Click above for a high-res gallery of the Scion Hako Coupe concept.
Scion sales have hit a slump in the last 17 months, with a peak of 175,000 units sold in 2006, the youth-marketed brand's sales have dipped to 130,000 vehicles last year. The solution will likely come from three new vehicles to be released in the next few years. Scion's veep, Jack Hollis, told Automotive News in an interview during the Big Apple bash, that Scion is "studying two or three models in conceptual form right now." Unfortunately, one of those was the Hako Coupe concept that was unveiled in New York and was met with considerable backlash from attendees and those of you following the show from home (check the comments Scion).
While a two-door xB was the prototypical answer to a question no one asked, Hollis questioned (out loud) what products are in the pipeline. "Could it be a truck? A hybrid? An SUV? A subcompact roadster? We are not limiting our search." We'll answer those for you: no, maybe, no and Hell yes. The Scion rep said that the current 130,000 mark is good for the three "core" vehicles in its lineup, but products that are more niche oriented – comprising annual sales around 20,000 to 25,000 units a year – are being seriously considered. If that means more models aimed at enthusiasts, something that's been sorely lacking since the brand's introduction in 2003, then we're all for it. The rumors of a RWD, Subaru boxer-powered coupe are still swirling and that could be a serious hit if Scion decides to bring in Stateside.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FThorn @ Mar 24th 2008 8:08AM
Good luck.
Avinash machado @ Mar 24th 2008 8:10AM
Remember what happened when Scion's parent company Toyota expanded.
geo.stewart @ Mar 24th 2008 8:34AM
If I could stick a 6 or have a HO turbo4, the Hako would be nice. Its reminiscent of an old delivery truck and has a hot rod stance.
Of course, it being a Scion, it will come with a 110hp engine and lose any semblance of a stance.
oh well.
Gregg @ Mar 24th 2008 8:38AM
The new Xb is too conventional, too fat and too heavy.
Go ahead and knock the Hako. Americans just don't get it with alternative styling, and that's fine. There is still a niche market for something like this. While most consumers can't tell the difference between the sh^tt* effort that was Aztec and the creativity of the first Xb (and the sellout of the the second Xb), there are those who do and some of them will see the Hako as an aspirational ride.
Allan @ Mar 24th 2008 8:45AM
I don't think it's that the HAKO is absolutely awful... it's that so many people (myself included) just had their hopes of seeing a tC replacement dashed to bits and pieces and don't really want to give this thing a worthy look.
I saw it in NY on Friday and it's a lot smaller than the pics make it appear, so it could be kind of fun and I can definitely see a retro style in it. So overall, it could do well... who knows.
But it's more just disappointment in what they actually brought to the table compared to what people were expecting or hoping for.
MosquitoControl @ Mar 24th 2008 9:12AM
"There is still a niche market for something like this. While most consumers can't tell the difference between the sh^tt* effort that was Aztec and the creativity of the first Xb (and the sellout of the the second Xb), there are those who do and some of them will see the Hako as an aspirational ride."
That is one of the absolute worst posts I've seen on this site. I wouldn't bother responding if it hadn't been made in such a holier-than-thou attitude, but...
1) Consumers don't know the difference between the Aztek and the xB? Then explain the massive difference in sales. Consumers seemed able to distinguish the quality difference very easily.
2) As you mentioned, it's a niche. So was the SSR. Niche doesn't tend to sell, at least enough to warrant a release. If you keep going for "niche" markets, as far as styling goes, you're going to lose money. Only a moronic company would really go for "niche" outside of a halo vehicle.
3) You have bad taste. Accept it. Don't try to force it on us.
Gregg @ Mar 24th 2008 9:29AM
Mosquito, dear, I rev you up that easily? You misread. It is the holier than thou stuff I detest. I have seen too many people declare that the Xb is a disaster (and no better than or worse than) the Aztec, despite what actual sales say as you so aptly point out. It is those people who don't get Scion and they can buy something else. That's not holier-than-thou. That is choice.
Bad taste or not, I want the choice to buy this thing. No it won't be the next big thing or save Scion, but it it weren't for niches, there would be no Miata, no smart, no Mini.
Larry @ Mar 24th 2008 12:20PM
Yes, there certainly is a niche market for this model! I can just imagine the doors opening and thirty or forty guys with big red noses, red brillo hair, balloon pants, giant shoes, and painted faces running out!
catgirlshyla @ Mar 24th 2008 8:44AM
A number of ideas:
Bring over the Euro-Only Toyota Aygo, or dip into the Toyota JDM market, perhaps offer a Mini-Van like the Alphard or the Hiace, or rebadge a Daihatsu model, like the Hijet or Move, hell, bring over the Copen.
207guy @ Mar 24th 2008 9:11AM
Nice try, Gregg. But there's no defense...this thing is ugly. U.G.L.Y.
User @ Mar 24th 2008 11:13AM
lol I agree. How can they even show this thing off? I wouldn't even want my coworkers seeing this if I were a car designer.
que @ Mar 24th 2008 9:25AM
a lightweight, mod-friendly, RWD coupe would be a winner.
catgirlshyla @ Mar 26th 2008 4:15AM
Daihatsu Copen. Slap a Scion Badge, give it a new name, and it's in Business.
stefan @ Mar 24th 2008 9:38AM
The light weight coupe should be a toyota and not a scion.
D. See @ Mar 24th 2008 9:47AM
Bring the Toyota iQ over as a Scion. It would be a big hit in the face of $4/gallon gasoline. It would be Toyota's answer to the Smart, and much more stylish and reliable too.
This country doesn't need any more RWD 300+ HP gas-sucking performance cars. Make the iQ a Scion, and bring it here. They'd fly off of the lots.
ppgoodpears @ Mar 24th 2008 9:48AM
I'm with catgirlshyla 100%. I'd love an Aygo. Have you seen the newish JDM Bb? Sweet.
Gardiner Westbound @ Mar 24th 2008 9:54AM
Damn, that's ugly!
L.Wood @ Mar 24th 2008 10:09AM
Cool - a box that looks like it is on steroids. It could become the official car of major league baseball. What would the Barry Bonds option package look like?
Gstill @ Mar 24th 2008 10:49AM
I don't know if you've all checked this out yet. It's an improved interpretation of that monstrosity pictured above.
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/miscnews/trucktrend/okah-is-hako.html
Curtis @ Mar 24th 2008 11:09AM
I think Scion could have a hit with an ugly box truck. I'm not so hip with that design though, I think it needs some sort of hood, it'd be far more practicle for engine access and layout.
I hate this Hako for what it is, but I do see potention in something new with similar design. I would love to buy a truck, but everything is so big these days, and I have no need for a big truck, I'd love a sporty small truck, or something funky.