Scion has revealed its new iQ and its updated tC at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Together, the two vehicles were revealed under the catch phrase, “A New Dimension,” by Jack Hollis, Scion’s Vice President.

The iQ was introduced as a concept car at the 2009 NYIAS and has been available in Japan as a Toyota since October 2008. Sales began in the UK in January 2009 and, with some slight modifications, it will sell as a Scion in the US beginning in early 2011.

Billed as a direct competitor to the Mercedes Smart ForTwo, the iQ boasts more room and seating for “3+1.” The iQ has a rear seat and can technically seat 4 people. However, there is virtually no leg room for the passenger behind the driver. Engineers felt that eliminating the glove compartment would allow the passenger seat to slide forward enough to allow a for rear passenger. This seating configuration does provide for reasonable comfort in line with what one may expect in a compact car. A fourth person would be an uncomfortable proposition.

Rear storage space is limited to a space behind the back seat only a few inches wide- more of a large glove compartment than a trunk or hatch space.

Safety features concentrate on avoiding accident- small footprint, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control and so on. In the event of a collision, engineers do admit that the car has some fundamental obstacles to overcome for safety. With its smaller dimensions and weight, the iQ is likely to be subject to more violent forces in the event of an accident. With its smaller clearances, the occupants are closer to the impact than they would be in a larger vehicle.

To compensate, Scion is relying mainly on airbags to cushion the blow- there are ten airbags in the iQ, including a rear window curtain airbag. Structurally, the Scion version will have extra support beams in the doors that are not found on the Japanese Toyota models.

Price has not yet been set, but is expected to be about $16,000. Like all Scions, it will be available in only one body style that you can customize with aftermarket upgrades. Compare that to the Smart ForTwo which starts at about $12,000 and is available in several styles- including a convertible.

Also introduced by Scion was the next generation tC. Launched in 2004, the tC quickly became Scion’s top-selling vehicle. Six years later, the second-generation tC emerges with a new look, increased driving performance, and a more premium feel.

Enhanced performance is accomplished in the second-generation tC with an all-new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i that generates 180 horsepower, 19 more than the previous model, and 11 additional lbs.-ft of torque. In addition to increases in power, the new engine delivers an increase in fuel economy all while lowering emissions. Performance is further improved and heard through a new intake manifold design and a sport-tuned exhaust system that delivers a bold and aggressive sound.

The tC features two all-new transmissions: the six-speed manual transmission has improved shift-feel and adds to the car’s already fun-to-drive character, and a new six-speed automatic gains two gears along with sequential-shift.

The 2011 tC enters its second-generation riding on a new platform, including a specially tuned MacPherson strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that rides lower than the previous model. Larger 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are wrapped in wider tires, giving the tC a broader stance and elevated handling characteristics. The new model also comes standard with larger 16-inch disc brakes on all corners. A new performance-tuned electronic power-steering system provides the driver a confident feel that is more in-tune with the road.

The all-new design of the 2011 tC projects a bolder and more aggressive stance. Important design cues like the helmet-inspired cabin shape were adopted from the Calty-designed Scion FUSE concept, which was unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The protruding fender flares amplify its wider, lower stance and are aggressively complemented by a sleek front grille and projector headlamps. The shape of the rear taillights flow cleanly into the overall shape of the trunk.

Inside, a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel that features a flat bottom and a new shape that offers a confident grip. The instrument-panel, gauge cluster and center-console all face inward in a V-shape, making controls easily accessible.

Overall, the cabin has been lengthened. Utility is enhanced with reclining rear seats that split 60/40, providing more storage capacity. The panoramic moonroof remains standard in the new tC.

The new tC comes standard with an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system that features eight speakers. As with all Scion models, steering-wheel-mounted controls allow the driver to easily navigate through all of their music.

The new tC is also reinforced with key safety features and is expected to achieve top safety ratings. In addition to standard Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), the new tC also gains standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Active front-headrests and eight airbags are also standard, including both driver and front-passenger knee airbags.

