TORONTO, Ontario -

Scion made its Canadian debut earlier this week, boasting a dealer network of 45 stores throughout Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

The automaker said it will add dealerships in additional markets. As Scion’s demographic tends to be a younger crowd, officials said Scion will one day have dealerships “in any Canadian city with a vibrant youth culture.”

“There’s a new demographic of drivers in Canada — younger drivers who demand a new type of vehicle and a new style of doing business. And today, they can finally get that from Scion,” stated Larry Hutchinson, director of Scion in Canada.

“Scion now offers a full lineup of distinctively styled, well-equipped models, a unique in-dealer and online experience, and a new business model designed to address the needs of a new generation,” he added.

Hutchinson also noted: “As consumers, Generation Y is becoming increasingly important and influential, not just to the automotive industry but in all market sectors.

“Scion’s reinvented, highly targeted grassroots and experiential marketing strategy is designed to engage this growing group of consumers by delivering unique brand experiences — both in person and online — that resonate with this critical mass of savvy, urban youth consumers,” he stated.

Toyota Celebrates Canadian Milestone

In other news from Scion’s parent, Toyota recognized a production landmark in Canada during September.

Twenty-two years after it began building cars in Canada, the company commemorated the 4 millionth vehicle that it has ever constructed in the country: a silver 2010 model-year Corolla that was crafted at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada plant in Cambridge, Ontario.

"The consistent quality produced by Canadian Team Members has supported this major contribution to our economy. This is another proud milestone for our company and for Canada,” stated Ray Tanguay, chairman of TMMC.

“We are very grateful to our customers for their ongoing support,” he continued.

Looking at prior production milestones, TMMC hit the 1 million vehicle mark in 1999, but it would only take until 2007 to reach the 3 million unit mark, officials said.

They project that TMMC could celebrate the 5 million vehicle milestone in 2012, thanks to its ability to produce potentially 500,000 units each year.
Officials also noted the accolade that TMMC Cambridge South Plant earned. The plant took home J.D. Power and Associates’ Gold Plant Quality award.

It achieved the No. 1 ranking among the 68 plants in North and America, as determined by customers.