Beyond the FR-S: Interview with Scion VP Jack Hollis

[AutoGuide.com]

In the midst of launching its iQ mini-car and in preparation of the massive spike in exposure the brand will get from the FR-S sports car, Scion VP Jack Hollis is already looking into the distant future. "We are currently working on several different concepts," he says sitting in the back seat of a highly customized xB at the SEMA Show.

As for exactly what those concepts will be, he won't say, but Scion does have two models that will soon be in need of overhauls, while the brand is always looking to grow its product offering. In previous discussions Hollis has mentioned his interest in bringing a mini-truck to market; something compact and car-based, a size down from the incredibly popular Toyota Tacoma.

"Versus other vehicles, I can't say it's priority one," admits Hollis, however, he says, "I'm very interested in it. A lot of prospective owners are interested in it and every meeting I have in Japan, I'm asking, what else can we do."

Not prepared to just ask, Hollis has a plan for a new model that would evolve much like with the Toyota-Subaru tie-up that produced the FR-S (FT-86/BRZ). Initially, he says, he wanted to see about bringing over a small truck from Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu, but with all the necessary regulations it was impossible to make a business case for it. Instead, Hollis suggests he'd like to see a collaboration with Daihatsu, sharing a product and developing it together from inception.

More: Beyond the FR-S: Interview with Scion VP Jack Hollis on Autoguide.com

[8-SiX]

I wonder what some of these several scion concepts could be?? Could it be possible that they might be expanding the FR-S line up with maybe a 4 door? or a whole new 4 door sports sedan.

[dboz]

I wonder what some of these several scion concepts could be?? Could it be possible that they might be expanding the FR-S line up with maybe a 4 door? or a whole new 4 door sports sedan.

They mention it twice. A car based mini-truck.

[hatchi]

a car based mini truck?

they plan to make a UTE?