Scion Brings the 'Weird' with James Franco and Jaleel White

New Ad Campaign for Scion iA and iM Celebrates Everything Out of the Ordinary

Scion has always been a little weird. With no-haggle pricing, standard premium features and cars shaped like toasters, Scion has proudly done things differently. Now, actors James Franco, Jaleel White, and an inflatable tube man take the all-new Scion iM and iA for a spin in the brand’s newest ad campaign, titled “Weird, Right?” This is the largest marketing campaign for Scion since the brand’s launch in 2003.

The wave of weird contains three :30 TV spots. One features the dual sides of Hollywood actor/artist Franco, while a second features White and a wax figure of himself as his best-known role, Steve Urkel from the 90s sitcom “Family Matters.” The third talent is a little untraditional, but definitely not unfamiliar – an inflatable tube man (yes, those wacky flailing creatures found at car dealerships). Things get weird when it tries to hold a cup of coffee.

"Scion celebrates their differences from the rest of the car industry in a weird, funny way that I can appreciate,” said White. “I had a lot of fun working with them on the commercial.”

The new Scion commercials can be seen on Scion.com: “Franco and Franco”, “Jaleel and Wax Museum Urkel”, and “Recently Liberated Car Dealership Tube man” are available now and two more spots: “Vampire with a Man Bun,” and “Stockphoto Business People” will roll out in the coming months.

“People who buy the iM and iA are independent-minded and our goal for this quirky campaign is to pique their interest in Scion,” says Doug Murtha, Scion general manager. “While Scion’s approach might be considered unique, it is designed to benefit our younger customers who want a streamlined purchase and ownership experience,”

The iM and iA bring unexpected touches to consumers, like a heap of desirable standard features at practical prices. The 5-door hatchback Scion iM delivers a lengthy list of amenities including the 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit with standard HD Radio and Aha™, rear-view backup camera, Scion’s first 4.2-inch color multi-information display. The iM starts at $18,460, excluding a $795 delivery, processing and handling fee. The sporty styling, estimated 37 mpg highway, and versatile space lets drivers envision their own ordinary – or odd – adventures.

The Scion iA brings sophistication to a compact sedan in its class. Practicality meets style with the piano black bumper treatment, chrome grille surround and the spacious trunk, coupled with keyless entry with push-button start, low-speed pre-collision system, rear-view backup camera and 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with voice recognition. The iA starts at $15,700, excluding a $795 delivery, processing and handling fee. Then there’s the sporty handling and an estimated 42 mpg highway.

The national campaign was developed with Droga5. 

Toyota C-HR Concept Gets a Step Closer to Production

 The Toyota C-HR concept, a stylish and compact hybrid crossover, has been updated with the intention of launching a mass-market version in the not-so-distant future. The new five-door model is currently on display at the 2015 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show (September 15―27).

Toyota C-HR Concept (five-door model)

The Toyota C-HR Concept was created to explore new directions for compact crossovers in an increasingly homogenous marketplace, and made its first appearance at the 2014 Paris Motor Show as a design study.

The concept is visually distinctive, thanks to its expressive diamond-inspired styling, packed full of eye-catching details that have been sculpted and chamfered to represent the facetted surfaces of a precision-cut gemstone. The vehicle builds on two key elements of Toyota's design language―Keen Look and Under Priority―to create a bold, emphatic front profile that emphasizes the lower grille as well as increasing aerodynamic performance, cooling, and pedestrian safety.

The updated concept represents a step toward commercialization, with changes such as the shift from a three-door to a five-door format made from a practicality standpoint. Additionally, the roof color scheme has been changed from a two-tone (blue and black) to a uniform glossy black color scheme.
The Toyota C-HR Concept makes use of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), an integrated development program for vehicle platforms and powertrain components. TNGA will enable Toyota to create vehicles with improved chassis rigidity, handling stability, and comfort. Additionally, Toyota aims to give the concept an engine with thermal efficiency of over 40 percent, as well as further improving fuel efficiency by making the hybrid system―including the motor and battery―smaller and more lightweight.

