Toyota Says New Models Will Revive Scion Brand in U.S.

Toyota Motor Corp. predicts three new models will enable its youth-focused Scion sub-brand to double annual sales to more than 100,000 in two years.

Scion sales in the U.S. climbed to a record-high 173,000 units in 2006, three years after the brand's debut. By last year demand had fallen to 58,000 units, down 15% from 2013, according to Autodata Corp.

Scion plans to introduce two new 2016 models in September: the iA sedan and iM hatchback. The cars will be the brand's first to sport four doors. A third model, expected to be a compact crossover, is due in early 2017.

The iA, which will start at $17,600, will compete with such rivals as the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent. The iM crossover will have a base price of about $20,000.

Scion brand chief Doug Murtha tells reporters the company is targeting annual sales of about 40,00 for the iA and 25,000 for the iM. The two new models will join Scion's current two-model lineup, with consists of the tC small coupe and FR-S small sports car.