Scion Will Participate in SEMA Technology Transfer Program

DIAMOND BAR, Calif., April 30 -- Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., will become the first Japanese carmaker to participate in the Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) Technology Transfer program. The program provides engineering data to SEMA manufacturer members, allowing them to develop accessories for current and future cars and trucks.

"Scion is all about personalization," said Jim Farley, Scion vice president. "Between our Scion-branded accessories and SEMA's Technology Transfer program, Scion consumers are sure to have a wide array of choices when customizing their vehicles to suit their lifestyles and personalities."

Farley said Scion will provide 3D CAD files of the engine, bodies and suspension systems for Scion's first two production vehicles, xA and xB.

"We are extremely pleased to have Scion join our Technology Transfer program," said Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The Scion team has gone on record to position these new vehicles as 'perfect palettes for personalization.' Scion is a great fit with the specialty equipment market. This cooperative effort will result in accessories with greater quality, reliability, and durability."

Scion and SEMA made the joint announcement at a press conference during last week's SEMA International Auto Salon, a trade and consumer show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

SEMA has active technology transfer programs with three other carmakers -- DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. The program began in 1999 when Ford partnered with SEMA in the effort to provide the accessories which more and more vehicle owners desire for their cars and trucks. General Motors joined the program in 2001, and The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler began participation in 2002.

For the past several years, SEMA has worked to increase cooperative relationships with the vehicle manufacturers so that its members can provide products and accessories with high quality, reliability, and durability to meet both OEM and customer satisfaction.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has more than 4,500 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com . For more information about SEMA's International Auto Salon, visit www.ias2k3.com .