Toyota hopes to show a production-ready model at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2016.

Click here for more information about the Toyota booth at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Toyota’s Hydrogen-Powered Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle Drives the Future of Mobility at the 2015 Excellence in Journalism Conference

Toyota will showcase the Mirai at the nation’s premier gathering of influential Hispanic journalists.
 The Toyota Mirai is a zero emission fuel cell vehicle capable of powering a home for up to a week.
 

 

 

After a development process spanning more than 20 years, Toyota’s long-awaited hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai, will be featured at the Excellence in Journalism (EIJ15) Conference at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Sept. 18-20, in Orlando, Fla. Top news professionals from broadcast, print and digital will have the opportunity to experience the Mirai first hand. The conference is being convened jointly by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).  The Mirai will be the conference’s only automotive interactive display hosted at the Orlando Marriott World Center’s impressive central Atrium. Conference attendees and resort guests will have the opportunity to receive a personalized walk-through from a Mirai product specialist and learn about the unique powertrain and other components that make this vehicle a truly innovative automotive breakthrough. The Mirai can be fueled with hydrogen in around 5 minutes and boasts an EPA estimated range of 312 miles per fill.  It has an estimated fuel economy of 67 miles per gallon equivalency and the only emission is water vapor. The Toyota Mirai is also capable of powering a small home for up to a week during an emergency.  Toyota also will sponsor the Hall of Fame Luncheon, where NAHJ will honor Telemundo journalist and MSNBC host José Díaz-Balart with the NAHJ Presidential Award of Visibility for his commitment to journalism, the pursuit of the truth and his accurate and fair representation of Latinos in news coverage. 

  “As a long-time supporter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, it gives us great pleasure to share with this wonderful group the latest in automotive innovation as we help facilitate discourse on how Latinos are adding their much-needed voices to the journalism landscape in this country,” stated Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of Toyota’s Hispanic Business Strategy Group.  “As the top-selling automotive brand in the Hispanic market for more than 10 years, we have a close relationship with the Hispanic community and NAHJ, and are pleased to be part of the conversation regarding diversity of ideas, voices and points of view in news reporting.”

Mekahlo Medina, NAHJ national president, commented, “We are pleased to have Toyota as a long-time partner to carry forward our mission of advancing and recognizing the achievements of Hispanics in the news industry.”

EIJ15 will be a forum for novice and veteran communicators and storytellers to explore and shape today’s complex media environment, to learn about new products and services, and to connect with opportunities to advance their careers.   For more information on EIJ15, visit http://excellenceinjournalism.org/.  Follow the conversation with #VayamosJuntos, @ToyotaLatino and #EIJ15.

Carnival Days in Burien

If you're like us here at Burien Toyota, you love a good community carnival, so we want to make sure that you know about Carnival Days happening September 24-27.

The community will gather for Carnival Days at Puget Sound Park on 1st Ave and SW 128th.

Check out the details including a map and the hours for each day at www.discoverburien.org ... we hope to see you there!

Buckle Up for Life Dispels Top Five Myths about Car Seats - Just in Time for Child Passenger Safety Week

National Education Program from Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Continues to Have a Measurable Impact in Improving Children’s Safety; Expands to Ann Arbor, MI and New Haven, CT

It’s no secret that driving with small children can be full of challenges – from battles over whose turn it is to pick the music to making sure you’re fully stocked with snacks and supplies. But one thing that should not be a puzzle is how to keep them safe. That’s why Buckle Up for Life, the national education program from Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s, is sharing the top five myths and facts on car seats, just in time for Child Passenger Safety Week (September 13-19).

“We know from our work with thousands of families across the country over the past decade that car seats can be frustrating.  In fact, an alarming three out of four are not installed properly,” said Gloria del Castillo, child passenger safety expert at Cincinnati Children’s and national program manager for Buckle Up for Life.  

Del Castillo continued, “Working closely with leading children’s hospitals across the country, Buckle Up for Life shares vital safety education with parents and caregivers.  It is our hope that by doing this – including our latest campaign to dispel some very common myths – we can continue to make a difference in saving children’s lives.”

