Traffic safety agency urges vehicle owners and repair professionals to use only certified, original equipment replacement parts

This was released in October, 2012 but is so important that we feel it is time to send this message again.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a consumer safety advisory to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit air bags. NHTSA has become aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash. While these air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment parts—including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers — NHTSA testing ¹ showed consistent malfunctioning ranging from non-deployment of the air bag to the expulsion of metal shrapnel during deployment. NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to counterfeit air bags.

While the full scope and scale of the problem of counterfeit air bags is uncertain from currently available data, NHTSA has identified certain vehicle makes and models for which these air bags may be available and believes this issue affects less than 0.1 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Only vehicles which have had an air bag replaced within the past three years by a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership may be at risk.

Consumers whose vehicles have been in a crash and had their air bags replaced by a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership within the past three years or who have purchased a replacement air bag online should contact the call center that has been established by their auto manufacturer to have their vehicle inspected at their own expense and their air bag replaced if necessary. The full list of call centers and additional information are available at www.SaferCar.gov.

“Anytime equipment that is critical to protecting drivers and passengers fails to operate properly, it is a serious safety concern,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We want consumers to be immediately aware of this problem and to review our safety information to see if their vehicle could be in need of inspection.”

“We expect all motor vehicle equipment to meet federal safety standards — and air bags in particular play a central role in keeping drivers and passengers safe in the event of a crash,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “That’s why it’s critical that vehicle owners work with their automotive dealers and repair professionals to ensure they use the appropriate, original equipment parts in the event they need to replace their air bag.”

NHTSA has been working with a number of government agencies — including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Justice—to better understand the issue of counterfeit air bags and how to prevent them from being purchased and installed in vehicles.

“Organized criminals are selling dangerous counterfeit and substandard airbags to consumers and suppliers with little to no regard to hazardous health and safety consequences,” said ICE Director John Morton. “We will continue to aggressively investigate criminal supply chains with our law enforcement and private industry partners and bring these criminals to justice.”

NHTSA is currently gathering information from automakers about their systems for verifying the authenticity of replacement parts and is working with the industry to make the driving public aware of the potential safety risk posed by counterfeit air bags. Moving forward, the agency will continue to monitor consumer complaints, police accident reports, and other sources for additional information.

CONSUMERS THAT SHOULD NOT BE AT RISK:

• Consumers who purchased their vehicle new and have not had their air bags replaced
• Consumers who have full knowledge of the entire history of their used vehicle (including knowing whether the vehicle had been in a crash in the last three years and being certain that the air bag was replaced at a new car dealership)

CONSUMERS THAT MAY BE AT RISK AND SHOULD CONTACT THE CALL CENTER ESTABLISHED BY THEIR AUTO MANUFACTURER:

• Consumers who have had air bags replaced within the past three years at a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership
• Consumers who have purchased a used car that may have sustained an air bag deployment before their purchase
• Consumers who own a car with a title branded salvage, rebuilt, or reconstructed
• Consumers who have purchased replacement air bags from eBay or other non-certified sources—especially if they were purchased at unusually low prices (i.e. less than $400)

VEHICLES FOR WHICH COUNTERFEIT AIR BAGS MAY BE AVAILABLE:
As of today, NHTSA is aware of counterfeit air bags available for the following vehicle makes and models:

