PickupTruck.com has picked up on a rumor that Toyota is thinking of bringing in a two-door unibody pickup under the Scion name.
Now that Toyota has one of the biggest markets in its hands, it might as well keep that stronghold by targeting its younger brand. Why not introduce a pickup under the Scion name? This could play out right as part of a trend to reintroduce mini-trucks back into the market along with the Isuzu i370 or the Indian-based Mahindra pickup.
The Scion xP resembles the newly redesigned xB and looks like it would continue to have the xB's boxy stance and almost chopped-top window lines. It'd be built on the same platform and remain sporty to appeal to the young Generation Y buyers. Scion currently has a 161-hp/163-lb-ft 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that it could continue to use to give the xP more than enough power and be as fuel-efficient as any sedan.
With a move like this, Toyota could possibly benefit in the long run by building a foundation of loyal brand buyers. As family and lifestyle needs change, so will the vehicle requirements. If the xP comes to life (which I think it should), loyal buyers could possibly move up to the larger Toyota Tacoma or Tundra.
Source: PickupTruck.com