Buckle Up For Life presents the top five prevailing myths of car seats – and the real facts behind them – to help better protect young passengers.

1.MYTH: Used car seats are always okay.
FACT: Car seats have expiration dates.

Hand-me-downs may be convenient, but when it comes to car seats, they’re not worth the risk. If the seat has been through a crash, it may be compromised. Additionally, the plastic can degrade over time. If you do have a used car seat, know its history and check the expiration date, which can usually be found on a sticker affixed to the seat and on the registration card.

2.MYTH: Older kids can sit in the front seat.
FACT: Kids under 13 are safest in the back.

Many think that once their children outgrow their car seats or booster seats, the front seat is fair game. However, the truth is that all children under age 13 are safest in the back seat.

3.MYTH: Seat belts alone protect small children.
FACT: Children shorter than 4’9” need booster seats.

Seat belts don’t properly fit young children and can ride up around their waists or necks, potentially causing injury during a crash. Children under 4’9” should sit in booster seats, which elevate them so that seat belts can protect them correctly.

4.MYTH: A one year old can ride in a forward-facing car seat.
FACT: Children should be rear-facing until age two.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat. According to a study by the University of Virginia, children under age two are 75 percent less likely to die or to be severely injured in a crash if they are rear-facing.

5.MYTH: Expensive car seats are safer than others.
FACT: All approved car seats are equally safe.

All car seat manufacturers are required to meet the same performance standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some seats may be more expensive than others based on fabric, padding or other bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean they are any safer.

Program Greatly Increased Rate of Children in Car Seats among Participants; Will Expand To Ann Arbor, MI and New Haven, CT

During its 2014 –2015 program cycle, Buckle Up For Life reached more than one thousand families with critical passenger safety information through partnerships with local children’s hospitals and community organizations. Organizations that offered the program observed a marked improvement in members’ auto safety behaviors, including:

• The rate of children unrestrained in cars decreased from one in four to fewer than one in 20.
• The rate of children in car seats increased from roughly one in four to one in two; and
• A 13 percent increase in use of seat belts for adults, from 68 percent to 81 percent.

 This fall, Buckle Up For Life will launch in two new cities:

• C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI
• Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, CT

“Toyota has always been deeply focused on helping families get places more safely,” said Latondra Newton, Toyota’s Group Vice President and Chief Social Innovation Officer. “That is why we are so proud of the impact we’ve had with Buckle Up for Life. Together with our partners at Cincinnati Children’s, we offer life-saving education and resources to families to better protect young passengers.”

Toyota and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center partnered in 2004 to create Buckle Up for Life, a national education program for families to help keep child passengers safe. The program teaches parents and children about the proper use of car seats and seat belts and provides free car seats to families in need. Through partnerships with the leading children’s hospitals in the country, Buckle Up For Life has reached more than 23,000 people in 14 cities. Toyota’s sponsorship has provided funding for over 40,000 car seats for families in need.

Beyond Possible: The Sky's the Limit for the All-New 2016 Prius at Las Vegas World Premiere Event

• Striking exterior design ushers in new hybrid era
• New platform and rear double wishbone suspension dial up driving dynamics
• Ten percent fuel economy improvement on core models; highest MPG without a plug
• First vehicle based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture
• Toyota Safety Sense system available among other safety enhancements
• See the video HERE

The same vehicle that pioneered the hybrid category just disrupted the status quo again. The all-new, fourth-generation Prius starred in a spectacular evening production of music, food and special effects to celebrate an industry icon in a way that was anything but expected.

More than 350 journalists, social influencers and Toyota guests watched the all-new 2016 Prius elevate into the Las Vegas night sky. After almost twenty years of shaping the world view on alternative energy vehicles, and more than 3.5 million global sales, Prius is setting out to change the world again.