Make	Model Year(s)	Model(s)
Acura	2009-2011	TSX
Audi	2006-2009	A3, A4, A6, A8, Q5, Q7
BMW	2007-2011	X5, E70, E60, E61
	2008-2010	5-series, 528i, 535i
	2004-2007	5-Series, 525i, 530, 535, E60, E61
	2007-2011	E90, E91
	Not listed	E92, E93
	2007-2011	X5, E70
	2004-2007	525i, 530, 535
	2011-2012	X3
Buick	2010-2011	Lacrosse
Chevrolet	2011-2012	Cruze
	2006-2010	Aveo
	2011-2012	Volt
	2012	Camaro
Ford	2012	Focus
	2005-2009	Mustang
Honda	2003-2012	Accord
	2006-2011	Civic
	2002-2011	CRV
	2007-2011	Fit
	2009-2011	Pilot
	2009-2011	Insight
	2009-2011	Crosstour
	2011	Odyssey
Hyundai	2007-2011	Elantra
	Not listed	Genesis
	Not listed	Sonata
Infiniti	2007-2011	G35, EX35
Kia	2010-2011	Soul/Forte
	2004-2009	Spectra
Land Rover	2012	Range Rover Evoque
Lexus	2006-2011	IS250, IS350, IS-F
	2003-2008	GX470
	2007-2009	RX350
	Not listed	ES350
Mazda	2004	Mazda 3
	2010-2012	Mazda 3
Mercedes	2009-2011	C, GLK
	2010-2011	E350, E550
	2007-2008	S550
	2006-2009	ML
	2009-2010	GL, ML
Mitsubishi	Not listed	Outlander
Nissan	1992-2002	Quest
	2010-2011	Quest
	2009-2011	Cube
	2007-2011	Versa
	2009-2010	Murano
	Not listed	Altima
Subaru	2008-2009	Forester
	2008-2009	Imprezza
	2008-2009	Outback
	2010-2011	Legacy
Suzuki	2007-2010	SX4
Toyota	2002-2006	Camry
	2012	Camry
	2009-2011	Corolla, Matrix
	2007-2011	Yaris
	2004-2011	Highlander
	2004-2011	Sienna
	2004-2011	Tacoma
	2010-2012	Prius
	2003-2006	Tundra
	2007-2011	Tundra
	2003-2006	Sequoia
	2003-2010	Land Cruiser
	2004-2007	Highlander
	2008-2010	Highlander
	2004-2009	4Runner
	2007-2009	Solara
	2005-2011	RAV4
Volkswagen	2006-2010	Jetta
Volvo	Not listed	XC60, XC70
	Not listed	V70, S60, S80

 

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^{1. At the request of American Honda Motor, Co., Inc., whose corporate branding and insignia were used on counterfeit air bags NHTSA tested in support of criminal investigations, the agency has updated its test video to obscure these indicators. As was clearly presented in NHTSA’s announcement and discussion of its findings, the counterfeit air bags featured in the video are explicitly not original equipment parts manufactured by Honda and were chosen for testing due only to the availability of vehicles the agency had already acquired in its inventory.↩}

 

Ford and AAA Kick Off State Qualifying Events for National Student Auto Skills Competition

We at Dr. G's Auto Blabber applaud the contestants in their quest to be the best young auto technicians in the country.  There is great need for skilled technicians but you are needed in the automotive industry in any path you eventually choose whether you become a top notch technician, shop owner, educator, engineer or even an auto writer it doesn't matter.  A career in the automobile industry is rewarding and may last a lifetime.  Good luck to every one of you!

    

ORLANDO, Fla., April 2, 2013 – The nation’s best young automotive minds from coast to coast are gearing up for the 64^th annual 2013 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Challenge State Hands-On Competitions, which kick off Tuesday, April 16 with events in Birmingham, Ala. and Jackson, Miss.

 

Competitions continue across the country through May 14, with the top team from each state advancing to the National Finals at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., June 9-11. At the finals, champions from all 50 states will compete against one another for the right to call themselves the top young auto technicians in America and take home millions of dollars in scholarships.

 

Below are the dates and locations of all 50 2013 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Challenge State Hands-On Competitions:

 