Sales of the new tC are expected to begin around September of this year.

Toyota reported February sales of 100,027 vehicles. With equal selling days in February 2009 and 2010, sales were down 8.7 percent from the year-ago month on a daily selling rate and unadjusted raw volume basis.

The Toyota Division posted February sales of 86,240 units, a decrease of 10.6 percent from the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported February sales of 13,787 units, an increase of 5.2 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 52,827 units, a decrease of 10.3 percent from last February. Passenger car sales were led by Corolla with sales of 16,996 units for the month. Camry and Camry Hybrid posted combined February sales of 16,552 units. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted February sales of 7,968 units, up 10.2 percent over the year-ago month. Venza reported sales of 3,414 units for the month.

Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 33,413 units in February. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, which reported sales of 8,325 units for the month, up 5.7 percent over last February. The RAV4 compact SUV recorded monthly sales of 6,799 units. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 3,615 units for the month. The all-new 4Runner reported February sales of 2,973 units, up 54.7 percent over the year-ago month. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 5,468 units.

Scion posted February sales of 3,027 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with sales of 1,539 units. The tC sports coupe posted February sales of 860 units. The xD reported sales of 628 units for the month.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 6,366 units, up 4.5 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the recently revised ES 350 entry luxury sedan which posted sales of 2,349 units. The IS luxury sports sedan reported combined sales of 1,991 units. The HS 250h luxury hybrid sedan recorded February sales of 712 units.

Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 7,421 units, up 5.8 percent over last February. Lexus sales were led by the RX, which posted combined February sales of 5,694 units. The all-new GX mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,473 units.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted February sales of 10,957 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 9,318 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported sales 1,639 hybrids in February.

There were 24 selling days this month and last February.

Toyota now has two major recalls to contend with- both for similar problems- and is now expanding its original recall to include an additional 1 million vehicles.

Earlier this week, Toyota announced a voluntary recall of certain Toyota Avalons, Camrys, Corollas, Corolla Matrixes, Highlanders, RAV4s, Sequoias and Tundras. The recall involved the potential for the accelerator pedal to become slow to respond and even stuck in the open position under certain conditions. It affected 2.3 million vehicles and has caused Toyota to halt production and sales of those vehicles.

Last October, Toyota launched its largest-ever recall of some 4.3 million vehicles due to the potential for the floormat to entrap the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck open. The initial recall affected certain Lexus ES350 and IS vehicles as well as certain Avalons, Camrys, Prius, Tacomas and Tundras. A fix for that recall has been found and owners are being notified.

With the additional 1.1 million vehicles added to that recall, it brings the total for the floormat recall to 5.4 million vehicles. Add the pedal recall of 2.3 million vehicles and Toyota is facing a massive recall headache of 7.7 million. Since most of the vehicles affected by the new recall are also subject to the older recall, it amounts to nearly 6 million vehicles affected by one or both issues.

GM and Ford are adding to Toyota’s woes by offering up to $1,000 in incentives for Toyota owners interested in trading in their vehicle. Coincidentally, GM’s Pontiac Vibe is manufactured in a joint venture with Toyota and is also affected by the recall.

Financially, it’s all a big hit for Toyota at a bad time. Just as Toyota had announced expectations for modest sales increases in the coming year, its image has taken a major beating. In addition to the cost of repairing all vehicles affected by the recall- and recalls in other countries for the same reasons- Toyota is facing a factory shutdown of five plants that is expected to cost the company between Y40 billion and Y45 billion each week (a staggering $442.64 million – $498.51 million- nearly half a billion dollars- weekly).

Also affected are Toyota’s stock prices- which have dropped 15% over the past 5 days, erasing $24 billion in value.

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced sales projections for the 2010 fiscal year. Projections include Toyota (including Lexus and Scion) and its subsidiaries Daihatsu and Hino.

TMC anticipates Hino to reach sales of 100,000 vehicles, a gain of 24% over 2009. Daihatsu is expected to sell 770,000 units for a modest 3% gain. Finally, Toyota anticipates sales of 7.4 million vehicles for a 6% gain. Total TMC vehicle sales will be a 6% gain over 2009 for an expected sales figure of 8.27 million vehicles.