Today’s consumers expect environmental credentials, and the new Prius delivers. Smaller, lighter hybrid system components, higher-energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine touting ground-breaking thermal efficiency (more than forty percent), contribute to a significant advancement in fuel economy.   With an expected ten percent improvement in EPA estimated MPG on core models, Prius will offer best-in-class fuel economy among vehicles without a plug.  A soon-to-be unveiled Eco model will achieve an even greater improvement, strengthening Toyota’s leadership in hybrid fuel efficiency.

But it’s not just about MPG anymore.  Today’s customers want all the traditional benefits of a hybrid, but don’t want to compromise on looks and performance.  So Toyota upgraded the Prius inside and out to deliver the complete package - emotional styling, smarter technology and impressive MPG, in a vehicle that’s more fun to drive than ever.

“Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.  “What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more.  This Prius will invite new drivers into the category by delivering an impressive look and feel, built on the foundation of safety and eco-consciousness that define the vehicle’s heritage.”

Easy on the Eyes
The Prius’ exterior has been completely reimagined. From the side, it is longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape.  Inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, the sporty design conveys a feeling of forward motion.

The hood is lower and the distinctive roof peak has been moved forward. Bold character lines run along the side from the front fenders – one just above the sill that sweeps up towards the rear fender, while the upper crease morphs into the rear spoiler, which has been lowered.

The use of new standard LED headlamps minimizes the Prius’ front fascia and, at the same time, provides an arresting lighting display which helps define the vehicle’s character. The unique and striking rear combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides.

A palette of seven exterior colors includes an all-new Toyota hue, “Hypersonic Red.”  This new color utilizes a newly developed treatment process, which results in a deep and vibrant luster highlighting the external forms.

Need a Hug?
The Prius’ new, premium interior adopts advanced technology complemented by features that are functional, fun and have high visual impact. The wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and improved visibility put the driver in complete control.

Once inside, drivers will feel immediately comfortable and impressed by styling cues that are unique in the industry.  The wide instrument panel, seamlessly designed to be both functional and beautiful, gives a sense of comfort and spaciousness.  Available premium white ornamentation in the lower sections of the cabin is reminiscent of fine bone china.

Efficient Development from the Start
The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA).  TNGA aims to greatly improve core vehicle performance and enhance product appeal through an integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Development of vehicles is being grouped to promote strategic sharing of components with the goal of improving resource efficiency by better than twenty percent. Resources will be directed into developing advanced technologies, and most importantly even further strengthening product appeal.

A Fun-to-Drive Hybrid?  A “Wish” Come True
Engineered from the ground up, the new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces, providing a planted on-road presence while delivering more occupant and cargo room.

Hallmarks of TNGA, a lower center of gravity and a more responsive suspension package, dial up the driving excitement. In fact, the height of the Prius’ front badge is exactly the same as that of Scion’s FR-S sports car – a remarkable achievement in height and mass reduction.

The all-new rear double wishbone suspension produces a better connection to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving conditions.  A more rigid body helps improve responsiveness while cornering. From winding mountain roads to the wide boulevards downtown, the new Prius stays connected to the road, without sacrificing ride quality and occupant comfort.

Safety First
TNGA also provides a more rigid structural framework to help enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The high strength upper body is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. Plus, the Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking.  TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams

Available on the new Prius, Toyota aims to make Toyota Safety Sense available across nearly the entire vehicle lineup by the end of 2017.

Setting the Stage for the Future of Mobility
It started in 1992 with a vision for the future – mobility in harmony with society.  Prius, which means “to go before” changed the way we move about the world, and changed the automotive industry forever.  More than two decades and over 8 million Toyota hybrid sales later, the all-new, no compromises 2016 Prius stands side by side with its sibling, the hydrogen powered Mirai, poised to change the game yet again. The new Prius will arrive in dealerships early next year.

Toyota Scion: Partnering Products and Passion

Creative Artists Bring Scion iM and iA to Fans 

What was your first car’s name? More than 40 percent of young people name their first car because it’s not just transportation – it’s an extension of their life.

That’s why Scion partners with up-and-comers in various lifestyle categories…to showcase how Scion aligns with millennials’ lives, and particularly their passions. As the new iA sports sedan and iM 5-door hatchback roll into the market this fall, five new partners will create videos showing how Scion helps them do what they love:

Joey Bada$$ – Brooklyn-based hip-hop artist and commander-in-chief of the Pro Era hip-hop artist collective.

