Toyota to scrap Scion brand, but FR-S will become a Toyota!

[Uplink]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

No, Youtube comments are not cancer.

They are far worse.

Every time I read Youtube comments, I want to bash my head in at the idiocy that those users display with every comment they make with their mouth. Rarely are Youtube comments ever civilized.

Facebook comments are a very close second.

Apparently you've never seen Yahoo Answers.

[P86RAVES]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

My thoughts exactly. 10 years from now when there are tons of US Toyota 86's on the road, everyone will be rebadging them as Scion because they're rare!

I don't like the Toyota logo. It still looks like a chrome uterus to me.

I haven't seen many people rebadge geo prisms.

[sato]

I'm glad it died... So thankful. BTW, the first page has more vertical space occupied by "thanks" than actual text.

"The FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will become Toyota models..."

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by Guru Woodman

Apparently they choose to name the Scion FR-S: The Toyota FR-S. Missed opportunity if you asked me:

http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/2016...e-toyota-fr-s/

I for one actually like the FR-S moniker. It's simple and relevant to the car; F=Front Engine, R=Rear Wheel Drive, and -S=Sport. The 86 was never sold in the US as an 86 so it doesn't mean much of anything to Americans. And "GT" implies a grand touring car which it is not necessarily. Not to mention, the last Toyota sports car was the MR-S, meaning Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, Sport.

So I'm glad they stuck with FR-S. They just better offer a higher trim level and more options for people who WANT to spend the extra money on this car!

[Uplink]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Dude that was exactly their target demographic! They didn't try to hide that, ever. No poser about it they flat up said "Don't know cars? Want to stand out from the crowd? Come see us."

At least they didn't do it with hip hop hamsters.

[Uplink]

Originally Posted by sprintertrueno86

Lets scrap Lexus too and have them all branded as TOYOTA.

Originally Posted by DGM33

When I lived in Japan (10 years ago) they were. They badged all of their cars as "Toyota" and just gave us lucky suckers a fancier name so they could charge more.

Just like the Honda NSX.

[Uplink]

Originally Posted by B$

Can I get free Toyota badges now...lol

They haven't announced the recall yet.

[Brayden_23]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

I for one actually like the FR-S moniker. It's simple and relevant to the car; F=Front Engine, R=Rear Wheel Drive, and -S=Sport. The 86 was never sold in the US as an 86 so it doesn't mean much of anything to Americans. And "GT" implies a grand touring car which it is not necessarily. Not to mention, the last Toyota sports car was the MR-S, meaning Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, Sport.

So I'm glad they stuck with FR-S. They just better offer a higher trim level and more options for people who WANT to spend the extra money on this car!

Fun fact: it was named the GT86 because it was supposed to be a combination of the Toyota 2000GT and the AE86. People are all about paying homage with these cars, so this naming convention seems pretty fitting.

[STZ]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Isn't pretty much any branding some form of a "marketing gimmick"? That's pretty much the definition of branding.

Yeah, they are, but most brands actually hold some weight behind their name and don't solely exist on the fact that they're a marketing gimmick.

I don't know why I have to explain this.

[MrDinkleman]

Originally Posted by DGM33

When I lived in Japan (10 years ago) they were. They badged all of their cars as "Toyota" and just gave us lucky suckers a fancier name so they could charge more.

Actually, I think you have that backwards. Toyota wanted to go upscale and sell some of their higher tiers models in the US. But they recognized that Americans would resist "paying that much for just a Toyota" so they created the "Lexus experience". Back in 1989 (?) the LS400 retailed for $40k, a crazy price for "just a Toyota". Under the Lexus brand though it sold like hotcakes, helped by the fact that it undercut a comparable MB by $10k~~20k and the buyer got the "Lexus experience". This was apparently a very successful move because it opened the doors for $45k Supras and Land Cruisers.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by Brayden_23

Fun fact: it was named the GT86 because it was supposed to be a combination of the Toyota 2000GT and the AE86. People are all about paying homage with these cars, so this naming convention seems pretty fitting.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the 2000GT. Still, that car was never sold in the UK (or US) so it's not likely that most people understand it as such. The FR-S is a unique car so I think it deserves a unique moniker. But frankly, it doesn't really matter that much. It was just my 2 cents.

[Uplink]

Originally Posted by SolemnWishes

Seems to me like a lot of people are eager for this consolidation. For me it is more bittersweet.

Toyota's brand never appealed to me, probably because of my distaste for the Celica and Supra. While I respected Scion's experimental methods and enjoyed the purchasing process, I never developed an enthusiasm for Scion's brand either.

Nonetheless, my FR-S is the first car to my name, my choice, work, sweat, and dollars. So no matter how much I might enjoy more powerful and advance cars in the future, my little coupe will always have a special place in my heart.

And whatever debate there might be about the genealogy of the GT86/BRZ/FR-S, mine is yellow and came with a Scion badge. It is at least some part Scion. So I am still sad to see its badge retired. Yet it is also sweet, to see the embattled brand finally laid to rest.

Undeniable the GT88/BRZ/FR-S/FT86/2nd-gen-Hachi-Roku, or whatever you choose to call it, evokes a different feeling for each and everyone of you. But Scion gifted me with my SO's anger and envy, and it deserves at least a few sincere words from me.

Goodnight enthusiasts.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by Uplink

They haven't announced the recall yet.

I can foresee the Toyota TSB:

It has come to our attention that some models have been erroneously badged under another brand. If your badge reads S-C-I-O-N, it qualifies for this recall and you will receive a proper Toyota badge.

Thank you.

[Guru Woodman]

I wouldn't be surprised that ditching Scion is part of a bigger plan:
Toyota plans to globalize Daihatsu, Toyota/Scion dealers will be offered Daihatsu as (sub) brand. Cars that initially fitted the Scion badge but not compatible with Toyota, could be offered as Daihatsu, along with some of the Daihatsu models that are already offered elsewhere. North America is getting a bigger appetite for smaller cars anyway.

Just remember that when this all pans out, you have heard it from me first.