[Briggs]

I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but I just wanted to report on the most recent sales numbers coming in from Scion. The brand is staying consistent. Sales declined 22.2% in the month of May compared to the same month last year. It appears that the launch of the iM can really not come soon enough.

Biggest Declines for May 2015
1. Scion -22.2%
2. Dodge -21.8%
3. Fiat -18.9%
4. Hyundai -10.3%
5. Jaguar -7.7%

Biggest Growth for May 2015
1. Chrysler +31.9%
2. Mitsubishi +31.7%
3. smart +21.5%
4. Land Rover +18.7%
5. Maserati +17.2%

May 2015 Auto Sales: Winners and Losers » AutoGuide.com News

 

[SiM]

Well that was expected, currently they don't have anything new, it's been the same for a while and the buying peak died long ago. Plus their line up is rather small when compared to most brands listed here.

 

[Briggs]

I totally agree. At this point I am interested in the sales because I want to see just how much of an impact these new models can have on Scion's fortunes. When you are at the bottom there is nowhere to go but up.

 

[SiM]

I totally agree. At this point I am interested in the sales because I want to see just how much of an impact these new models can have on Scion's fortunes. When you are at the bottom there is nowhere to go but up.

We all are.

But they seen to be determined to turn the brand around instead of being another pontiac, so just maybe we can expect some bold moves from them.

 

[DBB]

Of course they were going to go backwards. They just debuted 2 models and told everyone they absolutely had to have them. People aren't going to buy a new car when the next thing coming is supposed to be better then sliced bread...

 

[iMTaylor]

Of course they were going to go backwards. They just debuted 2 models and told everyone they absolutely had to have them. People aren't going to buy a new car when the next thing coming is supposed to be better then sliced bread...

I would bet most Scion buyers are unaware of the iA and iM at this point. I haven't seen any marketing yet. So the sales decline can't be explained by the impending arrival of the iA and iM.

 

[Patrick.S]

I would bet most Scion buyers are unaware of the iA and iM at this point. I haven't seen any marketing yet. So the sales decline can't be explained by the impending arrival of the iA and iM.

Not widely known, aside from those that have been to shows and visit the dealer every so often.

No real marketing efforts from Scion has opened, till then, it's all a small crowd.

 

[ToddMS]

Of course they were going to go backwards. They just debuted 2 models and told everyone they absolutely had to have them. People aren't going to buy a new car when the next thing coming is supposed to be better then sliced bread...

That's not entirely true here. People are still buying the 15 Tacoma's even though there is a "brand new" Tacoma coming out this fall.

 

[Briggs]

I think that it makes more sense to begin marketing for vehicles like these much closer to the time when they actually are available for purchase. Probably can get more return on your investment with that approach.

 

[SiM]

That's not entirely true here. People are still buying the 15 Tacoma's even though there is a "brand new" Tacoma coming out this fall.

I've noticed this as well.
At least doing that, you get a truck you don't have to worry much about that's at its best throughout anything else in its production cycle. For the most part its like that. Sometimes earlier year models are better.

 

[Gotcha]

I've noticed this as well.
At least doing that, you get a truck you don't have to worry much about that's at its best throughout anything else in its production cycle. For the most part its like that. Sometimes earlier year models are better.

I assume that it is easier to get a good deal on them from the dealer too when people know that the new model is around the corner. I'm sure dealers are trying to get rid of them in anticipation of the new model coming in.

 

[SiM]

I assume that it is easier to get a good deal on them from the dealer too when people know that the new model is around the corner. I'm sure dealers are trying to get rid of them in anticipation of the new model coming in.

That's the same situation with any ending model year, they're always aggressive with moving them out to bring out new models.

It's like how styles and types of seasonal clothes go on sale end of the season to bring out next seasons apparel.

 

[Gotcha]

True enough. I do think that the new Scions shouldn't have any problems though since they are all based on already existing cars. I assume that any problems would have been figured out long ago. It's really not a "new" model.

 

[Filmore]

I would bet most Scion buyers are unaware of the iA and iM at this point. I haven't seen any marketing yet. So the sales decline can't be explained by the impending arrival of the iA and iM.

What marketing do you normally see from scion? How do you know who the audience is and what they've seen to this point?

 

[SiM]

Easy to know who the audience is, look who already buys a sub-compact or just about any compact in this price range, that's who they are.

 

[Briggs]

I have to say that I have rarely seen a Scion ad.