Skybound – Creators of The Walking Dead, feature film AIR, and publishers of numerous comic books including Outcast, Invincible, and Thief of Thieves, among others.

Baker Skateboards – Professional skate team, clothier and skateboard maker founded by Andrew Reynolds.

Eddie Huang – Author, television producer, consummate rap music fan, restauranteur and food personality, Huang is most known for his book Fresh Off The Boat, the TV adaptation of which is scheduled to start its second season on ABC in September 2015.

Stampd – High-fashion Los Angeles-based clothing designer named GQ’s “Best New Menswear Designer of 2015."

“For Scion, we avoid just putting our name on a concert tour and calling it a day,” said Doug Murtha, Scion general manager. “We really work with each artist to identify how their passions align with our customers’. Then we develop meaningful partnerships that incorporate the artists utilizing Scions in the pursuit of their creative lives. When it comes to establishing a unique approach to lifestyle marketing, Scion has always been ahead of the curve.”

In addition to creating videos, each of these diverse talents will partner with Scion in a different way: a free musical release either performed or curated by the artist; developing exclusive merchandise; providing concert tickets; and participating in special events.

The first installation of the video content is now available and features a drive around L.A. in a Scion iM with Eddie Huang.

The Scion iM is sporty and versatile. With a six-speed manual transmission, premium features and an estimated 37 mpg highway, it starts at $18,460 (excluding a $795 delivery, handling and processing fee.) The Scion iA is Scion’s first sedan and features sporty handling, dynamic styling, an estimated 42 mpg highway. With a six-speed manual transmission, the iA has an MSRP of $15,700 (excluding a $795 delivery, handling and processing fee.) Both vehicles are available at more than 1000 Scion dealerships beginning September 1.
 

2016 Scion iM Hatchback, iA

Believe the buzz. The versatile 2016 Scion iM hatchback and 2016 Scion iA sedan are now arriving in more than 1,000 dealerships and are ready to go wherever drivers can imagine.

The dynamic Scion duo has been the talk of the town with a combination of practicality, desired technology and unique style for today’s young drivers. Then there are the highly competitive prices. The fun-to-drive Scion iM has an MSRP of $18,460 for the manual transmission and $19,200 for the CVTi-S model. The sporty Scion iA has an MSRP of $15,700 for the 6-speed manual transmission and $16,800 for the 6-speed automatic. A $795 delivery, processing and handling fee is not included.

“With the arrival of the iM and the iA in showrooms, Scion’s evolution moves from talk into reality,” said Doug Murtha, Scion group vice president. “This new, savvy generation of drivers will find these cars have the features, space and styling to meet whatever challenge or opportunity comes their way.”

When drivers walk into one of showrooms all over the country, either model could catch their attention.

The athletic design of the 5-door hatchback Scion iM communicates the engaging driving experience that’s ahead. It impresses with a hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and sporty body aero kit side bezels. Under the hood is a 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with Valvematic continuously variable valve timing technology. The lengthy list of standard amenities includes the 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit with standard HD Radio and Aha™, rear-view backup camera, Scion’s first 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display and dual-zone automatic A/C control. The iM’s versatility extends to its ability to stretch out trips to the gas station with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 37 mpg highway.

The Scion iA sedan adds some sophisticated touches for millennials looking for practicality and style. Just look at the piano black bumper treatment, chrome grille surround and the spacious trunk. Power comes from quick-revving, high-compression 1.5-liter engine with 106 horsepower. Like its sibling, the Scion iA takes Scion’s famous mono-spec strategy to new levels with a keyless entry with push-button start, low-speed Pre-collision system, rear-view backup camera and 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with voice recognition. Its premium features, aggressive styling and fuel-sipping EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg highway make the iA an incredible value in its class.

Whichever buyers chose, with Scion’s no hassle, no haggle Pure Price, the same price posted in the dealership is the price customers pay.