Birmingham, Ala. – Tuesday, April 16

Jackson, Miss. – Tuesday, April 16

Lexington, Ky. – Wednesday, April 17

Alexandria, La. – Thursday, April 18

Sioux Falls, S.D. – Thursday, April 18

Sanford, Fla. – Friday, April 19

Pearl City, Hawaii – Saturday, April 20

Warren, Mich. – Wednesday, April 24

Warminster, Pa. – Wednesday, April 24

Milford, Neb. – Thursday, April 25

Okmulgee, Okla. – Thursday, April 25

Anchorage, Alaska – Friday, April 26

Little Rock, Ark. – Friday, April 26

Atlanta, Ga. – Friday, April 26

Indianapolis, Ind. – Friday, April 26

La Porte, Texas – Friday, April, 26

Baltimore, Md. – Saturday, April 27

Brooklyn Park, Minn. – Wednesday, May 1

Atco, N.J. – Wednesday, May 1

Bridgeport, W.Va. – Wednesday, May 1

Helena, Mont. – Thursday, May 2

Nashville, Tenn. – Thursday, May 2

Sandy, Utah – Thursday, May 2

Warwick, R.I. – Thursday, May 2

Cheyenne, Wyo. – Thursday, May 2

Glendale, Ariz. – Friday, May 3

Danville, Calif. - Friday, May 3

Pomona, Calif. – Friday, May 3

Nampa, Idaho – Friday, May 3

Charlotte, N.C./S.C. – Saturday, May 4

Albuquerque, N.M. – Saturday, May 4

Virginia Beach, Va. – Saturday, May 4

Renton, Wash. - Tuesday, May 7

Ankeny, Iowa – Tuesday, May 7

Dover, Del. – Wednesday, May 8

Norwood, Mass. – Wednesday, May 8

Mequon, Wis. – Wednesday, May 8

North Haven, Conn. – Thursday, May 9

Sparks, Nev. – Thursday, May 9

Fargo, N.D. – Thursday, May 9

Kansas City, Mo./Kan. – Thursday, May 9

Toledo, Ohio – Friday, May 10

Champaign, Ill. – Friday, May 10

Gresham, Ore. – Friday, May 10

Denver, Colo. – Saturday, May 11

Epping, N.H./Maine/Vt. – Saturday, May 11

Morrisville, N.Y. – Tuesday, May 14

 

At the State Hands-On Competitions, teams will race against the clock to correctly diagnose and repair a deliberately bugged 2013 Ford Focus SE. A combination of the online written exam and hands-on competition scores will determine each state’s championship team that will then compete in the National Finals. For additional details on 2013 State Hands-On Competition locations and dates, visit Autoskills.AAA.com.

 

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Challenge is open to 11th and 12th grade students in secondary schools and in colleges across the country that offer courses in automotive technology. Schools may enter one two-student team per instructor. Teams competing in the State Hands-On competitions represent the 10 teams that scored highest on a statewide online written exam, administered in January.

 

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Challenge enables many of its participants to embark on promising careers in the automotive repair industry to help fuel the rising demand for well-trained technicians who can repair both computer and mechanical components in today’s advanced vehicles. Both the national and state-wide competitions are organized with the support of AAA and Ford personnel, local automotive instructors and the AAA Approved Auto Repair program, a free public service AAA performs to identify quality repair facilities throughout the country.

 

# # #

 

About Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills is a nationwide automotive technology competition that offers millions in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers as automotive service technicians. More than 13,000 students from across the U.S. compete for the chance to represent their school and state in the National Finals. The competition tests students’ automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities. For additional information on the competition, visit http://autoskills.aaa.com/.

 

 

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

 

About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Recalls Of The Day, April 2, 2013

This is no April Fools joke.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued two recalls.  One addresses the loss of steering in one model vehicle.  The other is lost braking in another.  Obviously, if a driver can't steer in the desired direction or brake to stop there is the potential for injury, loss of life and property damage.

Please have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible if it is affected by either of these recalls.   



Report Receipt Date: MAR 28, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V105000
Component(s): STEERING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 144

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• BUICKENCORE2013

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

 

SUMMARY:

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall is expected to begin by April 12, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

 

                         

Report Receipt Date: MAR 27, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V110000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
 

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• SUBARULEGACY2005-2009
• SUBARUOUTBACK2005-2009

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

 

SUMMARY:

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

CONSEQUENCE:

Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Toyota Motor Sales No. 1 Retail Manufacturer in March 2013

All-New Avalon Sales Doubled; Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles Increased Nearly 18 Percent

TORRANCE, Calif. – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March 2013 sales results of 205,342 units, an increase of 4.8 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 27 selling days in March 2013 versus 28 in March 2012, TMS sales were up 1.0 percent over the year-ago month.

For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 529,444 vehicles, an increase of 10.1 percent over the same period in 2012 on a DSR basis. With 76 selling days in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 77 selling days in the first quarter of 2012, sales were up 8.7 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis.

"The auto industry continued its string of impressive monthly results, and at Toyota we had our best month since Cash for Clunkers in August of 2009,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “A strong first-quarter close and increased consumer confidence continue to position the auto industry as a leader in the economic recovery.”

Toyota Division posted March total sales of 182,152 units, up 3.1 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales decreased 0.5 percent over March 2012.

Lexus reported March total sales of 23,190 units, up 19.4 percent on a DSR basis and up 15.1 percent by raw volume compared to the same period last year.

“With our strong new products, Lexus’ March sales were up 19 percent, and year-to-date we are now 17 percent ahead of last year’s sales pace,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “For me, it’s great to be back at Lexus, and I look forward to partnering with our dealers and associates to continue Lexus’ innovation and success.”

