Toyota Motor Sales USA announced the launch of a new marque, SCION, during a press conference at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. Scion will be responsible for the launch of a new line of vehicles it plans to market to the next generation of new-car buyers.

The Scion (pronounced SY-en) name means descendant, or heir. It is a name meant to convey a clear link to the brand to Toyota.

The bbX is a show car version of a vehicle we plan to launch when Scion opens for business next year, said Jim Lentz, TMS vice president, Scion. It is based on a vehicle currently available in Japan called the Black Box that is marketed to Japan’s youngest buyers as a melding of entertainment-art and basic transportation.

The show car demonstrates the vast potential for customization of future SCION products. The bbX concept features a custom-tuned suspension, unique 17-inch wheels, fog lights, ground effects and rear spoiler that incorporate carbon fiber trim, blue brake calipers, coil-over suspension and smoked head lamp and tail lamp covers. The ability to add custom equipment and a feeling of personalization are among the key elements that will be included in all Scion vehicles.

Techno-savvy consumers will appreciate the high-quality, high-output digital audio/video system by Pioneer. The bbX show car interior was designed and equipped as a rolling sound studio, with 1350 watts of maximum power, an in-dash DVD/CD player, headrest-mounted monitors for rear passengers and a large subwoofer enclosure in the cargo area.

A production version of bbX will be one of two SCION vehicles that will be on sale beginning in June 2003.