of the festival’s 9 nights this January, available throughout the winter months. The Scion Podcast Series also includes four preview podcasts that are already available, featuring Poirier, Green & Lateez, two from Maher Daniel, and a special contribution from the Igloofest team’s very own FunkyFalz.

Listen to all the Scion podcasts at Igloofest.ca.

Scion is your free ticket to Igloofest. Throughout the month of January, stop by any Greater Montreal Scion dealership and test drive a Scion for free admission for one (1) person to any night of Igloofest 2011. Visit the Dealer Locator to find a dealer near you. Promotion runs from Jan 6 to Jan 29, while supplies last.

Visit the Scion display at Igloofest, check out the hottest car in the city this winter, roast a marshmallow and talk to one of our Scion brand ambassadors to get free and exclusive Scion stuff! Scion will be with you by the igloos every night of the festival, which happens January, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29, 2011.

“Take On The Machine” for a chance to win a 2011 Scion tC

Scion is excited to introduce the “Take On The Machine” augmented reality game and contest, launching in Canada on Jan 13, 2011.

“Take On The Machine” is similar to a movement-based gaming console where players print an encoded marker that serves as their steering wheel. Holding the marker in front of a webcam, players can navigate through the menacing cityscape, beat the best times, and unlock additional, modified tCs.

The grand prize for one lucky winner? A brand new 2011 Scion tC! Build and Price your dream tC here.

Players don’t have to beat the fastest time to win, they just have to play the game.

The tC game will make its debut at the Montreal Auto Show, on Jan 13, 2011 as well as being available at scionnation.ca/machine for those people who want to try it at home.

No webcam? No problem! You can play for your chance to win using keyboard controls as well.

Visit the Scion Booth at any of the AutoShows below to play the tC “Take On The Machine” game and to enter the contest.

Montréal International Auto Show

January 14-23

Palais des congrès de Montréal

Canadian International AutoShow

February 18-27

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto

Calgary International Auto & Truck Show

March 9-13

BMO Centre at Stampede Park

Salon de l’auto de Québec

March 17-20

Centre de foires de Québec, Québec City

Vancouver International AutoShow

March 29 - April 3

Vancouver Convention Centre

Edmonton Motor Show

April 14-17

Northlands Expo Centre, Edmonton

Scion Canada Confirms 38 More Scion Dealerships in 30 Markets Across Canada Next Spring

Scion iQ also rounds out an already strong vehicle line-up in 2011.

Scion confirmed plans to expand its presence in Canada in 2011 with the rollout of 38 Phase II dealers in 30 more markets across Canada next spring.

Scion launched in Canada in September with 45 dealers in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and the response from Canadians has been tremendous. 70% of all inquiries are hitting the key “male under-35” target market and about half are new to the Toyota brand.

Scion continues to explore market opportunities across Canada and looks forward to identifying candidates for expansion in even more markets.

Phase II Scion dealers will include the following locations:

British Columbia

• Nanaimo Toyota

• Sun Country Toyota

Alberta

• Stampede Toyota

• Red Deer Toyota

• Mayfield Toyota

• Lethbridge Toyota

• Country Hills Toyota

• Sherwood Park Toyota

• Heninger Toyota

• Charlesglen Toyota

• South Pointe Toyota

Saskatchewan

• Taylor Toyota

Ontario

• Jackson’s Toyota

• Toyotatown

• Red Hill Toyota

• Heffner Toyota

• Ancaster Toyota

• Performance Toyota

• Tony Graham Toyota

• Mendes Toyota

• Bel-Air Toyota

• Kingston Toyota

• Guelph Toyota

• Cambridge Toyota

Québec

• Toyota St-Jerome

• Estrie Toyota

• Toyota Charlesbourg

• Leveille Toyota

• Dery Toyota

• Ste-Foy Toyota

• Sherbrooke Toyota

• Trois-Rivieres Toyota

• Joliette Toyota

• Toyota Drummondville

• Boulevard Toyota

• Toyota St-Eustache

New Brunswick

• Acadia Toyota

Nova Scotia

• O'Regan's Toyota Dartmouth

Scion Canada, looking to bring real innovation in design to the urban subcompact market in 2011, will be launching the Scion iQ. Like all Scions, the fun to drive iQ will be very well equipped with loads of standard equipment, leading safety features, and more – the ultimate urban people mover.

The launch of the Scion iQ adds to an already strong line up for a new brand, which will bring a new generation of young Canadians into the Toyota Family.

Introducing Scion

The wait is almost over. With the launch date still a mystery, Scion is getting ready to explode on the scene.

As the date draws closer, Scion is everywhere. Whether it’s connecting with trendsetters or supporting grassroots events, Scion Sessions and other initiatives are in full swing. Upcoming locations include Montreal’s Piknik Electronik and Shine Night Club in Vancouver with plenty of others in-between. Scion will also have a presence at tuner shows including the CSCS Xtreme Tuner Challenge and ImportFest 2010.

Scion dealerships are also gearing up for launch, with 46 locations in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. When doors open, you’ll experience the full Scion lineup, including xB, xD and tC—in the unique atmosphere of a Scion dealership, complete with customization station and game centre.

