Hybrid Scion Coming?
We reported earlier that ToMoCo is considering adding a pickup to the Scion line in hopes of boosting sagging sales of its "youth brand." The Detroit News reports that a hybrid drivetrain might be the sales medicine Scion needs. "Does it make sense to have a hybrid powertrain?" asks Scion VP Jack Hollis, answering his own rhetorical flourish with "We don't know the answers but we're very open-minded." Although the gas – electrification of the current lineup makes a lot more sense than a Scion truck or SUV, it raises a few questions about Toyota's burgeoning brand portfolio. If Lexus gets a hybrid and Toyota launches a new Prius brand, where does a hybrid Scion fit in the mix? GM-style brand proliferation issues aside, Toyota has committed to equipping all of its offerings with hybrid drivetrains by 2020; the sooner it can exploit economies of scale, the quicker it can lower its costs for the still-expensive system. Note to Volt: the car in front is still a Toyota.
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I've no problem with Toyota's hybrids; I've considered buying a Prius myself, but I think that the 'hybrid premium' is keeping this enhanced efficiency from those on a lower income, or those who fear the added gizmos and complexity of a hybrid vehicle. I think that hybrid tech has become a "band-aid" that may preclude further improvements on the base engines' efficiency, and those who can't afford the extra "coin" will drive less efficient cars. Doesn't that seem like a contradiction?
That potential "fear" would probably be more due to ignorance than anything else. The Prius is in its' 11th year of production and there have been no major problems to speak of. Toyota and Honda already have very efficient base engines. I'd love to see them bring over motors they use in JDM and European markets for more variety.
"Toyota and Honda already have very efficient base engines. I’d love to see them bring over motors they use in JDM and European markets for more variety." Good point -- The "Goldilocks" scenario... I was looking at a new Vibe GT yesterday (despite the less-than-glowing TTAC take on the Matrix). A useful vehicle, but with the 1.8 being too small for a car of its weight, and the 2.4 with EPA HWY just under 30 MPG, wouldn't a 2.0 be right in the "sweet spot"? It's economics vs. economy, I suppose.
Scion ABSOLUTELY needs a dedicated hybrid model. Word is that Toyota is building a Yaris-based hybrid to compete with the Honda Insight and I'd bet it will wear a Scion logo. I hope it does anyway!!! I currently own a 2006 XA and love it. I'd by another Scion but I want a hybrid next so I'm looking towards the Honda Insight unless Scion can fulfull my wishes. The Prius is too stuffy and uptight looking for me compared to the far more youthful looking Insight.