Other Highlights:

• Toyota, Lexus and Scion combined were the No. 1 retail manufacturer
• Toyota was the No. 1 retail nameplate
• Avalon sales of 6,982 units, up 109.9 percent
• Corolla sales of 31,423 units, up 11.1 percent
• Toyota Division truck sales of 75,119 units, up 7.3 percent
• RAV4 was the best-selling truck with sales of nearly 16,500 units
• Tacoma and Tundra up 21.2 and 7.9 percent, respectively
• Sienna sales of 12,062 units, up 17.8 percent
• 4Runner sales of 4,609 units, up 13.4 percent
• Lexus passenger car sales up 13.1 percent
• Lexus LS sales up 71.0 percent, with 980 units sold
• Lexus ES sales of 6,798 units, up 116.4 percent
• Lexus RX sales of 9,072 units, up 28.6 percent
• Total Lexus Hybrid sales of 3,617 units, up 7.4 percent on a DSR basis

*Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume (compared to the year-ago month).

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. There are more than 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the United States, which sold more than 2 million vehicles in 2012. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in the United States and its investment here is currently valued at more than $19.5 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals over $27.5 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, or www.toyotainaction.com.

Recall Recap For The Week Of March 25, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued their recap for last week.  To learn more about the issues click on the NHTSA ID number.

Additionally, if your vehicle is affected by a recall please have it repaired as soon as possible.  Recalls are issued for safety reasons that are relative to injury, death and property damage.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V109
Manufacturer :	Ford Motor Company
Make / Model Years :	FORD / 2012-2013 LINCOLN / 2012
Subject :	Fuel Tank may Leak at Seam
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V108
Manufacturer :	North American Bus Industries, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	NABI / 2012-2013
Subject :	Brakes may Drag resulting in Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V107
Manufacturer :	Hitch-Hiker Mfg., Inc.
Make / Model Years :	HITCH-HIKER / 2008-2011
Subject :	Trailer Axle may Fail
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V106
Manufacturer :	Braun Corporation
Make / Model Years :	BRAUN / 2006-2013
Subject :	Track Bar Mount Weld may Fail
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V104
Manufacturer :	Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD
Make / Model Years :	TRIUMPH / 2012-2013
Subject :	Turn Signal Stems may Break
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V103
Manufacturer :	Chrysler Group LLC
Make / Model Years :	DODGE / 2013
Subject :	Starter B+ Electrical Short may Result in Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V102
Manufacturer :	Volvo Trucks North America
Make / Model Years :	VOLVO / 2012-2014
Subject :	Remote Battery Disconnect Switch/Cable Overheating
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V101
Manufacturer :	Navistar, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	INTERNATIONAL / 2013
Subject :	Wheel Separation may Result from Snap Ring Issue
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V100
Manufacturer :	Starcraft Bus
Make / Model Years :	STARCRAFT / 2004-2009
Subject :	Incorrect Certification Label
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V099
Manufacturer :	Daimler Trucks North America
Make / Model Years :	FREIGHTLINER / 2013-2014
Subject :	Daytime Running Lights may not Reactivate
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V096
Manufacturer :	Terex South Dakota, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	TEREX / 2000-2009
Subject :	Seal Failure may Cause Inadvertent Lift Movement
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :	13V094
Manufacturer :	Nissan North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :	NISSAN / 2013
Subject :	Shift Lever may Move Allowing Vehicle Rollaway

 

New, Sportier 2014 Scion tC Debuts at New York International Auto Show

Limited-Production Scion 10 Series Models Celebrate Brand’s 10^th Anniversary

 

Scion unveils its Scion 10 Series at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, March 28. The series, which celebrates Scion’s 10th anniversary, will offer a limited-production version of each vehicle in its lineup.

 

NEW YORK (March 28, 2013) – Scion revealed the new 2014 tC sports coupe at the New York International Auto Show, showing off a sporty new look, upgraded interior and an enhanced driving experience for the brand’s top-selling vehicle.

“The sustained success of the tC, which accounts for 40 percent of all Scions ever sold, challenged designers to enhance the 2014 sports coupe in ways that keep it exciting to today’s drivers without losing its core appeal,” said Doug Murtha, Scion vice president. “The outstanding result is a 2014 tC with a sportier style and driving experience that will thrill buyers and hold its unique spot in the marketplace.”

