Scion, the new marque from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., will display for the first time a Scion Release Series special edition of the popular xB subcompact, at the 2004 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The xB Release Series 1.0 is the first limited edition for Scion and will offer unique appearance and performance enhancements.

All Scion xB Release Series 1.0 vehicles will have a new, vibrant orange body color, Hot Lava, and color-keyed rear spoiler. A matching orange powder-coated strut tie-bar brace will enhance handling performance on the xB, while a billet grille completes the xB Release Series' tuner look.

Interior enhancements are designed to match the exclusive Hot Lava body paint. The xB will be illuminated with orange under-dash, under-seat and cupholder lighting and be further distinguished with subtle, black seat fabric with orange highlights. Finally, a small numbered plaque will be applied to the interior of each Release Series car.

Approximately 2,100 units of the xB Release Series 1.0 will be available. Scion dealerships in California, the southwest, southeast and east coast will offer xB Release Series beginning in March. The xB Release Series 1.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $1,000 over the base xB, which starts at $13,680.

Scion launched the subcompact xB and xA in California in June 2003 and will expand across the southwest, southeast and east coast in February 2004. The rollout will be complete in June 2004. The purchase process is simplified, with customers selecting model, transmission, and color from the factory. They can also choose from nearly 40 accessories to further personalize their vehicles. These accessories reflect performance, audio, and appearance enhancements, and can be seen by visiting Scion.com or a Scion dealer. Scion.com and the dedicated dealership showroom environment allow customers to discover the brand at their own pace, and configure vehicles to suit individual needs.