The modest gains over 2009 figures may represent a somewhat optimistic outlook that will be revised as the year progresses. Actual figures for 2009 were 79,000 vehicles for Hino (down 28% from 2008), 755,000 units for Daihatsu (down 13% from 2008) and 6.98 million vehicles for Toyota (down 13% from 2008). Total sales for TMC in 2009 were 7.813 million units, down 13% from 2008 sales results.

The 2010 Northeast International Auto Show has begun at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI. It runs through Sunday, January 24, sponsored by Motor Trend Auto Shows.

This year’s show in Providence features a strong focus on “Green” technology from each of the auto makers. Included in the show are hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles. It’s a great community auto show for people unable to attend the larger shows in Detroit, LA or New York.

Scheduled events this weekend include Kids Day on Sunday, with appearances by Spiderman, the Hulk and Miss Teen Rhode Island World 2009 Amberly Joy Messier. Exhibits include a collection of vintage cars from British Motorcars of New England and an exotic car display featuring Rolls Royce and Lamborghini vehicles.

On Saturday at 10 a.m. Scott Settlemire, Manager of Chevrolet and Cadillac Shows and Exhibits will speak with Camaro enthusiasts in a special presentation.

This show is relatively small and competes with other Motor Trend shows running this weekend around the country. Manufacturers are not using it as a platform to launch new products, like larger shows in Detroit, New York or LA. Instead, it’s more an opportunity to comare some of the available models from the various manufacturers.

Toyota is there with several cars, trucks and SUVs. This model year includes three vehicles that are seeing major “generation” changes this year- the Sienna, the 4Runner and the Prius. Each of these are represented at the show, perhaps the highlight for Toyota. Scion has three vehicles in its display area and Lexus is not represented at all.

All in all, it is a fun family experience- especially if you’re shopping for a new car in the area. Its small size make it easy to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Don’t expect to see any concept cars that have never been seen before. The manufacturers are saving the big stories for the bigger shows.

Toyota’s December sales figures seem to indicate the start of a slow economic recovery. Unlike the sales increases that came in the fall, this upturn is not linked to any large-scale government stimulus package such as the Cash for Clunkers Program.

Indicating it’s confidence in the upturn, Toyota has begun once again comparing monthly sales to the same time frame last year, instead of the misleading comparisons to the previous month.

Toyota Motor Sales reported December sales results of 187,860 units, an increase of 22.9 percent over the same period last year, on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division reported December sales of 159,295 units, up 24.7 percent over December 2008. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded December sales of 98,122 units, up 34.6 percent over the year-ago month, light trucks reported December sales of 61,173 units, up 11.7 percent over December 2008.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported December sales of 28,565 units, up 13.5 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus passenger cars reported December sales of 15,862 units, up 27.6 percent over December 2008, Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 12,703 units, down 0.2 percent from the year-ago month.

TMS Hybrids
In December, TMS posted sales of 17,964 hybrid vehicles, up 36.7 percent over December 2008.

Year End Results
The positive numbers for December will hopefully mark a brighter 2010. Toyota’s figures for 2009 remain dismal, even compared with 2008. With a slow recovery expected, it will probably be a while before sales return to their 2007 highs.

“Emerging from the rollercoaster of 2009, the industry has gained positive momentum for a gradual recovery,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “Despite a tough market, TMS performed solidly, reaching its goal to grow market share. With Toyota continuing as the best-selling overall brand and Lexus as the best-selling luxury brand in America, we’re looking forward to a bright 2010.”

Toyota Division recorded year-end sales of 1,554,174 vehicles, down 20.6 percent from the prior year. Lexus reported sales of 215,975 units in 2009, down 17 percent from 2008. Scion Division reported sales of 57,961 units for the year. While poor, these figures represent a more gradual decline than the precious year- and hopefully signal the beginning of the end of the slump.