Aggressive Look with New Exterior Design and 18-Inch Wheels
The 2014 Scion tC is defined by more assertive styling, starting from the front with distinctive new headlamps and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. The new upper- and lower-grille treatments are bordered by LED accent lighting.

Beneath the rear bumper, a new black-out valance features an FR-S style, lower-center trim piece and lower perimeter reflectors; new advanced LED tail lamps complete the picture. New 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires carry the aggressive character through to the car’s profile. Standard on the tC, the wheels feature a premium dark gray finish, contrasted by eye-catching machined-spoke surfaces.

The tC will be available in seven exterior paint colors, including two new additions, Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic.

 

Upgraded Materials and Scion Standard Display Audio Enhance Interior
The 2014 Scion tC’s cabin adds new technology, additional convenience features and upgraded materials. The tC will be the first model in the family to come with the all-new Scion Standard Display Audio, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen. The system will be incorporated into all 2014 Scion models, making Scion the industry’s first non-luxury brand to feature a touchscreen audio system as standard equipment across its entire lineup. The new audio system comes equipped with features that Scion drivers will enjoy, including Bluetooth^® compatibility, HD Radio™ Technology and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The new base audio system will be joined by an available, all-new Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio system featuring Aha™. This upgraded system includes full navigation, as well as the ability to connect compatible smart phones through Aha to access 30,000 free audio stations, including Scion’s own signature station featuring a lineup of its 17 music channels. In addition to audiobook stations, sports, news and entertainment, the Aha service utilizes location–based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, and integrates most of the popular social media applications, all at a great value for consumers.

Added convenience features for the 2014 tC include auto-off headlamps and an auto-up and down driver's window. The interior is upgraded with premium materials and lighter color fabric on the seats and the headliner.

Sportier Automatic Transmission and Enhanced Dynamic Handling
Getting there will be more than half the fun in the 2014 tC. Its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and it is available either with a six-speed manual transmission or an updated six-speed automatic that can change gears nearly twice as fast as the previous model for both upshifts and downshifts. The automatic transmission now features Dynamic Rev Management technology, adopted from the FR-S, which quickly blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios on downshifts, limiting driveline shock and adding to the visceral experience of driving the car.

Handling is enhanced by making modifications to stabilizer bar hardware, optimizing the shock absorbers, and by increasing the body rigidity with additional spot welds. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the retuned electronic power steering that provides a more engaging response. Together, these changes help the new tC to deliver a sportier, fun-to-drive experience behind the wheel. The 2014 Scion tC will arrive in dealerships in June.

Limited-Production Scion 10 Series Models Celebrate Scion’s 10^th Anniversary
In 2003, the first Scion xA and xB vehicles heralded the launch of the Scion brand, which was designed to bring new buyers into the Toyota family and appeal to emerging, younger drivers. The brand has accomplished both, and today it is recognized as having among the youngest median age drivers in the industry. Since its introduction, 75 percent of Scion owners have been new to the Toyota family.

“The Scion 10 Series celebrates 10 years of the brand’s passionate approach, iconic products and success inviting a new, younger buyer to the Toyota family,” Murtha said. “Scion heads into its second decade revved up by a strong product line that continues to stand out on the road.”

To celebrate Scion’s 10^th anniversary, Scion will launch a limited-production version of each vehicle in its lineup called Scion 10 Series. Every Scion 10 Series car will be painted a premium color: Silver Ignition. The anniversary message continues when the driver enters the car to see the Scion name illuminated on the dash before fading to reveal the number 10. The unique models will number a total of 10,000 vehicles, which will begin arriving in dealerships in June.

Other stand-out features include silver seat belts, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob and an LED Scion locator badge that lights up when the car is unlocked. Each vehicle also carries a sequentially numbered interior badge. The xB, iQ, and xD will feature unique alloy wheels in a graphite finish.

The Scion 10 Series FR-S also comes equipped with HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, dual automatic climate controls and a smart key with push-button start ignition.

About Scion

 

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind. Scion’s mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The brand features five groundbreaking models with a wide array of standard features: the xD urban subcompact five-door, the iconic xB urban utility vehicle, the tC sports coupe, the premium micro-subcompact iQ and the FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car. The Scion brand often applies new practices in all aspects of its business and pushes the creativity envelope with non-traditional advertising and marketing to engage young consumers. Scion also supports originality through its programs in the artistic community. For more information, visit www.scion.com.