The Scion brand is no more. Well, at least, soon it won't be.
On Wednesday morning, Scion announced that, starting in August, all 2017 model year Scion models will be sold as rebadged Toyotas. The FR-S sports car, iA sedan, iM five-door hatch, and C-HR will live on as Toyotas. However, the tC coupe will be given one final edition and then sent out to pasture at the end of the 2016 model year.
Scion was started in 2003 to attract younger buyers who already knew the value of the Toyota brand but didn't necessarily want to own a Corolla like mom. The brand seemed to start off strong but fizzled in the subsequent years. In fact, many of us automotive journalists wondered aloud to one another why Scions couldn't just be Toyotas. Appears people inside Toyota wondered the same.
I'd like to tell you I am sad to see Scion go, but that'd be a lie. Aside from the FR-S sports car, none of its models really grabbed me. At least the best of the Scion offerings will live on.
Perhaps the best bit about this brand discontinuation for consumers is that their cars will still have part and repair support from Toyota. After all, most Scions were just mildly rebadged Toyotas to begin with, so not much is actually changing — aside from the sign outside the dealer.
So, here's to you, Scion. You will be ... what's less than missed? You will be remembered, I suppose.
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