The Scion website has also been undergoing significant changes. Since it's launch, scionnation.ca has been the place to go to find out about all things Scion in Canada. Photos. Videos. News. And of course, links to the growing Scion community at large.

Scionnation 2.0 will be all of that—and more. Launching September 8th, the new and improved scionnation.ca will be loaded with exciting content and cutting edge functionality, including:

• An accessory configurator that allows you to customize and explore a Scion from 3D angles

• A build and price function that allows users to configure a Scion to their taste and personality

• Lifestyle pages with photos, videos and the latest Scion sponsored events

• An interactive magazine that allows you to explore Scion culture

• A credit application so you can apply for financing online

• A dealer locator to help find a Scion dealer near you

“The build-up has been fun,” says Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada, “but we promise, the launch will be a blast.”

Scion Canada Announces Where to Get Scion in Canada

It’s official. Scion has announced the names of the first wave of dealers who will help to launch the brand in Canada in September 2010. Built on a “store within a store” format, the initial 46 dealers include 21 in Toronto, 17 in Montreal and 8 in Vancouver (see below for full listing).

The announcement gives the green light to the chosen dealers to carve out a space within their existing Toyota dealership and create a Scion-appropriate environment. “The kinds of customers that gravitate to Scion have a certain expectation of the brands with which they choose to do business,” says Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “They’re discerning, attracted by authenticity and creativity, and look to be treated with integrity. We’re going to meet those expectations at every stage of ownership.”

For example, the Scion-unique sales process—The Straight Sell—is designed to simplify and purify what can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Customers will build their Scion online, then complete the purchase process at the dealership without encountering any additional steps or costs.

The Scion dealer announcement also brings us one step closer to the day when customers can pre-order the Scion of their choice. Each of the 46 dealers will launch with a full complement of the current Scion lineup, including the performance oriented tC 2-door sport coupe, the versatile box-with-style xB, and the made-for-the-urban environment xD. Early in 2011, a fourth model will be added to the roster, the iQ, the world’s smallest 4-passenger car.

All Scion vehicles arrive with an extremely well equipped mono-spec. Power steering, windows, and door locks; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; vehicle stability control with traction control; a full complement of airbags; remote keyless entry; Pioneer audio system; USB and iPod connectivity; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls are just a few of the standard features that can be found on most every Scion vehicle. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type—and, if the mood takes them, from a lengthy list of customization and personalization accessories.

Says Hutchinson, “We’re ready, the dealers are getting primed, and the vehicles are on their way. Now, it’s just a matter of a little more time until Scion is well and truly here.”

Scion Dealers:

Toronto

• Wietzes Motors Scion

• Brimell Scion

• Woodbridge Scion

• Oakville Scion

• Don Valley North Scion

• Attrell Scion

• Scarborough Scion

• Mississauga Scion

• Markville Scion

• Northwest Scion

• Aurora Scion

• Whitby Scion

• Burlington Scion

• Yorkdale Scion

• Milton Scion

• Scion on Front

• Erin Park Scion

• Woodbine Scion

• Maple Scion

• Meadowvale Scion

• Ken Shaw Lexus Scion

Montréal

• Chassé Scion

• Ste-Thérèse Scion

• Houle Scion

• Chambly Scion

• Chomedey Scion

• Spinelli Scion Pointe-Claire

• Candiac Scion

• Vimont Scion Laval

• Park Avenue Scion

• Scion Duval

• Scion Gabriel

• Longueuil Scion

• Châteauguay Scion

• Repentigny Scion

• Scion Président

• Woodland Scion

• Scion Montréal Nord

Vancouver

• OpenRoad Scion - Richmond

• OpenRoad Scion - Port Moody

• Jim Pattison Scion - N. Shore

• Jim Pattison Scion - Surrey

• Langley Sciontown

• Valley Scion

• Jim Pattison Scion - Downtown

• Regency Scion (Vancouver)

Introducing Scion Sessions

Scion has always been associated with busting conventions, opening eyes to a different way of doing things, and forging new cultural experiences. It’s only natural that the brand should launch Scion Sessions—a micro sponsorship program in support of alternative arts, music, fashion and sports.



"Grassroot events are where new ideas, new trends, and original events are created," says Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. "But, to take root and thrive outside of the mainstream, grassroots initiatives and organizations require nurture and support. Scion Sessions will provide the sponsorship for smaller communities and collectives to help them realize their larger vision."
Starting in May 2010, Scion will seek out Session opportunities in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal—working with local promoters, schools, and retailers to identify nascent musical groups and genres, emerging artists and art collectives, independent fashion designers and fashion design collectives, and action sport enthusiasts.

Depending on the type of event, Scion Session support will take different forms—as a grant, as prize money, or as the seed money to get an event up and running. All together, 70 Sessions and events are planned over the next five months. They’ll be announced through social media networks, including Facebook and Twitter, in time for fans and followers to mark the dates on their own calendars—and maybe even scoop up some of the free tickets Scion will be doling out.
"Music, fashion, art, extreme sports, and Scion Sessions," says Hutchinson, "it promises to be one interesting summer."