LONG BEACH, Calif. -

Scion used a third-party website developer to roll out a series of applications and other online tools to help owners connect and maintain their vehicles.

This week, Cie Studios launched a new website in addition to an iPhone app that are geared to provide Scion owners with “a new place to meet, express their enthusiasm for the hip, hot car brand, and learn more about maintaining and caring for their vehicle.”

The company intends to add an Android app next month.

Scion owners who visit www.scionowners.com should find it easier and faster to plug in to the Scion owner community, according to Amanda Lomont, Scion’s interactive manager.

The redesigned website features streamlined user profiles, improved forums, exclusive Scion insider news and a new owner tools section available only to registered Scion owners. Owners can share maintenance tips, photos of their vehicles, and even plan local events with other Scion owners.

“In redesigning scionowners.com, we wanted to provide a faster, easier way for our owners to navigate the site and be able to interact with other Scion enthusiasts in their local communities and around the country,” Lomont explained.

“The designers and developers at Cie Studios did an excellent job creating an online community and app that helps owners get the most out of the Scion experience while also providing a venue where they can express their enthusiasm and creativity.”

Jennifer Walter, vice president of production at Cie Studios, noted, “The biggest challenge in designing any branded online community is that it needs to reflect the look and feel of the brand with every click without coming across in a heavy-handed way as a marketing site.

“We wanted users to feel good about having chosen to become a Scion owner, and to feel that their wise decision is reinforced at every turn by the manufacturer and dealer,” Walter went on to say. “We believe we’ve accomplished that goal while also providing a fun place for owners to share the passion they have for these unique vehicles.”